Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone can be exciting but also nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to moving all your data over. Thankfully, Apple provides a handy tool called Move to iOS that allows you to easily transfer your contacts, messages, photos, videos, browser bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, and more from your Android phone to your new iPhone.
What is Move to iOS?
Move to iOS is an official Apple app available on the Google Play Store. It allows you to wirelessly transfer data from your Android device to your new iPhone during setup. Move to iOS securely transfers your data over a direct peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection between the two devices.
What data can be transferred using Move to iOS?
Here is a list of data that can be transferred from your Android device to your new iPhone using Move to iOS:
- Contacts – Move all your contacts from your Android phone to your new iPhone.
- Message History – Transfer your entire text message history from your Android device to your new iPhone.
- Calendar Events – Move all your calendar events, appointments and reminders.
- Photos and Videos – Transfer all your photos and videos to your new iPhone.
- Web Bookmarks – Migrate your webbrowser bookmarks from your Android browser to Safari on your iPhone.
- Mail Accounts – Transfer your email accounts and contacts from Gmail and other mail apps.
- Apps – Download free App Store apps that you were using on your Android device.
In addition to the above data, Move to iOS also transfers your wallpapers, settings (like WiFi passwords and ringtones), documents, message attachments, and more over to your new iPhone.
Requirements for using Move to iOS
To use Move to iOS to transfer data from your Android device, you need:
- The Android device must be running Android 4.0 or later.
- The iPhone must be an iPhone 5 or later model running iOS 12.0 or later.
- Both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- The devices need to be within close range of each other.
- Location Services needs to be enabled on the Android device.
- You need a Lightning to USB cable to connect the iPhone to power.
As long as your devices meet these requirements, you’ll be able to use Move to iOS to transfer your data over from your Android device to your new iPhone.
Step-by-Step Guide to use Move to iOS
Follow these steps to smoothly transfer your data from your Android device to your new iPhone using Move to iOS:
Step 1: Download Move to iOS on your Android device
Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for “Move to iOS”. Download and install the Move to iOS app by Apple. The app icon looks like a white phone arrow on a blue background.
Step 2: Start setup process on new iPhone
Turn on your new iPhone and follow the on-screen setup prompts until you reach the Apps & Data screen. This screen gives you the option to transfer data directly from an Android device. Select the “Move Data from Android” option.
Step 3: Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network
Make sure both your Android device and new iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This allows Move to iOS to transfer data between the devices wirelessly.
Step 4: Pair the devices
On the Android device, open Move to iOS. It will prompt you to scan a code on your iPhone. Go to the Move from Android screen on your iPhone and point your camera at the QR code presented on the Android device. This will pair up both devices.
Step 5: Select data to transfer
On your Android device, you will see a list of data categories that can be transferred. Select the data you want to move from your Android device to your new iPhone. Tap Continue.
Step 6: Wait for data transfer to complete
Wait patiently while Move to iOS transfers your selected data from the Android device to your new iPhone over the Wi-Fi connection. Do not disconnect the devices during this process.
Step 7: Install free iOS versions of Android apps
On your iPhone’s Apps & Data screen, you’ll see a list of suggested apps that are the iOS alternative to Android apps on your old device. Select the apps you wish to download from the App Store.
FAQs about Move to iOS
Is Move to iOS safe to use?
Yes, Move to iOS is completely safe to use. It uses direct wireless transfer with end-to-end encryption to ensure all your data is transferred securely without exposing it to the internet. Apple also does not collect or store any data from your transfer.
Does Move to iOS transfer everything from my Android?
No, Move to iOS only transfers select data like your contacts, messages, photos, videos, bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, and apps. It does not transfer your entire Android system and settings.
Can I transfer data from iPhone to Android with Move to iOS?
No, Move to iOS can only transfer data from an Android device to an iPhone. To transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device, you’ll need to use a separate app like Apple’s Move to iOS.
Will my data be deleted from my Android phone?
No, Move to iOS only copies your data to the iPhone. Nothing is deleted from your Android device during the transfer process.
Does Move to iOS work between any Android and iPhone?
No, Move to iOS has certain system requirements. The Android phone needs to be running Android 4.0 or later. The iPhone needs to be an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 12.0 or later. Earlier models are not supported.
Can I transfer paid apps from Android to iPhone?
No, Move to iOS can only transfer your free Android apps that have an equivalent iOS version available. Paid apps will need to be redownloaded from the App Store on your iPhone.
Pros and Cons of Move to iOS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Easy, wireless transfer process | – Cannot transfer paid apps |
| – Transfers many different data types | – Does not transfer entire Android system |
| – Encrypted and secure transfer | – Older devices not supported |
| – Free official app from Apple | – Requires devices to be on same Wi-Fi network |
| – Preserves data on Android device | – Slower than wired transfer methods |
Summary
Move to iOS provides a simple way to wirelessly transfer your data like contacts, messages, photos, apps, and more from an Android device to a new iPhone. It uses direct peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection between the devices to encrypt and securely transfer data without exposing it to the internet or storing it on external servers. Overall, Move to iOS eliminates much of the hassle involved in switching from Android to iPhone.