The transition from Android to iPhone is not just a change of gadget, but a complete migration of digital life. The main problem for users is how to transfer not only the applications themselves, but also all saved passwords, account settings and authorization data. Unlike sharing contacts or photos, passwords are protected by a security system and are not copied by standard tools.

This article reveals all working transfer methodsincluding official solutions from Apple and Google, workarounds for persistent applications (banks, instant messengers, games), as well as ways to avoid losing access to accounts. We analyzed the nuances for iOS 17.4+ and Android 12-14, taking into account changes in the security policy of both platforms after 2023.

Why standard transfer via "Move to iOS" does not work with passwords

Application Move to iOS from Apple copies contacts, messages, photos and even some settings, but ignores passwords. The reason is different approaches to storing credentials:

  • 🔒 Android uses Google Smart Lock password managers (for example, 1Password, Bitwarden), which encrypt data at the OS
  • 🍎 iOS stores passwords in iCloud Keychain a closed ecosystem incompatible with Android.
  • 🚫 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings) block the export of passwords for security reasons.

Even if you use Google Chrome to synchronize passwords, iOS will not allow you to automatically import them into Settings → Passwords without manual confirmation. This is done to protect against data leaks when the device is stolen.

📊 Which data transfer method have you tried before?
Move to iOS
Manual transfer via clouds
Password managers
I did not transfer anything
Other

Method 1: Transferring passwords via Google Chrome (partial solution)

If you used Google Chrome to Android to save passwords, they can be transferred to iPhone via synchronization. This method works for websitesbut not for mobile applications!

  1. On Android open Chrome, go to ⋮ → Settings → Passwords and make sure that synchronization enabled.
  2. On iPhone install Google Chrome from App Store and log into the same account Google.
  3. Open Chrome Settings → Passwords —saved data will appear here.
  4. To transfer them to iCloud Keychain, open each site in Safari and save the password manually (the system will prompt you to do this).

Method limitations:

  • ❌ Passwords from applications (only from sites) are not transferred.
  • ❌ Manual confirmation is required for each password in Safari.
  • ❌ Some banking sites block autofilling of passwords on new devices.
💡

If the password is not displayed in Chrome on iPhone, check whether synchronization is enabled in your Google account on the page myaccount.google.com/sync (will open in a new tab).

Method 2: Export passwords from Android to a file and import to iPhone

For users who stored passwords in Google Password Manager (built-in Android), it is possible to export them to a file .csv and then import them into a third-party manager on iPhone.

Instructions for Android:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Google account management → Security.
  2. Scroll to the block Manage passwords and click Passwords.
  3. Tap in the upper right corner ⋮ → Export passwords.
  4. Confirm the action via Google Authenticator or SMS code.
  5. The file passwords.csv will be saved in the folder Downloads.

Import to iPhone:

  1. Send the file passwords.csv to yourself by email or via Telegram.
  2. Install on iPhone password manager (Bitwarden, Keeper, 1Password).
  3. In the manager settings, find the option Import and select the file.
  4. Set up autofill in iPhone Settings → Passwords → Autofill.

Make sure Google password synchronization is enabled on Android

Download a password manager on iPhone IN ADVANCE

Disable two-factor authentication for 10 minutes (if it blocks export)

Check that the passwords.csv file is not empty-->

Attention: the passwords.csv file contains passwords in clear text. Delete it from both devices immediately after import!

Method 3: Transferring application passwords through backups (for root/jailbreak)

If your Android has root accessa iPhone — jailbreaking, you can extract passwords directly from system files. This method is suitable for banking applications, games and instant messengers, but requires technical skills.

Steps for Android (with root):

  1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  2. Go to the folder /data/data/com.google.android.gms/shared_prefs/.
  3. Find files Phenotype*.xml and Ogm*.xml —they contain encrypted data Google Smart Lock.
  4. Copy them to PC and use the tool gms-decrypt (available at GitHub) to decrypt.

Steps for iPhone (with jailbreak):

  1. Install Filza File Manager from Cydia.
  2. Go to /var/mobile/Library/Keychains/.
  3. Copy the file keychain-2.db —this is the database iCloud Keychain.
  4. Use chainbreaker to edit the database and add new records.
⚠️ Attention: Modifying system files on iPhone with jailbreak can lead to Apple ID lock or problems with Apple Pay. This method is not recommended for mainstream devices.
Method Supported data Difficulty Risks
Google Chrome Site passwords ⭐ No
CSV export Passwords for sites and some applications ⭐⭐ Data leak due to careless file storage
Root/Jailbreak All passwords (including banks and games) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Account blocking, loss of guarantee
Password managers (Bitwarden) All passwords (if pre-configured) ⭐⭐ Dependency on a third-party service

Method 4: Using cross-platform password managers (the best option)

The most reliable way is in advance transfer all passwords to a cross-platform manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, Keeper) before purchasing. iPhone. These services synchronize data between Android and iOS without loss.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. On Android install Bitwarden from Play Market.
  2. In Settings Android open Settings → Google → Account Management → Security → Passwords.
  3. Export passwords in .csv (as in Method 2and import them in Bitwarden.
  4. On iPhone install Bitwarden from App Store and sign in.
  5. Enable autofill in iPhone Settings → Passwords → Autofill.

Advantages:

  • 🔐 Military standard data encryption (AES-256).
  • 📱 Synchronization between Android, iOS, Windows and Mac.
  • 🛡️ Two-factor authentication and password security audit.
💡

If you are planning to switch to iPhone, set up a cross-platform password manager 1-2 WEEKS before purchase. This is the only way to guarantee the transfer of all data without loss.

Method 5: Manual transfer of passwords for critical applications

Some applications (banks, government services, corporate systems) prohibited export of passwords. In this case, you will have to transfer the data manually:

  • 🏦 Banking applications: Use the "Access Restore" function via SMS or email. Example for SberBank Online:
    1. Uninstall the application on Android.
    2. Install it on iPhone.
    3. Login via Recover password —the system will send a code to the linked number.
  • 🎮 Games: Link your account to Facebook, Google Play Games or Game Center. For example, in Genshin Impact go to Settings → Account → Link to email.
  • 💬 Messengers: In WhatsApp i Telegram just enter the phone number on the new device - the chat history will be transferred via the cloud (if there was a backup).

    • For applications with two-factor authentication (2FA):

    1. Open authenticator application (Google Authenticator, Authy) to Android.
    2. Export the backup copy (to Authy this is done through Settings → Backups).
    3. To iPhone install the same authenticator and import the backup.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you use Google Authenticator without a backup copy, transferring to iPhone will lead to losing all 2FA codes. Go to Authy or Microsoft Authenticator in advance!

    What to do if the password has not been transferred or is lost

    If after migration you have lost access to account, follow the algorithm:

    1. Check backups:
      • On Android: Settings → System → Backup (data Google Drive).
      • On iPhone: Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Storage management → Backups.
    2. Restore through support:
      • Banks: call the hotline from the linked number.
      • Social networks: use the function Forgot your password? on the website.
      • Games: contact support with proof of account ownership (receipts, screenshots).
    3. Use alternative methods login:
      • Some services (for example, Steam) allow you to log in via QR code from another device.
      • Corporate accounts often support login via SSO (Single Sign-On).

    Services with the most complex recovery procedure:

    • 🏛️ Government services - requires a visit to the MFC with a passport.
    • 💳 Apple ID - recovery can take up to 2 weeks (if there is no access to a trusted device).
    • 🎵 Spotify - when changing countries it can block your account.
    How to bypass account blocking in games when changing device?

    Many games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Clash of Clans) block your account when you first log in from a new device. To avoid this:

    1. delete the game from Android until successful authorization on iPhone.

    2. Use same IP address (connect to the same Wi-Fi network).

    3. If the game requires confirmation via SMS, use number associated with your accountand not a new one.

    4. For Supercell ID (Brawl Stars, Clash Royale) link your account to email IN ADVANCE in the game settings.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transferring passwords from Android to iPhone

    Can I transfer passwords from Samsung Pass to iPhone?

    Samsung Pass uses its own encryption, which is incompatible with iOS. The only way is to manually export passwords via Settings → Biometrics and security → Samsung Pass → Settings → Export data (not available on all models). The file can be imported into Bitwarden or 1Password.

    Why do some passwords not work after transfer?

    This happens in three ways reasons:

    1. The password was changed after the last synchronization.
    2. The application uses additional authentication (for example, a PIN code inside a banking application).
    3. The service blocks login from new devices (for example, Netflix may require confirmation by email).

    Check the history of password changes in your account Google or password manager.

    How to transfer passwords from Mi Account (Xiaomi) to iPhone?

    Xiaomi does not provide direct export of passwords. Alternative steps:

    1. Open Settings → Passwords and security → Manage passwords to Xiaomi.
    2. Copy each password manually to Bitwarden or write to a secure location place.
    3. On iPhone enter passwords manually or import via Bitwarden.

    If passwords are not displayed, they may be stored in Mi Cloud —check on the website i.mi.com.

    Will Face ID work instead of a fingerprint for autofill passwords?

    Yes, iOS automatically substitutes Face ID instead Touch ID to confirm autofill. To enable:

    1. Go to Settings → Face ID and passcode.
    2. Make sure the option Autofill passwords is active.
    3. In the menu Settings → Passwords → Autofill options select Bitwarden or iCloud Keychain.

    Can I transfer passwords without Internet?

    Yes, but with limitations:

    • Method 1: Use Bitwarden offline (export the database to Android, transfer the file to iPhone via cable).
    • Method 2: Write down passwords on paper or in a secure text file (for example, in Notes with a password).
    • Method 3: For WhatsApp and Telegram enough copy the backup folder (/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases) to iPhone via iTunes.
    ⚠️ Attention: Storing passwords in unencrypted files (for example, in Excel) can lead to their leakage when connecting to an infected PC.