How to transfer game progress from Android to iOS: all methods in 2026

The transition from Android to iPhone is an exciting step, but many gamers are faced with a problem: how to save years of hard work on your favorite games? Unfortunately, progress transfer does not exist - each game uses its own save mechanisms, and do not provide built-in tools for cross-platform synchronization. However, there are workarounds: from linking to cloud accounts to manually copying files. direct universal method There is no transfer of progress - each game uses its own save mechanisms, and Apple And Google do not provide built-in tools for cross-platform synchronization. However, there are workarounds: from linking to cloud accounts to manually copying files.

In this article we will examine all working methods transferring game progress, including nuances for popular genres (RPGs, strategy, shooters) and specific instructions for games with support Google Play Games, Game Center or third-party services like Facebook. We will pay special attention games without cloud saves - here you will need to use third-party tools like iMazing or Syncios, but with security reservations.

We warn you in advance: some methods require root-rights on Android or jailbreak on iOSwhich will void the warranty and create security risks. Alternative options (for example, contacting game support) are often ignored by developers, but we will show you how to correctly compose a request to increase the chances of success.

1. Checking support for cross-platform saves

Before attempting to transfer files manually, make sure that the game is initially supports synchronization cross platforms. This is true for most modern projects from large studios (Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans, Call of Duty: Mobile). You can check this in two ways:

• 🔍 The official website of the game: look for the "FAQ" or "Cross-platform support" section. For example, Minecraft allows you to transfer worlds through Xbox Live, and Fortnite synchronizes progress through Epic Games.
• 📱 Game settings on Android: open the account menu - if there are options like "Link with Facebook" or "Log in with Google Play", the chances of transfer are high.
• 💬 Player communities: on Reddit (r/AndroidGaming, r/iOSGaming) or 4PDA successful cases are often discussed. Search for " cross-platform save".

If the game does not support is cross-platform, skip to the sections on manual transfer or alternative methods. But first, check the table below - it contains popular games indicating the available synchronization methods:

Game	Supports cross-platform saves	Synchronization method	Notes
Genshin Impact	✅ Yes	Account linking miHoYo or email	Email confirmation is required on the new platform
Clash of Clans	✅ Yes	Google Play Games or Game Center	Transfer is possible only upon first launch on iOS
PUBG Mobile	✅ Yes	Facebook, Twitter, Google	On iOS, re-authorization will be required
Stardew Valley	❌ No	Manual transfer of save files	Requires access to the Android root folder
Among Us	❌ No	There is no official way	Progress is tied to the device

⚠️ Attention: Some games (for example Honkai: Star Rail) block cross-platform transfer for regions with restrictions (China, Japan). Before trying to synchronize, check the server rules in your personal account.

2. Transfer via cloud services (Google Play Games, Game Center, Facebook)

The most reliable way is to use built-in synchronization mechanismsif the game supports them. Let's look at step-by-step guide for three popular services:

2.1. Google Play Games (for games with support)

Many games (for example, Clash Royale, Asphalt 9) save progress in Google Play Games. To transfer it to iOS:

1. Open the game on Android and make sure that it is linked to your account Google (check in the game settings).
2. Install the game on iPhone and at the first launch select the option "Restore progress" or "Log in with Google".
3. Login with the same account Googlethat you used on Android.

If the recovery option does not appear, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the game on iOS.
• 📧 Make sure that on Android saves have been uploaded to the cloud (check in Settings → Google → Google Services → Games).

2.2. Game Center (for games from Apple)

Games exclusive to iOS (for example, Monument Valley) are often used Game Center. Here the transfer is from Android impossible, since the service only works in the Appleecosystem. However, some cross-platform games (for example, Angry Birds 2) support both. service:

To transfer progress:

1. On Android link the game to Google Play Games.
2. On iPhone enter the same game via Game Center (if supported) or use Facebook/Twitter as a bridge.

2.3. Social networks (Facebook, Twitter, VK)

Many casual games (Candy Crush Saga, Coin Master) allow you to save progress through social network. Transfer algorithm:

1. On Android link the game to your account Facebook (or another social network) in the settings.
2. Install the game on iPhone and log in through the same social network.
3. Confirm the restoration of progress (usually a pop-up window appears).

⚠️ Attention: Some games (for example, Gardenscapes) create individual saves for each platform even with authorization through Facebook. In this case, the transfer is impossible - you will have to start over.

Make sure that the game supports cross-platform|

Link your account on Android before switching to iOS|

Check that the cloud saves are enabled in the game settings|

Make a backup copy of progress (if there is an export option)-->

3. Manually transferring save files (for advanced users)

If the game is does not support cloud synchronization, but the saves are stored locally (for example, Stardew Valley, Terraria), they can be copied manually. This method requires access to the file system Android and sometimes - root access.

3.1. Finding save files on Android

Save files are usually located in one of the following folders:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data//files
• 📁 /data/data//shared_prefs (requires root)
• 📁 /sdcard// (for some games)

To find the game package:

1. Open Google Play to Android.
2. Go to the game page and copy the URL - it will contain the package ID (for example, com.mojang.minecraftpe for Minecraft).

3.2. Copying files to iPhone

On iOS access to the file system is limited, but there are workarounds:

• 🖥️ Via iTunes/Finder:
  1. Connect iPhone to your computer.
  2. Open Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
  3. Select device → "Files" → find the game application.
  4. Drag the copied files from Android to the game folder.

📱 Through file managers:

1. Install on iPhone Documents by Readdle or FileExplorer.
2. Upload save files to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
3. Download files on iPhone and move them to the game folder (if the application supports import).

For games like Stardew Valley or Terraria there are special instructions from the community. For example, for Stardew Valley:

1. On Android copy the file savegame1.dat from /Android/data/com.chucklefish.stardewvalley/files.
2. On iPhone use iMazing or iFunBoxto replace the file in the application folder.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing game files can lead to app crash or loss of progress. Before experiments, make a backup copy iPhone via iCloud or iTunes.

How do you know if the game supports manual import of saves?

Many indie games (for example, Kotor or Baldur's Gate) have open forums where developers or players share porting instructions. Look for the "Modding" or "Save Files" section on the game's official website. If there is mention of manual editing of saves, the chances of success are high.

4. Using third-party apps (iMazing, Syncios, AnyTrans)

If manual transfer seems difficult, you can use specialized apps to manage files iOS. They allow you to access system folders without jailbreaking, but with restrictions.

4.1. iMazing (paid, but reliable)

iMazing is one of the few solutions that can work with application files on iPhone without hacking. Instructions:

1. Download and install iMazing on your computer (official website).
2. Connect iPhone via USB and select it in the app.
3. Go to the "Apps" section → find the game → "Backup".
4. Copy the save files from Android to the backup folder iMazing.
5. Restore the backup to iPhone.

4.2. Syncios (free alternative)

Syncios offers similar functionality, but with a less intuitive interface. The advantage is the free version with basic functions. To transfer:

1. Install Syncios and connect iPhone.
2. Select "App Management" → find the game.
3. Use the "Export" option to create a backup copy of your current saves.
4. Replace the files in the backup with those copied from Android.
5. Restore the modified copy to the device.

Please note: both tools do not guarantee successful transfer - it all depends on the structure of the game files. For example, iMazing will not be able to work with games that encrypt saves (for example, Hearthstone).

app	Cost	iOS support	Require jailbreak?	Notes
iMazing	From $44.99	✅ Yes	❌ No	Supports most games, but not all
Syncios	Free (Premium from $29.95)	✅ Yes	❌ No	Less stable than iMazing
AnyTrans	From $39.99	✅ Yes	❌ No	Good for media files, but weak for games
iFunBox	Free	✅ Yes	⚠️ Partially (for some functions)	Not updated since 2020

5. Contacting game support: how to increase your chances of success

If none of the methods worked, the last option remains - write in support of the game. Success depends on the developer’s policy, but a well-written appeal increases the chances. Here's what you need to do:

5.1. Where to look for support contacts

• 🌐 Official website of the game (section "Support" or "Contact Us").
• 📧 In Google Play or App Store on the game page there is a link "Support" or email developer.
• 💬 Social networks of the game (Twitter, Facebook, Discord).

5.2. How to make a request

Use this template (replace the data with your own):

Subject: Request for Cross-Platform Save Transfer (Android to iOS)

Hello,

I’ve been playing [Game Name] on Android (Google Play account: [your_email]) and recently switched to iOS. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t support cross-platform save synchronization, and I’d like to request manual transfer of my progress.

Here are my details:
- Android device: [model, e.g., Samsung Galaxy S22]
- iOS device: [model, e.g., iPhone 15 Pro]
- Game account ID (if applicable): [your_ID]
- Last known progress: [brief description, e.g., "Level 50, completed Chapter 7"]

I understand this may not be standard procedure, but I’d greatly appreciate any assistance. Please let me know if you require additional information.

Thank you for your time!
[Your Name]

5.3. Which increases the chances of a positive response

• 📊 Attach screenshots of progress s Android (statistics, achievements menu).
• 💳 Mention purchasesif there were any (developers more often accommodate paying players).
• 🕒 Write during business hours support (usually listed on the website).
• 🌍 Write in English —even if the game is in Russian, support can be centralized.

If the response is rejected, try:

• 🔄 Write again after 3-5 days (sometimes requests are lost).
• 📢 Publish a polite post in the official community of the game (for example, on Reddit or Steam).

⚠️ Attention: Some studios (for example, Supercell or Niantic) have a strict policy and never transfer saves between platforms. In this case, further attempts are pointless.

6. Alternative methods: emulators, cloud games and cheats

If standard methods do not work, remain non-traditional approaches. They are risky, but sometimes they are the only way out.

6.1. Android emulators on iOS

You can install the emulator Android on iPhone (for example, iAndroid or Delta Emulator), transfer the game with saves there, and then try to synchronize progress with the main version. Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires jailbreak or sideloading (installation via AltStore).
• ⏳ Works slowly - many games are not optimized for emulation.
• 🚫 Risk of account blocking for using unofficial clients.

6.2. Cloud gaming services (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW)

Some games (for example, Fortnite or Minecraft) support streaming via cloud services. If the game is available in Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW, you can:

1. Launch the game on Android via the cloud and link your account.
2. Then log into the same account on iOS via the cloud client.

Limitation: not all games support saving progress in the cloud (for example, Genshin Impact requires local settings).

6.3. Editing saves (at your own risk)

For some games there are save editors (for example, Save Wizard for PS4, but there are also mobile analogs with their help). you can:

1. Export saves from Android.
2. Edit them to fit the format iOS (if the file structures are the same).
3. Import to iPhone.

Risks:

• 🛑 Account ban for cheating (especially in online games).
• 💥 Damage to files and loss of progress.

⚠️ Attention: Using save editors in multiplayer games (PUBG Mobile, Clash of Clans) is equivalent to cheating and leads to permanent account blocking.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When transferring progress, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Error	Cause	Solution
Saves do not appear on iOS after authorization	The game creates separate sessions for each platforms	Check if the game supports cross-platform (see section 1)
"Failed to restore progress"	Save files are damaged or incompatible	Try copying the files again or use another app (for example, iMazing instead Syncios)
The game crashes after manually transferring files	Mismatch of game versions or file structure	Make sure that same version games are installed on both devices data-i="354">same version
Game support ignores the request	Too general or incorrect request	Use the template from section 5.2 and attach screenshots

Another common mistake — mismatch of account regions. For example, if you played on Genshin Impact on Android via Asia server, and on iOS you went to Europe server, progress will not be transferred. Solution:

1. Delete the game on iOS.
2. Change region App Store to the one that was used on Android.
3. Install the game again and log in.

8. Transferring purchases and in-game currency

Even if you managed to transfer progress, shopping (skins, currency, premium accounts) may not transfer automatically. Here's what to do:

8.1. Purchases through Google Play

If you bought something through Google Play, these purchases are will not be transferred on iOS. Solutions:

• 💰 Contact game support with receipts for purchases (they can be found in letters from Google Play).
• 🎁 Some games (for example, Clash of Clans) compensate for purchases when transition - write to support asking for a refund.

8.2. Purchases through the App Store

If you have already made purchases on iOS, but the progress was transferred from Android, a conflict may arise. data-i="390">purchases are tied to the account, not to the device, so they will be saved. But Genshin Impact purchases are linked to your account, not to your device, so they will be saved. But in Candy Crush purchases may get stuck between platforms. Solution:

• 🔄 Restart the game on iOS - sometimes purchases are delayed after re-entering. data-i="394">📧 Write to support
• 📧 Write in support App Store (via reportaproblem.apple.com) with a description of the problem.

8.3. Subscriptions (Google Play Pass, Apple Arcade)

Subscriptions are not transferred between ecosystems. If you used Google Play Pass, you will have to register iOS will have to register Apple Arcade again. Some games (for example, Monument Valley) are included in both subscriptions, so progress will be saved, but access to content will need to be paid for again.

⚠️ Attention: In games with monthly bonuses (for example, Afk Arena) when switching to iOS the gift counter may be reset. Check with support before transferring.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer progress from PUBG Mobile from Android to iOS?

Yes, if the game is linked to Facebook or Twitter. Log in iPhone through the same social network, and your progress will be updated automatically. If the game was linked only to Google Play, the transfer is impossible - you will have to start over.

Why does the game crash on iOS after transferring save files?

This happens because of version incompatibility or file corruption. Make sure that:

• The same version of the game is installed on both devices same version of the game.
• Files are copied completely (some games store saves in several files).
• You use correct path to import to iOS (it is unique for each game).

If the problem persists, try using another transfer app (for example, iMazing instead of Syncios).

How to transfer saves from Minecraft from Android to iOS