How to move from Android to iPhone without the Move to iOS app

For years, moving from Android to iPhone meant installing an app on your old phone. It worked, but it was also where most of the problems started, with codes that did not appear and transfers that stalled. Apple's current page on moving from Android describes a second way that skips the app. It needs a newer version of Android, and it uses a QR code instead of the Move to iOS app. If your Android phone runs Android 17 or later, this is the simpler route. This guide covers who can use it, the exact steps, what you can choose to move, what to do if the QR code will not scan, and when the app is still the better choice.

Who can transfer without the Move to iOS app?

Apple says the option needs a compatible Android device running Android 17 or later. The page also tells you to check with your phone's maker about support for eSIM and data transfer, because the feature depends on the Android side as well. To see your version on most Android phones, open Settings, tap About phone, and look for Android version. On some phones the menu is called About device or System. If it says a version lower than 17, use the Move to iOS app instead.

Before you start

• Charge both phones, or plug them in. A long transfer on a low battery can fail.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on the Android phone, as Apple recommends for the app method too.
• Check that your content will fit on the new iPhone, including anything on an SD card.
• Have your Google account and Apple Account details ready for setup.
• Put the two phones side by side, because the QR code step needs the Android camera to see the iPhone screen.

How to move to iPhone without the app

This is Option 2 on Apple's page. Start with the new iPhone on its setup screens. If the iPhone is already set up, Apple says you will have to erase it and start over, or transfer the content by hand.

What if the QR code will not scan?

Apple gives a manual way to pair the two phones. It uses a session ID and a pairing code that the iPhone shows you.

What can you move without the app?

Apple's steps for this method list photos, contacts, calendars, call history and messages as the data you can select on Android. The Move to iOS app has a longer list, covering things such as bookmarks, mail accounts, files, accessibility settings and WhatsApp content. If you need something that the QR method does not offer, you can still add it later by hand, or use the app. For apps, music, books and PDFs, Apple says they are not moved automatically, so plan to download apps again from the App Store.

App or no app: which is better?

If your phone qualifies, the QR method has fewer moving parts. If you need the longer list of content, or your Android version is older, use the app, and keep our guide on fixing Move to iOS handy.

Why would you pick the QR code method?

The older method needs an app on the Android phone, a code from the iPhone, and a temporary Wi-Fi network that the two phones must stay on. Each of those is a place where things can go wrong. The QR code method replaces the app and the code with one scan. You still keep the phones close, plugged in and unlocked, but there is one less thing to install and one less screen to fail. It is also built into Android 17, which means no search in the Play Store and no permission pop-ups for the app. If you have the choice, try this method first, and fall back to the app if your phone does not offer it.

What to check before you wipe the Android phone

• Open the iPhone and look through contacts, photos, calendars and messages to confirm they arrived.
• Move two-factor codes and authenticator apps first, because they are tied to the old phone.
• Sign out of apps that limit the number of devices, such as banking and streaming apps.
• Download the iPhone versions of the apps you use, and sign in to each one.
• Keep the Android phone for a week, in case something is missing. Do not reset it until you are sure, since a reset cannot be undone.

What happens to your old phone and your data?

Your Android phone keeps its data. The transfer copies what you choose and does not erase anything. Wait until you have checked that photos, contacts and messages arrived on the iPhone before you reset or sell the old phone. If you plan to sell it, back up first, and see our guide on how to sell an Android phone for the safe steps.

What to do after the transfer

• Download your apps from the App Store, because they are not copied across.
• Move music, books and PDFs by hand if you want them.
• Sign in to Messages and check that your number works, and contact your carrier if it does not.
• Set up Face ID, Apple Pay and iCloud backup, which our guide on finishing iPhone setup covers.
• Keep your old SIM or eSIM until you confirm that calls and texts work on the iPhone.

What if the transfer stalls or fails?

Keep both phones close, plugged in and unlocked, and avoid using the Android phone for anything else while it runs. Restart both and try again. If the QR code fails more than once, switch to the manual pairing steps above. If the transfer fails again, use the Move to iOS app, and follow the fixes in our guide for when it is not working. Apple's page is the authority here, so if its steps change, follow Apple's version. Menus on Android can also change with each maker and update, so take a screenshot of any screen you are unsure about.