Switching from your Android device, especially a Google Play Store supported tablet, to a new iPhone or iPad can seem daunting. However, Apple provides a seamless solution with the “Move to iOS” app, designed to simplify this transition. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth transfer of your important data.
Get Move to iOS from Google Play
If accessing the Google Play Store on your tablet is not possible, you can find alternative download methods for the Move to iOS app by following these instructions.
Preparing for Your Move
Before initiating the transfer process, a few preliminary steps are crucial for a successful transition from your Google Play Store tablet to your new iOS device:
- Wi-Fi and Power: Ensure both your Android tablet and your new iPhone or iPad have Wi-Fi enabled and are connected to a power source. Maintaining a stable Wi-Fi connection throughout the process is essential.
- Direct Connection (Optional): For a potentially faster transfer, you can use a USB-C cable to directly link your Android tablet and your iPhone. This wired connection can be beneficial for large data transfers.
- Storage Capacity: Verify that your new iOS device has sufficient storage space to accommodate all the content you intend to move from your Android tablet, including data on any external Micro SD card.
- Chrome Bookmarks Update: If you utilize Chrome and wish to transfer your bookmarks, ensure you have the latest version of Chrome installed on your Android tablet.
Initial Setup on Your Apple Device
Begin by turning on your new iPhone or iPad and placing it near your Android tablet.
Follow the on-screen prompts on your Apple device to initiate the setup process.
When you reach the “Quick Start” screen, select “Set Up Without Another [Apple] Device” and proceed with the on-screen instructions. You might be prompted to activate your eSIM during this stage.
Selecting “Move Data from Android”
Navigate through the setup process until you arrive at the “Transfer Your Apps & Data” screen. Here, you will see several options for data transfer. Tap on “From Android” to indicate that you are transferring data from your Google Play Store tablet or other Android device.
(Note: If you have already completed the initial setup, you will need to erase your iOS device and begin again to access this screen. Alternatively, you can opt to transfer your content manually if you prefer not to erase your device.)
Launching and Configuring the Move to iOS App
On your Android tablet, locate and open the “Move to iOS” app. If the app is not already installed, use the QR code button displayed on your new iOS device to scan and access the Google Play Store for downloading the app.
To set up the Move to iOS app on your Android tablet:
- Tap “Continue” to proceed.
- Review the terms and conditions presented, and tap “Agree” to accept and continue.
- Choose your preference for app data sharing with Apple by tapping either “Automatically Send” or “Don’t Send”.
- Tap “Continue” and grant Location permissions if prompted.
- Tap “Continue” and enable Notification permissions if necessary.
If you are using a USB-C cable to connect your devices, you may encounter a pop-up on your Android tablet requiring you to adjust USB settings before the Move to iOS app can initiate the transfer.
Obtaining the Code from Your iOS Device
On your iPhone or iPad, once you have selected “Move from Android,” tap “Continue.” Await the appearance of a ten-digit or six-digit code on the screen. Should your Android tablet display a weak internet connection alert, this can typically be ignored.
(If you do not receive a six-digit code, refer to these instructions to reset your device and generate a new code.)
Entering the Code on Your Android Tablet
Enter the displayed code from your iOS device into the Move to iOS app on your Android tablet. This code securely connects the two devices for the data transfer process.
Joining the Temporary Wi-Fi Network
Your iPhone or iPad will now establish a temporary Wi-Fi network. When prompted on your Android tablet, tap “Connect” to join this network. Wait for the “Transfer Data” screen to appear on your Android tablet, indicating the connection is successful and the transfer process is ready to begin.
Selecting Content and Initiating Transfer
On your Android tablet, you will be presented with a list of content categories to transfer. Select the data you wish to move to your iOS device, ranging from contacts and messages to photos, videos, and more. Tap “Continue” to proceed with your selected content.
Even if your Android tablet indicates that the transfer is complete, it is crucial to leave both devices undisturbed until the loading bar on your iOS device fully progresses. Maintain proximity between the devices and keep them connected to power throughout the transfer. The duration of the transfer will vary depending on the volume of data being moved.
The Move to iOS app facilitates the transfer of the following: contacts, message history, SMS messages, camera photos and videos, photo albums, files and folders, accessibility settings, display settings, web bookmarks, mail accounts, WhatsApp messages and media, Voice Memos, call history, and calendars. Furthermore, compatible free apps available on both the Google Play Store and the App Store will also be transferred. After the process is complete, you can download any matched free apps from the App Store directly on your iOS device.
Transferring Your Phone Number and SIM/eSIM
As part of the transition from your Google Play Store tablet (if applicable) and your associated phone number, you can activate your phone number and SIM or eSIM on your new iPhone or iPad. You may be redirected to your carrier’s website to finalize this activation process, ensuring seamless cellular service on your new device.
Completing Setup on Your iOS Device
Once the loading bar on your iPhone or iPad is complete, tap “Done” on your Android tablet. Then, tap “Continue” on your iOS device and follow the remaining on-screen steps to finalize the setup of your iOS device.
Finalizing the Transfer
After the setup is complete, verify that all your intended content has been successfully transferred to your new iPhone or iPad. Note that music, books, and PDF files need to be transferred manually as they are not included in the automated Move to iOS transfer.
To reinstall apps that were on your Android tablet but not automatically transferred, visit the App Store on your iOS device and download them.
Troubleshooting Transfer Issues
- Device Disturbance: Ensure both devices remain idle and unlocked until the transfer is fully completed. The Move to iOS app should remain in the foreground on your Android tablet throughout the process. Switching apps or answering calls on your Android device can interrupt the transfer.
- Wi-Fi Interference: On your Android tablet, disable any apps or settings that might interfere with the Wi-Fi connection, such as Sprint Connections Optimizer or Smart Network Switch. In Wi-Fi settings, forget known networks and retry the transfer.
- Device Restart: Restart both your Android tablet and your iOS device and attempt the transfer again.
- Cellular Data: Temporarily turn off cellular data on your Android tablet before restarting the transfer process.
Post-Transfer Assistance
Need Further Assistance?
For additional help or specific issues encountered during the transfer process, Apple support offers resources and personalized suggestions.
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(Disclaimer: Information regarding non-Apple products and websites is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Apple.)
