Changing an ecosystem from Android to iOS is always stressful, especially when it comes to preserving the history of correspondence in instant messengers. Unlike cloud services, where data is stored on servers, for a long time it did not support cross-platform transfer of chats, which created a lot of problems for users. However, now the situation has changed, and the migration process has become available to a wide range of subscribers. Viber For a long time it did not support cross-platform transfer of chats, which created a lot of problems for users. However, now the situation has changed, and the migration process has become available to a wide range of subscribers.
Before starting the procedure, you need to understand that the transfer is carried out not through standard backup to the cloud, but through a special tool from the developers. Message history, including photos and voice notes, can be saved, but only if the sequence of actions is strictly followed. Any deviation from the algorithm may result in you receiving a “clean” account on the new device.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation and the migration process itself. We will look at the technical nuances of working with iCloud and local archives, and also answer questions that arise when the application malfunctions. It is important to prepare both smartphones in advance, since they must be in close proximity to each other during data transfer.
Preparing devices and checking compatibility
The success of the operation depends 90% on the preliminary preparation of both gadgets. First of all, make sure that both devices have the latest available version of the application Viberinstalled. Developers regularly update data transfer protocols, and using outdated versions on Android or iPhone often results in the error “The backup could not be restored.”
A critical condition is the availability of free space on the target device. An archive of correspondence can occupy from several hundred megabytes to tens of gigabytes, depending on the number of media files in chats. You will also need a stable connection to a Wi-Fi network, since transferring large amounts of data via the mobile data can be interrupted or costly.
☑️ Preparing to transfer Viber
Don't forget to check your linked phone number. It must be active and be able to receive SMS messages or calls to confirm login on the new device. If the SIM card is physically moved, make sure that it is correctly detected by the new smartphone before launching the application.
⚠️ Attention: The transfer process only works when switching from Android to iOS. The reverse procedure (from iPhone to Android) through the built-in Viber tools is currently impossible.
Creating a local backup on Android
The first step in the chain of actions is creating an archive on the old device. Unlike WhatsApp, which uses Google Drive, Viber on Android creates a local backup file, which will then be encrypted and transferred to the server for temporary storage or directly to a new device via a QR code.
Go to the application settings and find the section Account. There you need to select the item Viber backup. The system will prompt you to create a new copy right now. This process can take from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of accumulated data. Do not minimize the application or lock the smartphone screen while creating an archive.
Before creating a copy, delete unnecessary large video files from chats manually - this will speed up the transfer process and save space on the new iPhone.
After completing the procedure, you will see the date and time of the last successful backup. Remember or write down this point, because when restoring to iPhone the system will check exactly this timestamp. If you created a copy and then sent or received new messages, they will not be included in the archive and will be lost during the transfer.
Migration process through the “Transfer Chats” function
The most reliable and modern method of migration is using the built-in “Transfer Chats” function. This method does not require manually downloading files and moving them through a computer. The algorithm works through a direct connection of devices or a cloud buffer.
Install and open Viber on a new one iPhone. On the welcome screen, enter the same phone number that you used on your Android device. After receiving the confirmation code and logging into your account, the application will automatically detect the presence of a backup on the old device and offer to restore the history.
A QR code or a button to start the process will appear on the screen. Take your old phone, open Viber, go to Advanced → Settings → Account → Transfer chats. Scan the code on the screen of your new phone with the camera of your old device. The process of encrypting and transferring data will begin.
| Stage | Action on Android | Action on iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Start | Create a local copy | Install the application |
| 2. Authorization | Do not log out of your account | Enter the number and SMS code |
| 3. Communication | Scan QR code | Show QR code on screen |
| 4. Final | Wait for the transfer to complete | Wait for messages to be imported |
It is important not to interrupt the connection. If phone screens go dark, transmission may stop. It is recommended to set both devices to the “Keep the screen on” mode in the display settings for the duration of the procedure. Once completed, a notification about the successful import will appear and the chats will become available in the general list. iPhone A notification about successful import will appear and the chats will become available in the general list.
Data recovery via iCloud (alternative method)
In some cases, direct transfer may not work due to incompatibility of OS versions or network restrictions. Then cloud storage iCloudcomes to the rescue. However, there is an important nuance here: directly uploading a backup from Google Drive to iCloud is impossible without using a computer as an intermediary.
To implement this method, you will need a PC or Mac. First, you need to upload the backup from your Android phone to your computer. The file usually has the extension .vbk and is stored in a folder ViberBackups in the internal memory of the device. Copy this file to your computer’s hard drive.
Where to look for the backup file on Android?
The file is located along the path: Internal memory → Viber → ViberBackups. The file name usually looks like viber_backup_2023_10_25.vbk. If the folder is empty, then a copy has not yet been created.
Next, you need to use third-party software or the official utility from Viber (if available for your OS) to convert or upload this file to the Apple cloud. Most often, users use specialized software for managing mobile data, which can “slip” an Android backup into the iCloud structure, making the iPhone think that it is a native backup.
⚠️ Attention: Using a third-party software account to manipulate iCloud carries risks. Make sure that the software is downloaded from the official website of the developer so as not to give your credentials to scammers.
Possible errors and ways to solve them
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, users may encounter technical failures. The most common problem is the “Not enough iCloud storage” error. Even if you have free gigabytes on your phone, your cloud storage limit may be reached. In this case, you need to temporarily expand your tariff plan or delete old unnecessary files from the cloud.
Another common scenario is that the process freezes at 99%. This often happens when the Wi-Fi connection is unstable. Try rebooting the router and both smartphones, then start the procedure again. Also make sure that the power saving mode is turned off on both devices, which may limit the background activity of the network module.
- 📱 "Invalid number" error: make sure to enter the number in international format without the plus and parentheses, or vice versa, try adding the country code.
- 🔄 Infinite loading: check if the firewall is blocking or antivirus connection of ports necessary for Viber to work.
- 🚫 Chats are empty after restoration: this means that an old copy was restored. Try to find a more recent file
.vbkon your old phone.
If the migration fails in three different ways, it is easier to start from scratch, since old chats take up a lot of space and rarely contain critical information after a long time.
What not to do during migration
There are a number of actions that are strictly contraindicated during the transition process. Firstly, do not delete the Viber application from your old phone until you are sure that all chats are displayed and opened correctly on the new one. Removing the application at the source may overwrite the local encryption keys needed to decode the archive. iPhone. Removing an application on the source may overwrite the local encryption keys needed to decode the archive.
Secondly, do not try to log into the same Viber account on two phones at the same time for correspondence. The messenger is designed for use on one mobile device. An attempt to synchronize in real time will force the session on one of the devices to end, and the transfer process will be interrupted.
Thirdly, avoid resetting the new phone until the procedure is completed. If you have already set iPhone as new, but decide to migrate the data later, it is possible, but more difficult. It is better to migrate immediately after the initial setup of the device, at the “apps and Data” stage.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and settings menus may change with the release of updates. If you do not find the described items, check with the official Viber help center in the “Frequently asked questions” section.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Will my stickers and purchased sets be transferred?
Yes, your purchased stickers are linked to your phone number and Viber account. Once you sign in on your new iPhone, they will automatically appear in the stickers section. Free sets will have to be downloaded again.
What will happen to the groups I am a member of?
All groups will be saved, and you will remain a member of them. The history of correspondence in groups will also be transferred if it was included in the backup copy. However, administrator rights may require re-verification in some rare cases.
Is it possible to transfer only selected chats?
Unfortunately, the native transfer function only works with the entire account history. Selective transfer of individual dialogs using the application itself is not provided.
How long does it take to transfer 10 GB of data?
When using fast Wi-Fi (5 GHz), transferring 10 GB of data takes from 15 to 40 minutes. The time depends on the memory writing speed on the new device and the processor load during decryption.