Data Migration when Switching from a Smartphone with Google Android or iOS to a Volla Phone with Ubuntu Touch
Data Migration when Switching from a Smartphone with Google Android or iOS to a VollaPhone with Ubuntu Touch
Note: This wiki is still under construction and not yet complete.
Data migration refers to the process of transferring data such as contacts, photos, calendar entries, and messages from an old smartphone (based on Android or iOS) to a new VollaPhone running Ubuntu Touch. Ubuntu Touch is a Linux-based operating system for smartphones that focuses on privacy and open source. Unlike Android or iOS, it does not support direct app migration, as apps from the OpenStore must be reinstalled. Depending on the use case, many familiar apps are not available under Ubuntu Touch. Users will need to rely on web applications or, unfortunately, forgo some applications entirely. However, by installing Waydroid, an Android environment can be launched, allowing the use of Android apps. The switch requires manual steps, often using a computer as an intermediary.
This article describes detailed steps for a secure migration. Please note that some data (e.g., app-specific settings) cannot be transferred. Create a backup of your old device beforehand.
Preparation
Before starting the migration, prepare the following:
- Create a backup:
* On Android: Use the built-in backup function (Settings > System > Backup) or apps like Google Drive (if enabled). * On iOS: Create a backup via iTunes or Finder on a Mac/PC.
- Computer as a bridge: A PC running Linux (e.g., Ubuntu), Windows, or macOS is recommended. Install tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for Android transfers or libimobiledevice for iOS.
- Ubuntu Touch on VollaPhone: Ensure that Ubuntu Touch is pre-installed and up to date. Update the system via System Settings.
- Transfer methods: USB cable via PC, USB storage, email, cloud services (e.g., Nextcloud), or messengers.
Required Software
- For Android: ADB (from the Android SDK), file managers like Nautilus, Dolphin, etc. (on Linux).
- For iOS: ifuse and libimobiledevice (on Linux: sudo apt install ifuse libimobiledevice-utils).
- For Ubuntu Touch: Terminal app, SSH server (install from OpenStore).
Migration from Android Devices
Android allows easy exports to standard formats like VCF (contacts) or ICS (calendar). Then transfer the files to the VollaPhone.
Contacts
1. Open the Contacts app on your Android device. 2. Tap the menu (three dots) > Settings > Import/Export > Export to .vcf file. 3. Save the .vcf file (e.g., via USB to the PC). 4. Connect the VollaPhone via USB to the PC (select File Transfer mode). 5. Copy the .vcf file to the folder /home/phablet/Documents on the VollaPhone (via ADB: adb push file.vcf /home/phablet/Documents). 6. On the VollaPhone: Open the Contacts app > Menu > Import > Select the .vcf file.
If you use sync with an account (e.g., Google), configure it in the Ubuntu Touch settings under Online Accounts.<ref>Vorlage:Cite web</ref>
Calendar
1. Open the Calendar app on Android. 2. Menu > Settings > Export (as .ics file). 3. Transfer the file to the VollaPhone as with contacts. 4. In the Calendar app: Menu > Import > Select the .ics file.
For continuous sync: Add your Google or other calendar account in Online Accounts.
Photos and Videos
1. Connect the Android device via USB to the PC (File Transfer mode). 2. Copy the DCIM folder (photos/videos) to the PC. 3. Connect the VollaPhone and copy the files to /home/phablet/Pictures or /home/phablet/Videos (via ADB: adb push /path/to/folder /home/phablet/Pictures). 4. The files will automatically appear in the Gallery app.
Tip: For large amounts, use cloud sync like Nextcloud, which is available on Ubuntu Touch.<ref>Vorlage:Cite web</ref>
Messages (SMS/MMS)
SMS transfer is complex because Ubuntu Touch has no direct import function. 1. Install a backup app like SMS Backup & Restore on Android (from Play Store). 2. Create an XML or CSV backup and transfer it to the PC. 3. On the VollaPhone: Install openssh-server from the OpenStore. 4. Transfer the file via SCP: scp backup.xml phablet@vollaphone-ip:/home/phablet/ (check IP address in Terminal with ip addr show). 5. Manual import: Messages are stored in ~/.local/share/history-service/history.sqlite. Use sqlite3 in the Terminal to insert data (not recommended for beginners – risk of data loss).
Other Data
- Music/Files: Copy folders via USB/SCP to /home/phablet/Music.
- Emails: Configure IMAP accounts in the Dekko2 app.
- Apps: No migration possible. Install equivalents from the OpenStore (e.g., Waydroid for Android apps, under development).
Migration from iOS Devices
iOS is more restrictive; use libimobiledevice on Linux for access.
Contacts
1. Open the Contacts app on iOS > Share > All iCloud > Export (as .vcf via email or iCloud). 2. Alternatively: Sync with iCloud and import into Ubuntu Touch via Online Accounts > iCloud (if supported). 3. Transfer the .vcf file via USB/SCP to the VollaPhone and import as above.
Calendar
Similar: Export as .ics from the Calendar app or iCloud, then import.
Photos and Videos
1. Install on the PC: sudo apt install ifuse libimobiledevice-utils. 2. Connect the iPhone via USB, tap Trust this computer. 3. Mount: ifuse /mnt/iphone. 4. Copy the DCIM folder to the PC. 5. Transfer to VollaPhone as with Android.
Messages (SMS/MMS)
Similar to Android: Extract backup via iTunes (complex), or manually via sqlite. No simple solution; recommended: Migrate new messages via apps like Signal.
Other Data
- Music: Use Rhythmbox on the PC for transfer.
- Emails: IMAP sync in the mail app.
After the Migration
- Check the data in the apps (Contacts, Gallery, Calendar).
- Configure Online Accounts for automatic sync.
- Test calls and SMS.
- Install Waydroid for Android app compatibility (from OpenStore).
Common Problems and Tips
- USB access fails: Enable developer options and USB debugging on Android; trust the PC on iOS.
- Large files: Use SD card, external USB storage, or USB via PC.
- Privacy: Ubuntu Touch stores data locally; avoid Google sync if possible.
- Missing apps: The OpenStore offers alternatives, but many familiar apps are unavailable; alternatively, use Waydroid for legacy apps.
- Tip: Test with a small dataset before migrating everything.