Smartphone owners who decide to change the platform from Android to iOSare often faced with an unpleasant surprise: their favorite games and, more importantly, the progress made in them do not disappear, but do not appear on the new device. This is due to fundamental differences in operating system architecture, file systems, and security policies between Google and Apple. Direct transfer of the installation file .apk to the iPhone is technically impossible without complex jailbreak manipulations, which are not necessary for the average user and are often not safe.
However, this does not mean that you should start all levels over again. There are several proven methods that allow you to save game progress, purchased currency and achievements when switching to iOS. The key point here is to understand that we are not transferring the app itself, but your data through cloud services or internal developer accounts. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to transfer a game from Android to iPhone using Sharit and other tools, and also explain why directly transferring files via SHAREit will not give the desired result of launching the application.
Why you can’t just transfer the APK file via SHAREit
Many users mistakenly believe that the application SHAREit or its analogues (Zapya, Xender) can copy a running game from one phone to another, regardless of the operating system. In fact, these apps are designed to transfer files, not to convert them cross-platform. When you send a game from Android to iPhone via Wi-Fi Direct or local network, you are transferring an installation package .apkthat physically cannot be executed by the operating system iOS.
System iOS uses a completely different executable file format and has a closed file system that does not allow installing apps from external sources without a developer subscription or a special profile. Even if you manage to miraculously transfer the file to an Apple device, the system simply will not recognize it as an application and will not offer an “Install” button. Cross-platform compatibility there is no file package level in the mobile industry.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to find “APK to APK converters” on the Internet IPA" or modified versions SHAREit for iOS are highly likely to lead to your device being infected with malware or personal data being stolen. There are no official tools for direct conversion. However, transferring the file itself can be useful in rare cases, for example, if you need to transfer the installer version to a friend who has a phone on the same platform. But for migration to
However, passing the file itself can be useful in rare cases, for example if you need to pass the installer Android-versions to a friend who has a phone on the same platform. But for migration to iPhone this method is useless. The only working way is to use cloud synchronization mechanisms, which are provided by the game developers themselves.
Using social network accounts and Google Play
The most common and reliable way to save progress is to link the game to an external account. Most modern online projects, such as Clash of Clans, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact, require or offer authorization through social networks (Facebook, VK), email or gaming services (Google Play Games, Game Center). It is this mechanism that allows you to “transfer” the game, or rather, your progress, to a new device.
The migration process is as follows: on the old smartphone under Android you must make sure that in the game settings you are logged into your account and the progress is saved on the server. Then, having installed the game on iPhone from App Store, you select the option to log in through the same service (for example, “Log in with Facebook”). The server will recognize your profile and load all the data: level, items, currency and settings.
It is important to note the difference between Google Play Games and Apple Game Center. These two systems are not directly related. You can't sign in to your Google Play account on iPhone. Therefore, it is critical that the game supports third-party authentication. If the game is tied exclusively to Google Play Games and does not have the option to log in via Facebook or email, transferring progress to iOS standard methods will not work.
Cross-platform developer accounts
Many large studios are developing their own account systems that work regardless of the platform. This is the most convenient option for those who frequently change devices. Examples of such systems are Supercell ID, MiHoYo Account, Activision Account or Epic Games Account. In this case, your progress is stored on the servers of the developer company, and not in the application store.
To use this method, create an account on the official website of the developer or inside the game on Androiddevice and link your profile to it. After installing the game on iPhone simply select login through the “Developer ID” and enter your data. This method is often the only way to transfer not only progress, but also purchased premium currency, since transactions are also linked to the internal ID.
☑️ Check before changing phone
It is worth considering that in some games there is a separation of servers or currencies. For example, crystals purchased in the Androidversion through Google Play may not appear in the iOSversion due to Apple's commission, although resources earned in the game will be available. This limitation is dictated by the rules of application stores, and not by the desire of the developers.
Cloud saves and platform specifics
Games that use their own cloud saves or synchronization through third-party services deserve special attention. Some projects allow you to create backups locally, but it is impossible to restore them on another OS. However, there are games where progress is stored exclusively in the “cloud” if there is an Internet connection.
In such cases, the transition process is as simple as possible: you simply download the game on a new device and log into your profile. All data is pulled up automatically. Problems may arise with projects that use specific local savess that do not have good synchronization. For such games (most often these are old offline projects or indie games), transferring progress from Android to iOS is almost impossible without the use of complex technical means available only to developers.
Why are currencies sometimes not transferred?
The reason lies in different financial ecosystems. Apple takes a commission from purchases in the App Store, and Google takes a commission from the Play Market. To avoid double commissions or reporting issues, developers often separate premium currency balances, although game progress remains the same.
Also worth mentioning are cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now. If the game is available on these services and supports cross-platform, you can continue playing on iPhone via a browser or service application using the same account as on Android. In this case, the game actually runs on a remote server, and only the video stream is broadcast to the phone.
Comparison of data transfer methods
For clarity, let's look at the main differences between the methods of migrating the gaming experience. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right strategy for preparing for changing your smartphone.
| Method | What is transferred | Complexity | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social networks (FB, VK) | Progress, achievements | Low | Minimum |
| Developer ID | Progress, purchases, settings | Low | Minimum |
| Google Play Games | Only on Android | Not applicable | High (on iOS) |
| Local file (via SHAREit) | Nothing (file incompatible) | High | 100% (does not work) |
As can be seen from the table, attempts to use file managers or SHAREit for direct transfer do not make sense in the launch context games. Success depends solely on the developer’s support for cross-platform accounts.
If you are planning to switch to iPhone, check in advance in the settings of each game that is important to you for the presence of a “Link Device” or “Link Account” button. Take screenshots of the binding codes, if they are provided.
Common problems and ways to solve them
Even if you have an account, users may encounter difficulties. One of the most common problems is a message that the version of the game is iOS newer or older than Android. In this case, synchronization may be blocked until the application on both devices is updated to an identical version.
Another common situation is an account conflict. If you previously played on iPhone and created a new profile, and then decided to log in through your account Android, the system may warn you about overwriting data. Be extremely careful: confirming this operation will delete all progress accumulated on the new device. Always carefully read warnings about merging or replacing profiles.
⚠️ Attention: Game interfaces and login menus are updated frequently. The location of the Login or Link buttons may vary. If you do not find the usual option, check the “Settings” or “Support Center” section inside the game.
Also sometimes there is a problem with time desynchronization. Make sure both devices are set to automatic date and time settings. A time difference of even a few minutes can prevent the correct operation of authorization tokens and synchronization of saves.
Final recommendations for migration
The transition from Android to iPhone is a process that requires care, but it should not deprive you favorite pastime. The main rule: never delete the game from your old device until you are completely sure that your account works on the new one. Having a backup on your old phone is your insurance.
Use only official login methods provided by the developers. Don't trust third-party apps that promise a "magic" save transfer, as they are often tools of scammers. If the game does not support cross-platform, unfortunately, the only option is to start over or use emulators Android on PC if the mobile platform is no longer relevant to you.
Successful game transfer does not depend on the method of transferring files, but on the presence of a single developer account or social network associated with your game profile.
Remember that ecosystems Apple and Google create barriers to protect users, but at the same time to keep them inside their stores. Understanding these mechanisms allows you to bypass restrictions in legal and safe ways, preserving your digital achievements when changing devices.
Is it possible to transfer purchased currency (crystals, gold) from Android to iPhone?
In most cases, no, if the purchase was made recently and linked to the store. However, if the currency has already been spent on items or characters, they will carry over. Some developers allow you to transfer balance, but this is rare. Official currency often “burns out” when changing platforms due to differences in fees from Apple and Google.
Does transferring progress via Bluetooth work?
No, Bluetooth is only used to transfer files or connect peripherals. It cannot convert application data from one operating system to another. Game progress is stored on servers or in protected OS containers, access to which via Bluetooth is prohibited for modification.
What to do if the game requires Google Play Services to run on the iPhone?
This should not happen. The native version of the game for iOS from the App Store does not require Google services to run. If a game requires logging in with a Google account, it means that it only uses it for authorization, and not for system dependencies. If the game does not launch at all without Google Play, it means that the iOS version simply does not exist or it is incompatible with your device.
Is there a app for converting APK to IPA?
No, such apps do not exist in the legal field. APK and IPA are fundamentally different formats with different code structures and signatures. Converting one to another is tantamount to rewriting the app from scratch, which cannot be done automatically by third-party software.