Switching from one operating system to another is always stressful for the user due to the fear of losing important contacts, photos and correspondence history. However, Apple has developed a special solution that makes this process as automated and safe as possible for the device owner. Many users are wondering where exactly the parameter is transfer data from Android in the interface of a new smartphone, since the standard iOS settings menu may seem unusual after the flexible Android system.
The key tool in this procedure is the built-in application Move to iOSwhich is not needed download to iPhone, since it is already integrated into the system. On the device under control Android you need to download the appropriate utility from the store Google Playto initiate the connection. It is important to understand that searching for the desired menu item is possible only at the stage of initial activation of the new gadget, when you see the welcome screens.
If you have already gone through the initial setup and got to the desktop with application icons, you will not be able to find this option in the standard settings menu. In such a situation, the only way out is to completely reset the device to factory settings or use cloud services and third-party computer apps to migrate content. Next, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, possible pitfalls and technical nuances of the process.
Initial activation stage and search for a parameter
The desired parameter appears on the screen of your new iPhone only in one specific scenario - during the initial setup of the device from the out-of-the-box state. When you turn on your smartphone for the first time, the system prompts you to select your language and region, and then connect to a Wi-Fi network. Immediately after successfully connecting to the Internet, the “Quick Start” screen appears, where the system prompts you to set up a new device using your old iPhone.
However, since you have a device based on Android, you need to skip this step or select the setup option manually. Next, the system will offer to set up Face ID or Touch ID and create a passcode. Only after these steps will you be taken to the Apps & Data screen. This is where the treasured point is located Transfer data from Android. Clicking on this button starts the generation of a special code on the iPhone screen, which must be entered on the donor device.
⚠️ Attention: If you have already set up an iPhone and are using it, the “Transfer data from Android” option will disappear from the menu. To reappear, you will need to perform a complete reset of the content and settings through the menu Settings → General → Reset.
Do not panic if you accidentally missed this screen or clicked “Do not transfer”. The iOS interface is logical, but requires care in the first stages. Make sure both devices are charged at least 50% or connected to a power source, as the transfer process can take from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the amount of information.
Preparing an Android device for migration
Before entering the code on the device Android, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory steps to ensure the stability of the connection. First, make sure that the app is installed on your Android smartphone. It can be found in the official store Move to iOS. It can be found in the official store Google Playby entering the name in the search. Downloading and installing takes a few seconds, but without this application the data transfer protocol will not start.
Secondly, it is critical to turn off mobile data on your Android device. The app creates a direct, secure Wi-Fi network between the two phones, and if Android tries to switch to mobile data or another network, the connection will be dropped. It is also recommended to temporarily disable any antiviruses or firewalls that may block the creation of a local network between devices.
Thirdly, close all running applications on Android, except for the migration utility. Background processes can consume CPU and RAM resources, causing the transfer process to hang. Open the application Move to iOS, accept the terms of the agreement and click “Continue” on the screen with a warning about networks.
☑️ Android is ready for transfer
Technical requirements and version compatibility
For the data transfer function to work successfully, certain technical requirements for the software of both devices must be met. On the Apple side, the device must run iOS 9 or later, which is relevant for the vast majority of modern models, starting from iPhone 4s. However, for all functions to work correctly, including transferring WhatsApp message history, it is recommended to use iOS 15.4 or later.
On the Android side, the requirements are also quite democratic: the operating system version must be at least 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). However, on very old devices with little RAM, the process may be unstable. Below is a table of compatibility and supported content for different system versions.
| Data type | iOS 9-14 | iOS 15 and later | Required on Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contacts and calendar | Supported | Supported | Android 4.0+ |
| Photos and videos | Supported | Supported | Gallery access |
| Messages WhatsApp | Not supported | Supported | Android 5.0+, WhatsApp v2.22.7.74+ |
| Google accounts | Supported | Supported | Having an account |
Please note that support for transferring chat history WhatsApp appeared relatively recently. If you have an older version of iOS, your messages won't transfer even if you meet all other conditions. In this case, you will have to look for third-party solutions or update your device to the latest version of the system, if your phone model allows it.
What to do if WhatsApp is not transferred?
Make sure iOS 15.4 or later is installed on your iPhone. On Android, the version of WhatsApp must be updated to the latest one available on Google Play. Before starting the transfer, create a backup copy of the chats in the settings of the messenger itself on Android, although for direct transfer via cable or Wi-Fi this is not always necessary, but serves as insurance.
Step-by-step guide for connecting devices
After you have found the parameter Transfer data from Android on the iPhone screen and clicked on it, the display will appear six or ten digit code. This code must be entered into the appropriate field in the application on the device Android. After entering the code, the iPhone will create a temporary, secure Wi-Fi network, which Android will offer to connect to.
Click “Connect” on the Android smartphone screen. Wait until the Data Migration screen appears, prompting you to select the content to migrate. You can check boxes for contacts, message history, photos, videos, web bookmarks, email accounts, and calendars. Do not select unnecessary things if you want to speed up the process; for example, you can transfer only contacts and photos, and install applications again manually.
After selecting the data, click “Continue” and leave both devices unattended until the process is completed. Do not unlock screens, open other applications, or interrupt connections. Even if Android displays a message that the process is complete, do not touch the devices until the loading indicator on the iPhone is completely full.
⚠️ Warning: While data is being transferred, the Android screen may go blank or show a weak connection error. Ignore these messages and do not click the cancel buttons, otherwise the process will have to start again.
If you have a lot of photos (more than 50 GB), the process may take several hours. It is best to start the transfer overnight by putting both phones on charge and placing them next to each other.
Solving common connection errors
Despite the simplicity of the algorithm, users often encounter errors such as “Unable to connect” or being stuck at the verification stage. Most often, the problem lies in the fact that the device Android has the “Smart Network Change” mode or a similar function active, which automatically switches the device to the mobile data if there is no access to the global network through the created iPhone hotspot.
To fix this, go to the Wi-Fi settings on Android, find the network created by the iPhone, and in its properties select “Do not switch” to mobile network" or simply turn off mobile data completely. Rebooting both devices before trying again also helps. Make sure you don't have Do Not Disturb turned on on your iPhone, which can sometimes block system connection notifications.
Another common cause of failures is outdated software. Check for updates for the Android system and application Move to iOS. If the problem persists, try uninstalling the app on Android, clearing the Google Play store cache and installing the utility again. In rare cases, changing the name of the Android device to a simpler one, without special characters, helps.
90% of data transfer errors are associated with automatic switching of Android to the mobile data. Completely turning off mobile data before starting the process will ensure a stable connection.
What to do after the transfer is complete
When the loading indicator on the iPhone screen reaches the end, the device will prompt you to complete the setup. After that, your contacts, photos and calendars will appear in the corresponding applications. However, it is worth remembering that the applications themselves (icons) are not physically transferred. iPhone will show a list of free analogues from App Storethat were installed on your Android and will offer to download them.
Paid applications and games will have to be purchased again, since Google Play and App Store licenses are not compatible with each other. You will also need to sign in to your social networking and banking app accounts again, as security considerations prevent you from transferring session tokens and passwords directly.
It is recommended that you check that you have all your photos in the Photos app and your contacts in your Phone Book. Sometimes video files may take longer to transfer than photos and will appear in the gallery some time after syncing with iCloud. If some data is missing, check to see if your new iPhone has run out of space during the transfer process.
Can I transfer data if I have already set up my iPhone?
No, the built-in feature is only available during the initial setup phase. You will have to perform a reset via Settings → General → Reset → Erase content and settingsto return to the welcome screen and start the transfer again.
Are passwords from Wi-Fi networks transferred?
Passwords from Wi-Fi networks are not automatically transferred through the Move to iOS utility. You'll have to re-enter them when you connect to networks, but passwords saved in your iCloud Keychain (if you've used them on another Apple device) may sync later.
How long does it take to transfer 100 GB of data?
The time depends on how quickly the temporary network is created and the number of small files. On average, transferring 100 GB can take from 1 to 3 hours. It is recommended not to interrupt the process and keep the devices nearby.
What to do with the Move to iOS application after the transfer?
After successful completion of the migration, the app on Android is no longer needed. You can remove it to free up space. On the iPhone, no separate application is installed, all logic is built into the system.