Changing an operating system always causes mixed feelings: on the one hand, you want to quickly try out new features of the Apple ecosystem, on the other hand, the prospect of losing important contacts, photos and correspondence is frightening. Many users mistakenly believe that the migration process is complicated and requires contacting service centers. In fact, Apple engineers have provided a built-in tool that makes this transition as seamless as possible.
The central element of the entire procedure is the application Move to iOS. It is with its help that information is transferred directly over a Wi-Fi network between devices. You don't need cloud storage, computers or third-party apps. The main thing is to know in which menu of the new smartphone to look for the function to launch this process, so as not to get confused in the initial stages of setup.
In this article we will analyze in detail where exactly you need to go in the interface iPhoneto activate the data reception mode. We will look at preparing both gadgets, typical connection errors and the nuances of transferring various types of content, from calendars to instant messenger messages.
Preparing devices before starting migration
Before looking for the desired menu in the settings, you need to make sure that both devices are ready for use. This is a critical step, since an unstable connection can interrupt the process at the most critical moment. Make sure your device is based Android connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Also check the battery level. The transfer process can take from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of data. If the battery is low, connect both smartphones to power sources. This ensures that none of the devices turn off in the middle of an operation.
Particular attention should be paid to free space. The new iPhone should have enough memory to accommodate all the files from the old phone. If you plan to transfer terabytes of video, and the new device only has 64 GB, the process will fail or only partially start.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to use mobile data to transfer data. The connection speed may be insufficient, and the traffic may be quickly exhausted. Use only a stable Wi-Fi network or a direct connection created by the iPhone itself.
On your Android device, close all unnecessary applications that may interfere with background processes. In particular, apps that optimize memory or block network connections can interrupt communication with a new Apple gadget.
Finding the transfer function in the iPhone settings
Many users get lost trying to find a separate import application immediately after turning on the phone. It is important to understand: the transfer function is built directly into the initial system setup wizard iOS. You will not find it in the Settings menu of an already configured phone without a full reset.
To get to the desired section, turn on your new iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts until you select your language and region. Next, you will see the Quick Start screen. If you have another iPhone or iPad with iOS 11 or later, you can bring it close, but in our case we choose the manual setup option.
Follow the instructions until the screen called "Applications and data" (Apps & Data) appears. This is where the point we need is located. In the list of options, you must select Transfer data from Android (Move Data from Android).
After clicking this button, the system will generate a special ten-digit or six-digit code. This code will need to be entered on your Android device. At this moment, the iPhone screen will wait for a connection, creating a temporary Wi-Fi network for transferring files.
What to do if you have already set up your iPhone?
If you have already gone through the initial setup stage and see a desktop with icons, the “Transfer data from Android” function will not be available in the menu. You will have to perform a hard reset of the device (Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Erase content and settings) to return to the welcome screen and reactivate the migration.
Installing and launching the app on Android
While the iPhone is generating the code, pick up your powered device Android. If you do not yet have the application Move to iOSinstalled, you need to download it. It is available in the official Google Play Market.
Run the downloaded application and accept the terms of the license agreement. Click the "Continue" button, after which the system will ask you to provide permissions to access contacts, call history, messages and media files. Without granting these permissions, the transfer will not be possible.
In the next step, the application will ask you to enter a code that is displayed on the screen of your new iPhone. Enter the numbers carefully. Once confirmed, the devices will begin to establish a secure connection.
- 📱 Make sure that Data Saver mode is turned off on Android, as it may block the transfer of large files.
- 🔒 Do not minimize the Move to iOS app on Android, even if you receive an incoming call.
- 📶 Leave the screens of both devices turned on and do not block them until the process is complete.
After a successful connection, the “Data Transfer” menu will appear on the iPhone screen. Here you can choose what you want to see on your new device.
Selecting data types to transfer
The data selection interface is intuitive, but it’s worth figuring out what exactly can be moved and what will require additional actions. The system will offer you checkboxes next to various content categories.
You can choose to transfer contacts, message history, photos and videos from the gallery, web bookmarks, email accounts and calendars. There is also an option to transfer some free applications that are available in both the App Store and Google Play.
It is important to note that paid applications are not transferred automatically. You will have to purchase them again from the Apple store. In addition, data inside applications (for example, progress in games or cache of instant messengers) may not be transferred if the developer did not provide such an option.
☑️ Checklist before clicking “Continue”
The transfer of WhatsApp messages deserves special attention. The latest versions of the Move to iOS app now include support for WhatsApp chats. However, this requires the latest versions of the application on both devices.
Transfer process and waiting time
After you have selected all the necessary items and clicked “Continue” on your Android device, the direct data transfer will begin. A progress indicator will appear on the iPhone screen in the form of a loading bar.
The waiting time directly depends on the amount of information. A small set of contacts and photos will take a few minutes. If you are transferring tens of gigabytes of video archive, the process may take an hour or more.
Important: even if the indicator on Android shows that the process is complete, do not touch the device. Wait until the download bar on your iPhone is also full. Only after this can you proceed to the next setup step.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring low battery notifications or incoming calls may cause your connection to drop. If the connection is interrupted, you will have to start the transfer process from the very beginning, deleting all already copied data from the iPhone.
During the transfer, device screens may become slightly warm - this is normal when Wi-Fi modules and processors are actively operating. Don't be alarmed if your device feels warm to the touch.
Completing setup and installing applications
When the loading bar on the iPhone reaches 100%, press the “Done” button on your Android device. After that, follow the rest of the instructions on the iPhone screen to complete the setup of Face ID, Siri and other system functions.
The system will automatically prompt you to download the applications that you used on Android and that are available in the App Store. This process will happen in the background once you reach your desktop.
Check that all important data is present. Open the Photos, Contacts, and Messages app to make sure the information is displayed correctly. Sometimes photos may be downloaded gradually from iCloud if you have enabled this option.
If some applications are not installed automatically, go to the App Store and download them manually. Make sure you are using the same Apple ID that you plan to use forever.
Solving common problems
Despite the smooth process, sometimes users encounter difficulties. The most common problem is connection error or endless waiting. The table below shows the main symptoms and ways to solve them.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Code not accepted | Unstable Wi-Fi or input failure | Restart both devices and try entering the code again |
| Transfer stuck at 90% | Lack of space or large file | Wait until it finishes interrupting the process; check free space |
| The application closes on Android | Conflict with other apps | Close all background applications on Android before launching Move to iOS |
| WhatsApp messages are missing | Outdated application version | Update WhatsApp on both devices to the latest version |
If the error repeats many times, try disabling any VPN services or antiviruses on Android that can filter network traffic. Also make sure that Do Not Disturb mode is not activated on your iPhone, which sometimes blocks system requests.
The success of data transfer depends 90% on the stability of the connection and the absence of interruptions in the operation of applications on the Android side. Patience and consistency of actions are the main keys to success.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I transfer data if my iPhone is already set up?
No, the “Transfer data from Android” function is only available during the initial setup phase. If the phone is already activated and you can see the desktop, you will need to perform a hard reset through the General menu to return to the Welcome screen.
Are account passwords transferred?
Passwords from most applications are not transferred for security reasons. You will have to enter them again. However, passwords from mailboxes and some Wi-Fi network settings can be transferred automatically.
What to do if the transfer is interrupted halfway?
You need to erase all data from the iPhone (reset to factory settings) and start the setup process again. Partially transferred data is not saved and may cause conflicts in the system.
Can I use a cable for transfer?
The official Move to iOS method uses a wireless Wi-Fi connection. The use of cables (even with Lightning-USB adapters) for direct data migration through this application is not provided for in Apple's instructions.
How long does it take to transfer 50 GB of data?
On average, transferring 50 GB of data takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the speed of Wi-Fi modules in specific smartphone models and the number of small ones files.