Buying a new phone is always an exciting event, but transferring data from your old device can seem complicated, especially when moving from Android to iPhone. Since these two operating systems are entirely different, it might initially appear to be a time-consuming and complex process. Fortunately, Apple has created a free app called Move to iOS, which helps transfer most of your data from an Android device to a new iPhone quickly and securely. How does it work, and what should you keep in mind? In this guide, we explain step by step how to do it.
Is Your Device Compatible with Move to iOS?
The Move to iOS app works on most devices, but the following conditions must be met:
- Your Android device must be running at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or a newer operating system.
- Your iPhone must be running at least iOS 9 or a newer version.
- Both devices must be connected to Wi-Fi, and your iPhone must have enough free storage to accommodate all transferred data.
- To transfer WhatsApp chats, your iPhone must have at least iOS 15.5, and your Android device must be running Android 5.0 or newer.
If your Android device is very old and the Move to iOS app does not work, you can use alternative methods such as Google Drive backup or transferring data via a computer.
What Can Be Transferred with Move to iOS?
The Move to iOS app allows you to transfer the following data safely and conveniently:
- Contacts
- Messages
- Photos and videos
- Browser bookmarks
- Google accounts
- Calendar events
- WhatsApp chats and media (if supported)
The app does not transfer installed apps, music, or files stored in external services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. These need to be restored manually.
How to Use Move to iOS?
Preparation:
- Connect both devices to chargers to prevent battery drain during the transfer.
- Connect Android and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check that your iPhone has enough free space to accommodate all the transferred files.
- Turn off mobile data on your Android device to avoid connection interruptions.
Step-by-step data transfer:
1. Download Move to iOS app
- Open Google Play Store and search for Move to iOS. Download here
- Install the app and open it on your Android device.
2. Start setting up your iPhone
- Turn on your new iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions.
- When you reach the “Apps & Data” screen, select “Move Data from Android”.
3. Enter the code displayed on the iPhone into your Android device
- Your iPhone will display a six-digit or ten-digit code.
- Enter this code into the Move to iOS app on your Android device.
- Your Android device will connect to the Wi-Fi network created by your iPhone.
4. Select the data you want to transfer
- A list of transferable data will be displayed on your Android device.
- Select everything you need (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).
- Tap “Start Transfer” and wait for the process to complete.
5. Complete the setup and start using your iPhone
- Once the transfer is complete, finish the initial setup of your iPhone.
- Download your apps from the App Store and log into the necessary accounts.
For a detailed guide, check: Apple Support.
Is Move to iOS the Best Solution?
Move to iOS is the easiest and fastest solution for migrating from Android to iPhone, but it may not work on very old Android devices. If your phone is not compatible with the Move to iOS app, you can use these alternative methods:
- Google Drive backup – Save contacts, photos, and calendar data to Google Drive and sign into your iPhone.
- USB and computer transfer – Copy files first to a computer and then to an iPhone using iTunes or Finder.
- WhatsApp’s official transfer method – To transfer WhatsApp chats, follow the official instructions on WhatsApp’s website.
Conclusion
Apple’s Move to iOS app is a quick and convenient way to transfer data from an Android device to an iPhone. If you follow the steps in this guide, you can move most of your data quickly and securely to your new device. However, if Move to iOS does not work, you can use Google Drive, USB transfer, or WhatsApp’s official tool.
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In our next post, we explore how Apple has developed Assistive Access technology to make smart devices more accessible for everyone: “Apple Assistive Access – Technology for Everyone”
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