Transferring Virtual Families Save Data Between Devices: Not Supported—Here's What to Do

Virtual Families (and its sequels) stores save data locally on each device with no cloud sync, no cross-platform transfer, and no official backup/restore tool. Your progress is tied to that specific install on that specific device. Period.

Why It Doesn't Work

• Proprietary Save Format: The game uses a custom binary format not recognized by generic file sync tools.
• No Cloud Integration: Last Day of Work (developer) never implemented Google Play Games, iCloud, or Xbox Live cloud saves for this series.
• Device-Specific Encryption: Saves are often keyed to device ID, install timestamp, or hardware fingerprint—moving the raw file causes the game to reject it as "corrupt" or "invalid."

Unofficial Attempts (Low Success Rate)

• Cloud Sync Apps (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive): Syncing the game's data folder might work on same-OS transfers (Android→Android, iOS→iOS) if the app version matches exactly. Cross-OS (Android→iOS) almost never works.
• File Transfer Apps (SHAREit, Xender, LocalSend): Same limitations—game often detects the moved folder as foreign and resets.
• ADB Backup (Android, rooted): adb backup -f virtualfamilies.ab -apk com.ldw.virtualfamilies then restore on new device. Requires root for full data access; unreliable on Android 12+.
• iTunes/Finder Backup (iOS): Full device backup → restore to new iPhone. Works only if restoring to same iOS version and same app version. Not selective.

Recommendation: Start Fresh

Accept that Virtual Families progress doesn't transfer. Start a new game on the new device. The early game is fast—reaching your previous population/generation takes days, not weeks.

Alternatives With Real Cloud Saves

If seamless device switching matters, play these instead:

• My Time at Portia (Steam Cloud, Xbox Cloud, Switch Cloud)
• Stardew Valley (Steam Cloud, Xbox Cloud, Switch Cloud, mobile manual sync)
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch: Island Backup Service via Nintendo Switch Online)
• The Sims Mobile / FreePlay (EA Account cloud sync)
• Fallout Shelter (Bethesda.net / Xbox Cloud / iCloud / Google Play Games)

Choose cloud-enabled games for the lifestyle you want. Virtual Families isn't one of them.