Transferring Viber correspondence from iPhone to Android: all methods 2026

Moving from iPhone to a smartphone Android is a responsible step, especially if the messenger Viber has accumulated years of important correspondence. Unfortunately, the developers did not provide direct export of chats between platforms, but workarounds exist. This article will reveal all the current methods for transferring message history, including official restrictions and proven user solutions.

The main problem is the difference in backup formats: iOS uses iTunes/iCloud, and Android — Google Drive or local files. In addition, Viber links backups to a device ID, which complicates cross-platform transfer. We will look at how to bypass these restrictions with minimal risks to the data.

Important: the procedure requires preparation. For example, on iPhone you need to disable two-factor authentication in Viber in advance, and on Android you need to install the latest version of the messenger. Some methods will require a computer with Windows or macOS, so check in advance whether you have free disk space and a stable Internet connection.

Why Viber does not support direct transfer between iOS and Android

The official position Viber comes down to technical limitations: backups on iOS are encrypted with binding to Apple ID and device identifier (UDID), while on Android a different authentication system is used. This means that even if you copy the backup file from iPhone to Android, the messenger will not be able to recognize it.

Additional reasons:

• 🔒 Different storage formats: iOS uses .vbk (encrypted container), a Android — .vcf (for contacts) and .db (for messages).
• 📱 API restrictions: Apple blocks access of third-party applications to system folders with backup copies.
• 🔄 Security Policy: Viber avoids cross-platform transfer to minimize the risks of data leakage.

However, there are workarounds that use intermediate formats (for example, export to JSON or CSV) or specialized software. We will consider them further.

⚠️ Attention: Some methods require disabling two-factor authentication at Viber on iPhone before starting the procedure. If you have enabled it, first deactivate it in the messenger settings (Settings → Account → Security).

Official method: backup and restore via iCloud (with restrictions)

The only one The "legitimate" method of transfer is to use iCloud, but it only works if strict conditions are met:

1. Create a backup on iPhone:
   • Open Viber → More → Settings → Account → Backup.
   • Select Create a backup copy in iCloud and wait complete.
   • Make sure that the copy is successfully saved (check the date in the same menu).
2. Install Viber on Android and log in with the same phone number.
3. Try to restore the data:
   • In Viber to Android go to More → Settings → Account → Restore from backup.
   • The system will prompt you to select a source - iCloud or Google Drive. Select iCloud.

However, in 90% of cases this method does not work due to platform incompatibility. If you see an error "The backup cannot be restored", go to alternative methods.

Condition	Result	Note
Same phone number	✅ Recovery possible	Only if the copy in iCloud is fresh (not older than 30 days)
Different numbers	❌ Impossible	The backup copy is linked to the account
Two-factor authentication is enabled	❌ Impossible	Preliminary deactivation required
Viber of Viber on Android older than iPhone	⚠️ Partial transfer	Media files may be missing

⚠️ Attention: If you use iCloud for backup, make sure you have enough space on your account. The free plan only provides 5 GB, and history Viber with media files can weigh significantly more.

Alternative method: using Backuptrans Viber Transfer

Backuptrans Viber Transfer is one of the few applications that can export correspondence Viber s iPhone in a readable format, and then import it to Android. The app is paid (from $20), but offers a free trial version with a limit on the number of messages.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install Backuptrans to a computer (Windows or macOS) from the developer's website.
2. Connect iPhone to your PC via USB and allow access to data (when prompted on your phone).
3. Export correspondence:
   • In the app, select the device iPhone in the left menu.
   • Mark the desired chats and click Export Messages to Database File.
   • Save the file in the format .db (for example, viber_backup.db).
4. Connect Android and import data:
   • In the app, select Import Messages from Database File.
   • Specify the previously saved file .db.
   • Wait for the process to complete (may take up to 30 minutes for large archives).

Advantages method:

• 🔄 Saves entire history, including media files and stickers.
• 📂 Supports selective export (you can transfer only the ones you need chats).
• 🖥️ Works on Windows 10/11 and macOS (including Apple Silicon).

⚠️ Attention: Before using Backuptrans disable Viber on Android in the phone settings (Settings → Applications → Viber → Stop). This will prevent conflicts during import.

Manual export via iTunes and file conversion

This method is suitable for users who do not want to install third-party software. It is based on extracting a backup Viber from iTunes and its manual conversion.

Steps:

1. Back up your iPhone in iTunes:
   • Connect iPhone to computer and open iTunes (or Finder to macOS Catalina and later).
   • Select device → Create a copy now (required with encryptionotherwise the data Viber will not be saved).
2. Find the backup file:
   • On Windows: C:\Users\[Your_name]\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
   • On macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

   Look for a folder with a random name (for example, 3a1a2b4c5d6e7f8g9h0i1j2k3l4m5n6).

3. Extract Viber data:
   • Download the utility iBackup Viewer (the free version allows you to view files).
   • Open the backup in the app and find files with the extension .mddata or .plistrelated to Viber.
   • Export them in format CSV or HTML.

Method limitations:

• 📌 Media files (photos, videos, voice) not transferred —message text only.
• 🔍 Skills in working with the file system and archives are required.
• ⏳ The process may take several hours for large archives.

How to find the necessary Viber files in an iTunes backup?

In the backup folder, look for files with names containing: (Viber ID in iOS) data-i="212">or

- 31bb7ba8914766d4ba40d6dfb6113c8b614be442 (Viber ID in iOS)

- Manifest.db (contains application metadata)

- .mddata And .mdbackup (encrypted chat data)

To decrypt, use iExplorer or iMazing (paid tools).

Transfer via Google Drive: workaround with an intermediate device

If you have temporary access to another Androiddevice, you can use the following scheme:

1. Install Viber on an intermediate Android device and log in with the same number as on iPhone.
2. Create a backup on iPhone to iCloud (as described in the first method).
3. Restore data on intermediate Android:
   • In Viber on Android select Recover from iCloud.
   • Enter the data Apple IDto which it is linked copy.
4. Create a backup copy on Google Drive:
   • B Viber on intermediate Android go to Settings → Account → Backup → Create a copy in Google Drive.
5. Transfer data to the target Android device:
   • Install Viber to a new Androidsmartphone.
   • Log in and recover data from Google Drive.

This method works because Viber allows you to recover data from iCloud on Androidif the account was previously authorized on the device Apple. However, it requires an additional gadget and can take up to 2-3 hours.

Transferring media files: saving photos and videos separately

Even if text messages were successfully transferred, media files (photos, videos, voice messages) are often lost. To save them:

1. Export media manually to iPhone:
   • Open chat in Viber → click on the media file → Share → Save to Photo.
   • Repeat for all important files.
2. Transfer files to Android:
   • Use Google Photos, AirDrop (via intermediate Mac), or connect iPhone to PC and copy files manually.
   • On Android save the files to a folder Download/Viber or any other.
3. Recover media in chats:
   • In Viber on Android media files will not be attached automatically, but you can send them to yourself or add them manually to the corresponding chats.

To speed up the process, you can use applications like PhotoSync (paid, but with a trial period), which automate the transfer of photos and videos between devices by Wi-Fi.

File type	Max. size	Recommended transfer method
Photo	Up to 50 MB	Google Photo or AirDrop
Video	Up to 500 MB	Direct transfer via cable or cloud (Yandex.Disk)
Voice messages	Up to 20 MB	Email or Telegram (send to yourself)
Documents (PDF, DOCX)	Up to 1 GB	Google Drive or USB drive

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When transferring correspondence users encounter typical problems that can be prevented:

• 🔌 Error connecting iPhone to PC:

  Solution: Use the original cable Lightning and the updated version iTunes. On macOS allow access in System settings → Security.

• 🔒 "The backup copy is damaged":

  Solution: Delete old copies in iTunes and create a new one. If you use iCloudcheck the free space.

• 📱 Viber on Android does not see the backup:

  Solution: Make sure that the versions Viber on both devices are the same. If necessary, roll back to an older version.

• ⏳ Long recovery process:

  Solution: Connect the device to the charger and do not use it during the transfer. Close all background applications.

Critical detail: If you use the staging Android device method, never delete the iCloud backup until the transfer is complete. Otherwise, the data will be lost without the possibility of recovery.

1. Viber versions on both devices (must match).

2. Free space on the target Android (at least 2 times the weight of the backup copy).

3. Disabling two-factor authentication (if enabled).-->

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer Viber conversations from iPhone to Android without a computer?

No, all working methods require a computer or an intermediate device. Official transfer via iCloud works extremely rarely, and third-party applications (for example, Backuptrans) need a PC to process the data.

Why are there no stickers and GIFs after the transfer?

Stickers and animated images are stored in the cloud Viber and are linked to the account, not to the device. After authorization on the new smartphone, they should download automatically within 24 hours. If this does not happen, check your Internet connection or reinstall the application.

Will deleted messages be transferred or only the current history?

Only the current chat history, which is saved in the latest backup, is transferred. Deleted messages (even if they were on iPhone) cannot be restored. An exception is if you previously created backup copies manually (for example, through Backuptrans).

Is it possible to transfer correspondence to Android if the iPhone has already been sold?

If you have a backup copy iTunes or iCloudcreated before the sale iPhone, there are chances. Use the method with an intermediate Androiddevice or Backuptrans to extract data from the copy. The main thing is to remember the login and password from Apple IDto which the copy is linked.

Will the transfer work on custom Android firmware (LineageOS, MIUI, etc.)?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Must be installed on the firmware Google Play Services (to restore from Google Drive).
• Some custom assemblies block access to system folders, which may interfere with manual import.
• Before transferring, check the compatibility of your firmware with Viber on the forums (for example, XDA Developers).