Changing an ecosystem is always an exciting process, associated with the risk of losing important information. Switching from an operating system Android to iOS requires careful preparation, especially if you are changing the device to a flagship model such as iPhone 13. Modern Apple tools allow you to automate most routine tasks, but understanding the nuances of each method will help you avoid annoying mistakes.
In this article we will analyze in detail all available migration methods: from the official application Move to iOS to manual copying of media files via a computer. You'll learn what types of data are migrated automatically and what you'll have to migrate manually. In addition, we will discuss the technical requirements and possible pitfalls that users face when switching platforms.
Before you begin, make sure that both devices are charged at least 70%. The process of transferring large amounts of data can take considerable time and require energy. It is also critical that both smartphones are in the area of a stable Wi-Fi signal, since the creation of a local network between devices is the basis for most synchronization methods.
Preparatory stage and system requirements
The success of the operation directly depends on the correct preparation of both gadgets. First you need to update the software on your device Android up to the latest available version. This will ensure compatibility of data transfer protocols and minimize the risk of failures during connection initialization.
On the side iPhone 13 the situation is similar, but with one important nuance. If the phone has already been activated and you are using it, you will have to do a full factory reset. The migration process through the official application is only possible at the initial setup stage, when the welcome screen displays "Hello" or "Hello".
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the settings will delete all current data from iPhone 13. If there is already important information on it, be sure to create a backup copy in iCloud or on your computer before starting the procedure.
Check the amount of free memory on the receiving device. Data may take up more space due to differences in file formats and system overhead. Make sure that Android may take up more space due to differences in file formats and system overhead. Make sure that on iPhone 13 there is enough space to accommodate all your photos, videos and applications.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for the transfer
Official method: Move to iOS app
Apple has developed a special solution to facilitate user migration. The application Move to iOS is available in the store Google Play and is the most reliable way to transfer basic data. It creates a secure Wi-Fi connection between two devices, bypassing the need to connect to an external network.
After installing the application on Android and starting the setup process on iPhone, you will be prompted to enter a digital code. This code is displayed on the screen of the new smartphone and serves as the key to establish a secure tunnel. The encryption protocol ensures that your personal data will not be intercepted during the transfer process.
The system will automatically prompt you to select the types of content to transfer. The following options are usually available:
- 📞 Contacts and call history
- 📸 Photos and videos from the gallery
- 📩 Messages (SMS and MMS)
- 📧 Email accounts
- 📅 Calendars and notes
The completion time of the process depends on the amount of information transferred. When transferring several gigabytes of photos, the procedure can take from 30 minutes to several hours. It is important not to interrupt the connection and not minimize the application on the device Androideven if the screen goes dark.
If the process is frozen at the “Time Estimation” stage, try turning off the mobile data on your Android device. Sometimes the system tries to switch to the cellular network, which breaks the local connection.
It is worth noting that free applications are not transferred automatically. The system will analyze the installed software on Android and offer to download their free analogues from App Storeif they exist. Paid content and data within applications (for example, progress in games) require separate synchronization through cloud services of developers.
The Move to iOS application is the only way to transfer SMS messages and call history without using third-party paid software.
Manual transfer of multimedia via a computer
Sometimes automatic methods do not work correctly or files are transmitted in low quality. In such cases, the most reliable option is to use a personal computer as an intermediate link. This method gives complete control over the folder structure and allows you to select only the files you need.
First, connect your phone to the base Android to a computer via a USB cable. In your phone settings, select the file transfer mode (MTP). Copy the folders DCIM, Pictures and Download to your PC hard drive. Pay special attention to the folder WhatsAppif you plan to transfer your correspondence history, although for this it is better to use the built-in migration function inside the messenger itself.
Then connect iPhone 13 to the same computer. If you are using Windows, you will need to install the application iTunes or use a new application Apple Devices. On macOS it is enough to use the built-in Finder. Drag previously saved photos and videos to the appropriate sections of the device library.
| Data type | Method on Android | Method on iPhone | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo/Video | Copying the DCIM folder | Synchronization via iTunes/Finder | Low |
| Music | Copying the Music folder | Import to library iTunes | Medium |
| Documents | Download to the cloud or PC | Save to the Files application | Low |
| Contact | Export to .vcf file | Import via iCloud.com | Medium |
The main advantage of the manual method is the ability to convert files on the fly. For example, you can sort out duplicate photos or convert videos to a more compatible format before downloading to a new device. This saves space in cloud storage iCloud.
Nuances of file formats
Android often uses the HEIC photo format by default in new versions, but JPG has historically predominated. iPhone natively supports both formats, however, when synchronizing via iTunes, older versions of the software may require conversion.
Synchronizing contacts and calendars via the cloud
Contact information is the user’s most important asset. The most elegant way to transfer your phone book is to use cloud services. If your contacts are saved in your account Google, the integration process with iOS occurs almost instantly.
On iPhone 13 go to the menu Settings and select the section Contact. Next, click on the item Accounts and add your account Google. In the synchronization menu, be sure to activate the switch next to the “Contacts” item. The system will automatically download all entries from the Google cloud to the local memory of the phone.
In the same way, you can synchronize calendars and notes. This is especially convenient if you use Google Calendar or Google Keepservices. After adding an account, the data will appear in standard applications Calendar and Notes on iOS, providing a seamless transition between platforms.
For users who prefer universal formats, there is the ability to export contacts to a file .vcf. This file can be sent to yourself by email or saved in cloud storage, and then opened on iPhone. The system will offer to add all found contacts to the phone book in one action.
Migration of messenger data
Transferring the history of correspondence from messengers often raises the most questions. Developers of popular applications have introduced their own tools for migrating data between operating systems. However, the process for each application is unique.
In the case of WhatsAppMeta has released an official chat transfer feature. It is available directly in the application Move to iOS or through the settings of the messenger itself on Android. You will need to scan the QR code with the camera of the old phone while setting up the new one iPhone.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring WhatsApp, call history is not saved. There may also be problems with transferring certain types of attached files if they are damaged or have an unsupported format.
For Telegram the situation is simpler, since this messenger is completely cloud-based. Simply log into your account on your new device, and all chats, media files and settings are synced automatically. The exception is “Secret Chats”, which are tied to a specific device and cannot be transferred.
Messenger Viber also supports history transfer, but requires creating a backup copy to Android and subsequent restoration to iPhone. Please note that restoration is only possible from a copy created in the Viber cloud; local backup files from Android are not compatible with iOS.
Before migrating WhatsApp, make sure that the latest version of the application is installed on both devices. Differences in software versions often cause the error “The transfer could not be completed.”
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the smooth running of the processes, users may encounter technical failures. One of the most common problems is the Wi-Fi connection dropping while the application is running Move to iOS. This often happens because the Android phone tries to switch to the mobile network when the signal is weak.
If the process gets stuck during the data transfer phase, don't panic. Try rebooting both devices and starting the procedure again. Before trying again, it is recommended to delete the application Move to iOS from your Android device and download it again to clear the cache of possible errors.
Another common problem is lack of space on iPhone 13. The system may incorrectly estimate the data size when first launched. In this case, it is recommended to transfer data in parts: first contacts and settings, then photos, and lastly heavy video files.
Sometimes users complain that photos are displayed in the wrong orientation after transfer. This is due to differences in how EXIF metadata is handled between systems. You can fix this using the built-in photo editor on iOS or third-party applications for batch processing.
Is it possible to transfer data if the iPhone is already configured?
Yes, but only through a computer or cloud services. The official Move to iOS app only works during the initial activation phase. If your phone is already in use, you will need a factory reset to use this method.
Are app passwords transferred?
No, most app passwords are not automatically transferred for security purposes. You will have to enter them again. The exception is for passwords saved in Google's password manager if you install the Google app on your iPhone and turn on autofill.
What to do with APK files?
Installation package files .apk are not compatible with the iOS operating system. You need to find analogue applications in the App Store and download them again. Data inside applications may be lost if the developer has not provided cloud synchronization.
How to transfer music purchased from Google Play?
Music purchased from Google Play Music has been transferred to YouTube Music. To listen on iPhone, you need to install the YouTube Music app and sign in to your Google account. Direct transfer of files to the Apple Music app is only possible through a computer.
How long does it take to transfer 64 GB of data?
The time depends on the speed of the Wi-Fi connection and the number of small files. On average, transferring 64 GB of data takes from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. It is recommended to perform the procedure at night so as not to interrupt the process.