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Making a switch from iPhones to Android devices or vice versa can be a hassle. Apple, however, wants to make it easier for Android users who are looking to move over to iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads, by giving them a new app that will make the change a lot simpler.
The app, called Move to iOS, is a 2.6MB download that is available through the Google Play store, according to a Sept. 16 posting in the store.
“With just a few steps, you can migrate your content automatically and securely from your Android device with the Move to iOS app,” the site states. “No need to save your stuff elsewhere before switching from Android. The Move to iOS app securely transfers all kinds of content for you,” including contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, Web bookmarks, mail accounts and calendars.
“When you choose to migrate your data, your new iPhone or iPad will create a private WiFi network and find your nearby Android device running Move to iOS,” the post continued. “After you enter a security code, it will begin transferring your content and put it in the right places. Just like that. Once your content has been transferred, you’re ready to get going.”
The user’s default email account is also set up through the process.
The Move to iOS app is supported on all phones and tablets running Android 4.0 KitKat and later versions, according to Apple.
A full guided procedure for the transfer is available on Apple’s support site.
Before making the transfer, users are advised to ensure that WiFi is activated on their mobile devices and that both the Android and Apple devices are plugged in to power sources for a glitch-free experience. Users also need to be sure that there is enough capacity on the Apple device to hold the content that is being transferred.
Users who want to transfer their Chrome bookmarks to their new iOS devices must also update to the latest version of Chrome on their Android device to prepare for the transfer, according to Apple.
If all of a device’s content has not been automatically transferred, users can then manually complete any needed transfers, according to Apple.
Once the data transfers are completed, users can go to the Apple App store and download and install any apps they were using on their former Android devices so they can use them on their new Apple devices.
Users must leave both devices alone until the transfers are finished, according to Apple, or the moves won’t be properly completed. “For example, on your Android device, the Move to iOS app should stay on-screen the whole time,” the instructions say. “If you use another app or get a phone call on your Android before the transfer finishes, your content won’t transfer.”
In addition, users must turn off all apps or settings on their Android device that might affect their WiFi connection, according to Apple. “For example, turn off features like the Sprint Connections Optimizer or the Smart Network Switch.”