Changing an operating system is always stressful for the user, especially when you need to save all the accumulated information. The transition from the Google platform to the Apple ecosystem requires careful preparation, but modern tools can make this process as painless as possible. If you become the owner of a new device, then you have a unique opportunity to configure it correctly from the very beginning, without dragging along digital garbage from your old device. iPhone 12, then you have a unique opportunity to set it up correctly from the very beginning, without dragging along digital junk from your old device.
The main tool for migration is the official application Move to iOS, developed by Apple engineers specifically for such cases. It allows you to transfer contacts, message history, photos, videos, as well as free applications that are also available in the App Store. It is important to understand that the process does not happen instantly and requires compliance with a number of conditions for connecting and charging the batteries of both devices.
In this article we will analyze each step in detail, consider possible errors and give advice on how to optimize a new smartphone immediately after turning it on. You will learn what data is transferred automatically and what will have to be transferred manually or through cloud services. The main thing is to take your time and follow the algorithm to avoid losing important files.
Preparing an Android smartphone for migration
Before starting the process, make sure that your old phone is working stably. It is necessary to check the availability of free space and the relevance of the operating system. Although the application Move to iOS works on most versions of Android, it is advisable to update to the latest available version to eliminate compatibility bugs. It is also worth clearing the cache of heavy applications to speed up data reading.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on your Android device. Even if you use the mobile data for other tasks, data transfer between devices occurs over the local wireless network that the iPhone will create.
The next step is to download the application Move to iOS from the store Google Play. After installation, do not launch it immediately. Check that both devices are connected to a power source. The process can take from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information, so the risk of discharge should be eliminated completely.
It is also recommended to free up space on the iPhone 12 if it is not new. If you reset the settings, this is not required. However, if the phone has already been used, it is better to perform a hard reset via Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings. Only at the “Hello” stage does it become possible to transfer data from Android.
☑️ Check before starting
Establishing a connection between devices
Launch the app on an Android smartphone and accept the terms of the license agreement. A request will appear on the screen to allow access to contacts, messages and multimedia - this is necessary for the app to work correctly. After confirmation, you will see the “Find your code” screen, which means the device is ready to search.
Now pick it up iPhone 12. Reach the Wi-Fi setup step. There should be an option "Transfer data from Android" on the screen. Click on it. If there is no such button, go back or select "No Wi-Fi connection" to get to the initial setup menu again. The system will prompt you to open the app on Android.
A six-digit or ten-digit code will appear on the iPhone screen. Enter it on your Android device. The phones will then begin to create a secure, temporary Wi-Fi network. Confirm your connection to this network on your old phone, even if a warning appears about no Internet access - this is normal, since the connection is local.
After the connection is established, the “Data Transfer” menu will appear on the Android screen. Here you can choose what exactly you want to copy. By default, all items are selected, but you can deselect unnecessary ones. Pay attention to the size of the transferred data, which will be indicated at the bottom of the screen.
Selecting data for transfer and the copying process
The list of data available for transfer includes contacts, message history (SMS), photos and videos from the gallery, email accounts, calendars and even some free applications that can be found in App Store. You can also transfer the contents of the clipboard and settings of some system parameters.
It is important to note that passwords from Wi-Fi networks are not transferred automatically for security reasons; you will have to enter them again or use the sharing function from Apple devices later. Music, books and PDF files also do not migrate through the standard protocol; for them it is better to use a computer or cloud services.
After selecting categories, click "Continue". The copying process will begin. At this stage, it is strictly prohibited:
- 📱 Exit the Move to iOS app on Android.
- 🔕 Turn off the lock screen or switch to other applications.
- ✈️ Turn on airplane mode or interrupt the operation of the Wi-Fi module.
- ⚡ Disconnect devices from the charger.
The waiting time depends on the amount of data. If you have a lot of high-resolution photos, the process may take longer. The progress bar on iPhone will show the estimated time remaining. Don't panic if the time estimate jumps - this is normal if the packet transmission speed is unstable.
Compatibility table of transferred data
Not all data is transferred equally successfully. Below is a table showing what to expect from a standard migration procedure. This will help you plan for manual copying of those items that will be left behind.
| Data type | Moved automatically | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | Yes | Stored to iCloud or SIM |
| Photos and Video | Yes | May lose quality when compressed |
| Messages (SMS/MMS) | Yes | Only text, without attachments |
| WhatsApp chats | Yes (special) | Requires a separate step in the application |
| Wi-Fi passwords | No | You need to enter it manually |
The transfer of chats deserves special attention WhatsApp. To do this, a special code or QR code will appear on your iPhone during the setup process. You will need to scan it with your Android smartphone's camera by launching WhatsApp. This action initiates the creation of a backup in a format that iOS can understand and its subsequent downloading.
Once the transfer is complete, a "Transfer Complete" message will appear on your iPhone. Click "Done" on Android to close the connection. On the new device, the system will continue to download content in the background, application icons will appear on the desktop, but their content may still be loaded for some time.
Setting up Google accounts and services
After the initial setup, you will need access to your data from the Google world. Fortunately, iOS works well with the search giant's services. Log in Settings → Passwords and accounts (or "Mail" in older versions of iOS) and select "Add account".
Select the Google logo and enter your information. The system will offer to synchronize Mail, Contacts, Calendars and Notes. It is recommended to include all points so that your life remains in the same rhythm. Contacts will immediately appear in the phone book, and events will appear in the calendar.
⚠️ Attention: When synchronizing contacts, duplicate entries may occur if you have previously imported them manually. iOS will offer to merge duplicates - agree to clear your address book.
To access files in the cloud, install applications Google Drive, Google Photos and Google Docs. Google Photos it is especially important if you store the original pictures there - the application will allow you to view them in the gallery or upload them to Apple Photos, although the latter will take a lot of time and traffic.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible interrupt the data transfer and continue later?
Unfortunately, no. If the process is interrupted due to low battery or loss of connection, you will have to start over from the beginning. Make sure your devices are securely connected to the network.
Will paid apps be transferred from Android?
No. Applications are purchased separately for each platform. Free apps, if available in the App Store, will be found and offered for download automatically. You will have to buy paid ones again or look for free analogues.
What to do if the iPhone 12 does not see the code from Android?
Check whether Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on on both devices. Sometimes rebooting both phones helps. Also make sure you don't have Data Saver mode or VPN enabled on Android, which could block your local connection.
How much space do you need on iPhone for transfer?
There should be more free space on the iPhone than the amount of data selected for transferring to Android occupies. If there is not enough space, the system will warn you before copying begins.
Is it safe to use Move to iOS?
Yes, the application is created by Apple and uses a secure connection. Data is transferred directly between devices via a local Wi-Fi network and is not sent to third-party servers.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the transition to iPhone 12 is an excellent reason to put things in order in your digital economy. While the transfer is underway, it's time to delete old screenshots, blurry photos and unnecessary videos that are just taking up space. A clean migration will ensure the performance of the new smartphone in the first days of use.
After completing all procedures, do not forget to check the privacy settings in iOS. The Apple system is famous for its strict security standards, and you should immediately set up Face ID, Apple Pay and two-factor authentication for maximum comfort and data protection.