Switching from iPhone to Android: a complete guide

Switching from iPhone to Android can be exciting. You get access to a new ecosystem with different possibilities and more choice in devices. But the thought of moving all your photos, contacts, messages and apps can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, transferring your data is much easier today than it used to be. With the right tools and preparation, you can take all your important data with you to your new Android phone. In this guide we walk you through the whole process step by step.

What can and can't you bring with you?

Before you start, it helps to know which data you can transfer:

Can be transferred:

  • Contacts
  • Photos and videos
  • Calendar appointments
  • Music (non-DRM protected)
  • Documents and files
  • WhatsApp chats (with the right method)
  • Email accounts and settings
  • Bookmarks

Cannot be transferred:

  • Apps purchased from the App Store (you have to buy them again in the Play Store)
  • iMessage history (regular text messages do transfer)
  • Apple-specific apps and data (FaceTime, Apple Music playlists)
  • In-app purchases from iOS apps
  • iCloud Keychain passwords (you have to export them manually)

Preparation: before you start

Good preparation makes for a smooth switch. Take the time for these steps before you unbox your new Android phone.

Step 1: Back up your iPhone

Make sure all your data is safely stored.

  1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi
  2. Go to Settings > [Your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
  3. Tap Back Up Now
  4. Wait until the backup is complete

Step 2: Check your iCloud sync

Make sure everything is synced with iCloud:

  1. Go to Settings > [Your name] > iCloud
  2. Check that Contacts, Calendars and Photos are turned on
  3. Wait until everything is synced

Step 3: Write down important information

Write down the following or store it somewhere safe:

  • Wi-Fi passwords
  • App logins you haven't saved
  • Two-factor authentication codes (important!)
  • Apple ID password

Step 4: Prepare two-factor authentication

If you use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy for two-factor authentication, make sure you keep access:

  • Export your authentication codes to your new phone
  • Or temporarily switch to SMS verification
  • Write down the backup codes for important accounts

Method 1: Google's Switch to Android app

Google offers an official app to make switching easier. This is the most complete method.

Step 1: Download the app on your iPhone

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone
  2. Search for Switch to Android by Google
  3. Download and install the app

Step 2: Start the transfer

  1. Turn on your new Android phone and start the setup wizard
  2. When asked whether you want to copy data, choose Yes
  3. Select iPhone as your previous phone
  4. Open the Switch to Android app on your iPhone
  5. Scan the QR code shown on your Android

Step 3: Select what you want to transfer

  1. Choose which data you want to transfer:
    • Contacts
    • Calendar events
    • Photos and videos
    • Music (non-DRM)
  2. Wait until the transfer is complete
  3. This can take a while, depending on the amount of data

Step 4: Sign in to your Google account

  1. Sign in with your existing Google account or create a new one
  2. Your contacts and calendar are synced automatically
  3. Set up your email and other accounts

Method 2: Samsung Smart Switch (for Samsung phones)

Do you have a new Samsung phone? Samsung Smart Switch offers an extensive transfer.

Using Smart Switch

  1. Download Samsung Smart Switch on your iPhone from the App Store
  2. Open Smart Switch on your new Samsung phone
  3. Choose Receive data > iPhone/iPad
  4. Choose Wireless or connect with a cable
  5. Follow the instructions to connect
  6. Select the data you want to transfer
  7. Wait until the transfer is complete

Smart Switch can also pull data directly from your iCloud backup if you sign in with your Apple ID.

Transferring contacts manually via iCloud

Only want to transfer your contacts? You can do that via iCloud.com.

Exporting contacts

  1. Go to iCloud.com on your computer
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID
  3. Click Contacts
  4. Click the gear icon at the bottom left and choose Select All
  5. Click the gear icon again and choose Export vCard
  6. A .vcf file is downloaded

Importing contacts into Google

  1. Go to contacts.google.com
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Click Import in the left menu
  4. Select the downloaded .vcf file
  5. Your contacts are synced to your Android phone

Transferring photos and videos

Your memories are irreplaceable. Here are several ways to transfer them.

  1. Download Google Photos on your iPhone
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Turn on Backup & sync
  4. Wait until all photos are uploaded (this can take a long time)
  5. On your Android phone, all photos are available in Google Photos

Tip: Use Wi-Fi and plug your iPhone into the charger for the best results.

Via a computer

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer
  2. Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
  3. Export your photos to a folder on your computer
  4. Connect your Android phone to the computer
  5. Copy the photos to the DCIM folder on your Android

Transferring WhatsApp chats

Moving your WhatsApp history from iPhone to Android was impossible for a long time, but it is now officially supported.

Using the WhatsApp transfer

  1. Make sure WhatsApp is up to date on both phones
  2. Open WhatsApp on your new Android during the initial setup
  3. Verify your phone number
  4. When asked, choose to transfer your chat history from iPhone
  5. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and scan the QR code
  6. Wait until the transfer is complete

Important: The phones must be connected via a cable or Wi-Fi Direct for this transfer. Not all Android phones support this yet.

Turning off iMessage

This is a crucial step that many people forget. If you don't turn off iMessage, messages from other iPhone users may not arrive on your Android.

Turning off iMessage on your iPhone

  1. Go to Settings > Messages
  2. Turn off iMessage
  3. Go to Settings > FaceTime
  4. Turn off FaceTime

Turning off iMessage online

If you no longer have your iPhone:

  1. Go to selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage
  2. Enter your phone number
  3. You receive a confirmation code by text message
  4. Enter the code to deregister iMessage

Reinstalling apps

Unfortunately, you can't take purchased iOS apps with you to Android. You have to download them again (and sometimes buy them again) in the Google Play Store.

Finding apps in the Play Store

  1. Open the Google Play Store
  2. Search for your favorite apps
  3. Download free apps again
  4. Paid apps have to be purchased again

Tip: Many apps offer the same functionality on both platforms, but some iOS apps don't exist for Android and vice versa. Look for alternatives if an app isn't available.

After the switch: getting used to Android

Android works differently from iOS. Here are a few tips to get used to it quickly.

Key differences

  • Back button: Android has a back button (physical or virtual)
  • Widgets: You can place widgets directly on the home screen
  • App drawer: Apps live in a separate drawer, not all on the home screen
  • Settings: The layout is different, but the concepts are similar
  • Notifications: You can customize notifications more

Useful Google apps to explore

  • Google Assistant: The counterpart of Siri
  • Google Photos: For all your photos and memories
  • Google Drive: Cloud storage and documents
  • Google Keep: Notes and lists
  • Google Maps: Navigation and maps

Frequently asked questions about switching to Android

Can I still use my Apple Watch with my Android phone?

Unfortunately not. The Apple Watch works exclusively with iPhones and is not compatible with Android phones. You will have to sell or keep your Apple Watch and buy an Android-compatible smartwatch, such as a Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch or a Fitbit. These smartwatches offer similar features for fitness tracking, notifications and more.

What happens to my purchased apps and music?

Apps purchased from the Apple App Store can't be transferred to Android. You have to buy them again in the Google Play Store. Music you bought through iTunes without DRM protection can be transferred to your Android phone. Apple Music subscribers can download the Apple Music app for Android and keep access to their music library and playlists.

What about my iCloud storage and files?

You keep access to your iCloud files via iCloud.com in a web browser on your Android phone or computer. There is no official iCloud app for Android. Consider moving your files to Google Drive for easier access. You can cancel your iCloud subscription if you no longer use any Apple devices, but download all your files first.

Is Android as secure as an iPhone?

Android has made big strides in security in recent years. Modern Android phones, especially from Google and Samsung, receive regular security updates. Google Play Protect automatically scans apps for malware. By only installing apps from the official Play Store and keeping your phone up to date, you are well protected. It is important, though, to choose a phone from a manufacturer known for long-term software support.

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