Moving from one operating system to another always involves certain difficulties, and one of the most critical tasks is maintaining access to your digital accounts. Losing your access keys can lock you out of banking apps, social media, and work services, turning your new smartphone into a useless piece of glass and metal. Fortunately, modern ecosystems provide fairly flexible tools for synchronizing data, but the process requires care and understanding of where exactly your secrets are stored.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to migrate a bunch of logins and passwords. We will look at both standard tools Google and Apple, and the use of third-party password managers, which often turn out to be a more universal solution. You will learn how to correctly export data from storage Android and import it into iOSwithout losing a single record.
The transfer process depends on what browser you used previously and where exactly you saved your login information. If you've been relying on syncing through your Google Account, the task is easier, but requires proper setup on your new device. In the case of using third-party applications, such as LastPass or 1Password, the procedure is reduced to simple authorization. Let's break down each scenario so you can choose the best path.
Preparing your Android device for data export
Before you begin the transfer, you need to make sure that all your data is correctly saved in the source cloud storage. Most users Android store passwords in an account Googlethat is synchronized with the browser Chrome. However, if you used other browsers, such as Firefox or Samsung Internet, the procedure will be different. The first step is always to check that all entries are present in the source device.
Open the settings of your smartphone and find the section responsible for security or accounts. In modern versions Android the path often looks like Settings → Google → Autofill → Autofill by Google. Here you can view a list of all saved accounts. Make sure synchronization is enabled and the last data upload was successful. If you see an empty list or missing important sites, it means that the data was not saved in time.
For those who use third-party password managers, the preparation is to update the application to the latest version. This ensures that all local changes are sent to the server before changing devices. Sometimes users forget to save new passwords manually, relying on autosave, which could fail. Checking the integrity of the database on your old phone is the foundation for a secure transition.
⚠️ Attention: Do not reset your Android device until you are 100% sure that all passwords are available on the new iPhone or in the cloud storage that you have access to from another device.
☑️ Ready for transfer
Synchronization via Google account and Chrome
The most common scenario is using a browser Google Chrome on both devices. The ecosystem Google allows you to store data in the cloud and access it from any platform. On the new iPhone you will need to install the application Chrome from App Store. After installation, open the application and sign in to your Google account using the same data as on Android.
After logging in, the system will automatically prompt you to enable synchronization. Agree to this offer to download your history, bookmarks, and most importantly, saved passwords. In the browser settings on iOS, make sure that the switch next to the “Passwords” item is active. Now all your data is available inside the browser Chrome on your iPhone. However, to use them for autofill in other applications and Safari, additional configuration will be required.
To integrate Google passwords into the system iOS, go to the settings of the phone itself. Find the section Passwords (in older versions of iOS it may be called “Passwords and Accounts”). From the Passwords menu, select the Application Passwords option. Here you will see a list of available managers. Select Chrome and allow access. Now, when logging into applications or websites via Safari, the system will prompt you to use data from your Google account.
If you use two-factor authentication for your Google account, make sure you have access to verification codes, as logging in from a new device may require re-verification.
This method is convenient because it does not require file export and manual import. Everything happens in the background. However, it is worth remembering that this feature requires a constant Internet connection when you first log into a new site, so that the browser can check with the cloud. Also, if you decide to delete your Google Account from your iPhone, all passwords saved in this way will disappear from the autofill system.
Using the built-in "Transfer to iOS" tool
The company Apple has developed a special application "Transfer to iOS" (Move to iOS) that helps migrate data when setting up a new iPhone for the first time. This is the official and most reliable way to transfer not only contacts and photos, but also some system settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and accounts. It is important to understand that this method only works during the initial setup of the phone (“Hello”).
If your iPhone is already set up and you are using it, this method will not work for you, unless you decide to reset the device to factory settings. During the setup process, when you reach the "apps and data" step, select the "Transfer data from Android" option. On an Android device, you need to download the application "Transfer to iOS" from Google Play. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or use a direct connection that the iPhone itself will create.
After pairing the devices, you will be asked to select the types of data to transfer. Make sure that the checkbox is next to "Google Accounts" or a similar item that is responsible for your login information. The system will encrypt the data and transfer it to the iPhone, where it will be automatically integrated into the keychain iCloud. This means that passwords will become native to iOS and will work in Safari without the need to install third-party browsers.
| Data type | Transfer via Move to iOS | Transfer via Google Chrome | Third-party managers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site passwords | Yes (in iCloud) | Yes (in the Chrome application) | Yes (in the application) |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Yes | No | No |
| Browser history | Partial | Yes | No |
| Contact | Yes | Yes (synchronization) | No |
What to do if the process is interrupted?
If data transfer is interrupted due to loss of connection or call, it is best to reset your iPhone and start the process again. Partial transfer can lead to data conflicts and incorrect operation of the autofill system.
Manual export and import via CSV file
Sometimes automatic synchronization is not available or you prefer to have full control over your data. In this case, you can use the function of exporting passwords to a file in the CSVformat. This method requires caution since you are creating a file containing all your secrets in clear text. On your Android device, open your browser Chrome, go to password settings and find the "Export passwords" button.
The system will ask you to verify your identity using a fingerprint, face or PIN code. After confirmation, a file will be created that can be saved in the phone memory or sent to your email. The CSV file contains logins and passwords in unencrypted form, so immediately delete it after importing and never store it in public clouds without encryption. Next, this file must be opened on a computer or directly on an iPhone (if there is a suitable application for import).
On the iPhone, native support for importing from CSV appeared in relatively recent versions of iOS. Go to Settings → Passwords. If you have the option to import, you will see a button to do so. If not, you'll have to use a computer with a app iTunes or Finder (on a Mac), or use a third-party password manager that supports CSV import. For example, you can import a file to 1Password or Dashlane on your computer, and then synchronize with your phone.
This method is the most labor-intensive, but it allows you to clear the database of duplicates before transferring. You can open the CSV file in Excel or Google Sheets, remove outdated accounts, and keep only the current data. This is a great time for a “digital cleanup” so as not to transfer the garbage that has accumulated over the years of using Android to a new phone.
Transferring through third-party password managers
Using specialized password management applications such as Bitwarden, LastPass, 1Password or KeePassis the most professional approach. These applications are operating system independent and provide a high level of encryption. If you're not already using them, switching to an iPhone is the perfect time to start. Install the selected app on Android and make sure that all passwords are downloaded to its storage.
Then install the same application on iPhone from App Store. Log in with your master account. All your data will instantly appear on your new device thanks to the cloud synchronization service. The main advantage of this approach is the ability to use autofill in any iOS application. To do this, you need to go to the iPhone settings, section Passwords → Application Passwords and select your manager as the main source.
Some managers offer unique security features, such as generating complex passwords, checking for data leaks on the darknet, and securely sharing access with family members. Unlike being tied to Google or Apple, you own your data and can easily export it in any format in the future. This eliminates the risk of having your account blocked by a major tech giant.
It is worth noting that most quality password managers are paid services or have limitations in the free version (for example, synchronization only between two types of devices). However, the subscription cost is usually small compared to the value of the data stored. Free solutions such as Bitwardenoffer full functionality without device restrictions, making them an excellent choice for migration.
Set up autofill on iPhone after transfer
Once the data has been transferred, it is critical to properly configure the system so that it works automatically. On iPhone password management is centralized. Go to Settings → Passwords. Here you will see a list of all saved accounts. If you used the Google method, make sure the correct source is selected in the App Passwords section. If you used a system transfer, the data will already be in the "iCloud Offers" list.
Test how autofill works in practice. Open Safari or any application that requires login (for example, Instagram or a banking application). Click on the login input field. A keyboard should appear at the bottom asking you to select a saved account. If you don't see the prompt, check to see if AutoFill Names and Passwords is enabled in your general password settings.
It's also worth paying attention to the iCloud Keychain feature. This is Apple's built-in security that encrypts your data and stores it on devices trusted with your Apple ID. When transferring via “Transfer to iOS”, the data ends up here. This provides additional protection: even if someone gains access to your computer, they will not be able to see your passwords without unlocking your iPhone.
⚠️ Attention: The iOS settings interface may vary slightly depending on the system version. If you do not find the "Application Passwords" item, try updating your iPhone to the latest available version of iOS via
Settings → General → Software Update.
Properly setting up autofill saves hours of time in the future and reduces the risk of phishing, since the system will not substitute the password on a fake site.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
During the migration process, users often encounter technical nuances. One common problem is duplicate entries. After the migration, you may end up with two records for the same site: one from the old storage, one from the new. iOS usually knows how to combine them, but sometimes you have to do it manually. Go to the password card and select the update data option to overwrite the old entry with the current one.
Another problem is the lack of autofill suggestions for specific applications. Some applications use their own, non-standard input fields, which the system does not recognize as login forms. In this case, you can copy the login and password from the manager manually. iOS 15 and later has a convenient feature for copying codes from AutoFill notifications, even if they are not automatically pasted into the field.
If passwords are not synced, check your internet connection and account login status. Sometimes logging out of your Google or iCloud account and logging in again helps. Also make sure you have enough free space on your device, as processing and indexing a large password database requires temporary space. In rare cases, the device may need to be rebooted to apply the new security settings.
Can I transfer passwords if I have already set up my iPhone?
Yes, it is possible. You can use the sync method through the Chrome browser or install a third-party password manager. The official Transfer to iOS app only works during the initial setup, so for an already working phone you will have to use cloud services or manual CSV import.
Is it safe to store passwords in Google when moving to an iPhone?
Yes, it is safe. Google uses strong encryption. However, for maximum integration with the Apple ecosystem (for example, to work with FaceID in all applications), it is better to import these passwords into iCloud Keychain or use a cross-platform manager like Bitwarden.
What to do with two-factor authentication during transfer?
Passwords and 2FA codes are two different things. Migrating passwords does not transfer two-factor authentication settings. You will either need to use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator), which will also need to be transferred, or use backup codes, which should be saved in advance.
Will the passwords disappear if I delete the Chrome app from the iPhone?
No, if you have allowed access to Google passwords in the iOS system settings ("App Passwords"), they will will remain available for autofill even after you remove the browser. However, to manage them (adding new ones), you will need to install the application again.
How to remove duplicate passwords after transfer?
There is no “Remove all duplicates” button in the iOS password settings. You will have to go through the list manually. The system often flags duplicates with a warning. Select one entry, click "Edit", copy the data, delete the duplicate and check that the main entry was saved correctly.