How to transfer Telegram from Android to iPhone while saving correspondence: a complete guide 2026

The transition from Android to iPhone is always exciting, especially when it comes to saving important data. Telegram for many it has not become easy a messenger, but a repository of work correspondence, personal memories and media files. Unfortunately, the messenger does not provide direct automatic transfer between platforms - but this does not mean that the chat history is doomed to remain on the old device.

In this article we will analyze all working transfer methods (including official export through Telegram Desktop and workarounds), nuances for new versions. iOS 17+ i Android 14+, as well as pitfalls that even experienced users are silent about. For example, did you know that When transferring via the cloud, some stickers and GIFs may appear as regular pictures due to differences in caching between platforms?

Let us warn you right away: the process will take time and care. But if you follow the instructions, you can save not only text messages, but also attachments, voices, geolocations - and even notification settings for individual chats. Let's start with preparation.

1. Preparing for the transfer: what needs to be done on Android

Before you start exporting data, make sure that your Androiddevice is ready for the procedure. This will save you from making mistakes halfway through and losing part of the history.

First, check Telegram version: it should be no lower than 9.8.0 (for Android 10+). Outdated versions do not support exporting chats in a format compatible with iOS. Update the application via Google Play or the official website, if required. Also make sure that there is enough free space on the device - the export file can weigh up to 3-5 GB if you actively use the messenger.

Secondly, log in to Telegram Desktop (if you plan to use this method). This is a free application for Windows/macOS/Linuxthat will serve as a bridge between platforms. Download it from the official website and log into your account via the QR code or phone number.

• 📱 Update Telegram on Android to the latest version (minimum - 9.8.0).
• 💾 Free up space: the export file will take the same amount as your chats in the application weigh (check in Settings → Data and memory).
• 🖥️ Install Telegram Desktop on PC if you use this method.
• 🔋 Charge both devices at least up to 50% - the process may take 1-2 hours.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using two-factor authentication (2FA) in Telegram, make sure you have access to your backup email or recovery code. When transferring to a new device, re-authentication may be required.

2. Official method: export via Telegram Desktop

This is the most reliable method recommended by the developers. It allows you to transfer full history (including media, voices and documents) without loss. However, you will need a computer with installed Telegram Desktop.

Instructions:

1. Open Telegram on Android and go to Settings → Advanced → Export chat data.
2. Select chats to export (you can select all) and click Next.
3. Specify the format HTML (for compatibility with iOS) and enable the option Enable media files.
4. Click Export and wait until the archive is created (may take up to 30 minutes).
5. The file will be saved in the device memory. Transfer it to your PC (for example, via USB or the cloud).

Next connect iPhone to your computer, open Telegram Desktop and drag the archive into the chat window with Saved Messages. The application will offer to import data - confirm the action. The history will appear in the mobile client after synchronization.

All necessary chats have been selected in the export settings|HTML format with media files has been selected|The archive has been successfully copied to the PC|iPhone is connected to the computer and unlocked|Telegram Desktop has been updated to the latest version-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are using iCloud Drive to transfer the archive, make sure that the iPhone option is enabled Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → iCloud Drive. Without this, the file will not be displayed in Telegram Desktop.

3. Alternative method: transfer via cloud storage

If you do not have access to a computer, you can use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. This method is slightly less reliable (there may be problems with large files), but it works without a PC.

Action algorithm:

1. On Android export chats in HTMLformat (as in the previous method), but save the archive in cloud.
2. On iPhone download the file through the cloud service application (for example, Google Drive).
3. Open the file in any browser (for example, Safari) and copy the history manually to Telegram via Saved Messages.

Disadvantages of the method:

• 🚫 Media files will have to be downloaded separately.
• 🕒 The process takes longer due to manual copying.
• 📱 Message formatting (bold text, links) may be lost.

4. Transferring media files: photos, videos and documents

Even if you have successfully exported text messages, media files. often require separate processing. Telegram stores them in compressed form, and when transferred through HTMLarchive, the quality may deteriorate.

The best way to preserve the original quality:

1. On Android go in Gallery → Albums → Telegram (or use a file manager to access the folder /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/Telegram Images).
2. Copy all the necessary files to your PC or to the cloud.
3. On iPhone load them back into chats via the option Attach file.

To speed up the process, you can use applications like Send Anywhere or Feemthat transfer files directly between devices by Wi-Fi.

File type	Size when export	Recommended transfer method
Photo (JPEG/PNG)	Compressed (up to 50% of the original)	Manual transfer from folder Telegram Images
Video (MP4)	Compressed (loss of quality)	Cloud or direct transmission via Wi-Fi
Documents (PDF, DOCX)	Without losses	Export via HTML or cloud
Voice messages	Original quality	Included in HTML archive

5. Transferring settings and additional data

In addition to correspondence, Telegram there are a lot of personal settings: themes, folders with chats, contact list and even list of blocked users. Unfortunately, there are no official tools for transferring them, but some of the data can be saved manually.

What can be transferred:

• 🎨 Themes: Export via Settings → Themes → Save theme and apply the file to iPhone.
• 📁 Folders with chats: Create them again on iOS and manually distribute the dialogs.
• 🔕 Blocking list: Take screenshots or write down the nik names of blocked users.

What is NOT transferred:

• ⏰ Local notifications (sound and vibration settings for individual chats).
• 🔑 Sessions on other devices (you will have to log in again).
• 💰 Payment details (linked cards in Telegram Payments).

How to transfer saved stickers?

Stickers are linked to the account, but if they were added via third-party packs need to be installed again. To do this, open any chat, click on the sticker icon → iPhone they need to be reinstalled. To do this, open any chat, click on the sticker icon → + → find the pack by name. Official stickers (for example, Telegram Premium) are synchronized automatically.

6. Problems and their solutions during transfer

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to resolve them:

Problem 1: The archive is not imported into Telegram Desktop.

Solution: Check that the file is not damaged (try opening it in a browser) and that the version Telegram Desktop is updated. If the archive is too large (more than 4 GB), split it into parts.

Problem 2: On iPhone media files are not displayed after import.

Solution: Make sure that in the settings iOS access is allowed Telegram to Photo (Settings → Privacy → Photo. Reboot your device.

Issue 3: Messages are duplicated or displayed out of chronological order.

Solution: This occurs due to a timestamp conflict. Try importing the archive into another chat (for example, create a temporary group chat with yourself).

⚠️ Attention: If after transfer some messages are displayed as #deleted_account, it means that the user has deleted his account or blocked you. It is impossible to restore such messages.

7. Optimizing Telegram on a new iPhone

After a successful transfer, we recommend setting up Telegram on iPhone for maximum convenience. Here are some tips:

Settings to save space:

• 📉 Limit the media cache: Settings → Data and memory → Memory usage → Clear cache.
• 🚫 Disable auto-download of media on a mobile network: Settings → Data and memory → Auto-download of media.

Features that should be enabled:

• 🔔 Notifications for important chats: Click on chat → Notifications → Enable.
• 🔒 Face ID for login: Settings → Privacy → Code blocking.
• 🌙 Scheduled dark theme: Settings → Appearance → Dark theme → Schedule.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Telegram transfer

Is it possible to transfer Telegram without a computer?

Yes, but with restrictions. You can export chats to HTML on Android, upload the archive to the cloud (for example, Google Drive), and then manually copy the messages to iPhone. However, media files will have to be transferred separately, and message formatting may be lost.

Why are some stickers not displayed after transfer?

Stickers from third-party packs are not automatically synchronized. On iPhone open any chat, click on the sticker icon → + → find the desired pack by name and add it again. Official stickers (for example, from Telegram Premium) will appear automatically.

How long does it take to transfer 10 GB of correspondence?

About 1-2 hours, depending on the Internet speed and device performance. The longest stage is exporting data to Android (up to 40 minutes for large archives). Import to iPhone usually takes 10-20 minutes.

Is it possible to transfer history from secret chats?

No. Secret chats They are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be exported. Their contents will remain only on the old device. You can manually forward important messages to yourself in a regular chat before the transfer.

What to do if part of the correspondence is missing after the transfer?

The archive was probably damaged during export or import. Try repeating the procedure, dividing the data into smaller parts (for example, 1-2 GB). Also check that there is enough free space for import. iPhone enough free space for import.

Transferring Telegram from Android to iPhone is not an easy task, but it is quite doable. The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions step by step. If you still have questions about a specific stage, check the official documentation Telegram or contact messenger support via @SmokeTestBot.

And remember: after a successful transfer, do not rush to delete the archive from Android —keep it for at least a month in case you need to restore some data.