Unexpected “Move to iOS” folder and home screen background issue on iPhone XR

I have a random empty folder in my files app called “Move to iOS” that was created a month ago, and after researching, it appears that this folder gets created when data is transferred to an iOS device from an Android. The issue is that I have never attempted to transfer any data from an Android to my phone. In addition, after updating to iOS 18 and even after updating to iOS 18.2.1, my phone’s home screen background turns black whenever my phone dies and I turn it back on, and it only resets to my actual home screen background image after a manual restart. I have read that other people have had this issue when updating to previous versions of iOS, but I am still a little concerned. Could these issues be connected, and could either mean that my phone has been hacked or that it has been infected with a virus/malware? My phone is an iPhone XR, and I am not sure if the “Move to iOS” folder appeared in my files app before or after I updated to iOS 18. If anyone knows more and is able to provide some insight into these issues, thank you in advance, and I really appreciate it!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone XR, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 9, 2025 11:21 PM

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2 replies

Jan 12, 2025 1:28 AM in response to User7779

User7779 wrote:

could either mean that my phone has been hacked or that it has been infected with a virus/malware? My phone is an iPhone XR,

If you feel an unauthorized person/app is remotely using, controlling or monitoring your device, then that is possible only if you have done one or more of the following Don'ts...


  1. Don't hand over an iPhone to kids or to a stranger without Enabling Guided Access
  2. Don't share Apple IDs
  3. Don't Jailbreak
  4. Don't share sensitive information pertaining to your device
  5. Don't give in to Phishing
  6. Don't plug in your device in Airports and Public places through third-party cables and trust the device. Beware of Juice Jacking. (Especially in India)
  7. Don't leave your iPhone unlocked and unattended in public places like offices, schools, malls, etc.


If one of the above is true then quickly change the Apple ID Password and Return iPhone settings to their defaults.



Keep the iPhone updated to the latest iOS always and never Jailbreak. That's it.


iOS / iPadOS devices cannot be hacked or infected with Virus / Malware / Spyware *** unless you have intentionally downloaded spurious software or unauthorized apps directly from the internet and installed them on your device or/and have Jailbroken


It (Hacking) also depends on how careful you are in sharing sensitive and valuable information pertaining to your iPhone such as Passcode, Password, etc with your friends and family members.


Be judicious when sharing the device's sensitive and valuable information with friends and family members.



**The primary reason for this is Sandboxing. All third-party apps are “sandboxed”, so they are restricted from accessing files stored by other apps or from making changes to the device. Sandboxing is designed to prevent apps from gathering or modifying information stored by other apps.


Security of runtime process in iOS and iPadOS - Apple Support



The sandbox on an iPhone is a security feature that creates a restricted environment for each app to run in isolation from other apps and the operating system. It is a core component of iOS's security architecture and plays a crucial role in making iPhones more secure.



If you doubt the authenticity of the information provided earlier, you have two alternatives:

  1. Report the hacking incident to local law enforcement authorities and actively pursue the case.
  2. Accept the credibility of the information; it is impervious to hacking. Just as some individuals hold unconventional beliefs, such as a flat Earth or moon landing denial, one has the freedom to believe in anything. The choice ultimately rests with you in this open and free world.




Jan 12, 2025 1:33 AM in response to User7779

User7779 wrote:

I have a random empty folder in my files app called “Move to iOS” that was created a month ago, and after researching, it appears that this folder gets created when data is transferred to an iOS device from an Android. The issue is that I have never attempted to transfer any data from an Android to my phone.


Maybe a previuous owner may have used "Move to iOS"


You can safely delete the "Move to iOS" folder and its contents on your new iPhone. The "Move to iOS" app is specifically designed to transfer data from an old Android device to a new iPhone during the initial setup process. Once the data transfer is complete, the folder and its files become unnecessary, and you can remove them without any issues.


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Unexpected “Move to iOS” folder and home screen background issue on iPhone XR

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