How to Transfer Data from iPhone to Android – Full Guide

Congratulations on your new Android phone! Not minding if you’re a seasoned tech user or a curious iPhone convert, making the switch can be exciting.

But amidst the thrill, a crucial step often emerges: transferring your data from iPhone to Android, digiwallet is here to guide you through this process seamlessly.

This comprehensive guide explores various methods to transfer your essential data, from contacts and photos to messages and apps.

We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each method, analyze their technical aspects, and ensure you have a smooth transition to your new Android device.

Understanding the Transfer process

Before going into specific methods, let’s address some key considerations:

Data Compatibility: Certain data types, like contacts and photos, transfer more easily than others. Messages and app data might require additional tools or workarounds.

Transfer Volume: The amount of data you possess plays a role. Wi-Fi transfers are ideal for larger datasets, while cable connections offer faster speeds for smaller transfers.
Technical Expertise: Some methods involve minimal technical knowledge, while others might require following specific app instructions.

Method 1: Google Switch to Android App (Android 12 and Above)

This built-in Android feature simplifies the transfer process for users switching from iPhones running iOS 12 and later. Here’s a breakdown:

Requirements: Both phones require an active internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi) and sufficient battery levels. Download the “Switch to Android” app on your iPhone.
Process: During your new Android phone’s setup, look for a prompt to “Copy data from an old device.” Choose this option and launch the Switch to Android app on your iPhone. Scan the QR code displayed on your Android phone using your iPhone camera. Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices to establish a secure connection. Select the data types you want to transfer (contacts, photos, messages etc.). Initiate the transfer, ensuring both phones stay connected throughout.

Pros: Easy to use, secure Wi-Fi transfer, ideal for most data types.

Cons: Limited to newer Android versions and iOS versions, might not transfer app data seamlessly.

Technical Analysis: This method leverages Google Play Services on both devices to create a temporary Wi-Fi network for data transfer. Encrypted protocols ensure secure data exchange.

Method 2: Using a Cable Connection (For Most Android Phones)

This method utilizes a physical cable connection to transfer data directly between your devices.

Requirements: A Lightning to USB-C cable (or appropriate adapter for your phones) is needed. Ensure both phones are powered on and have sufficient battery life.
Process: Turn on both phones. Connect your iPhone to your Android phone using the cable. You might be prompted to “Trust This Device” on your iPhone. Grant the necessary permissions. Your Android phone will typically launch a dedicated app to facilitate the data transfer. Select the data types you want to transfer and initiate the process.

Pros: Faster transfer speeds compared to Wi-Fi, suitable for smaller datasets.

Cons: Requires a compatible cable, app functionality might vary depending on the Android phone manufacturer.

Technical Analysis: This method utilizes USB protocols for data transfer. The specific app used on your Android phone might differ based on the manufacturer’s customization but generally follows a similar data selection and transfer process.

Method 3: Cloud Storage Services (For All Android Phones)

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive offer a versatile approach to data transfer.

Requirements: Both phones need the chosen cloud storage app installed. Create an account if you don’t have one already. Ensure a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended) for efficient uploads and downloads.
Process: Download and install the chosen cloud storage app on both your iPhone and Android phone. Use the iPhone app to upload the data you want to transfer (photos, videos, documents etc.) to your cloud storage. On your Android phone, launch the same cloud storage app and sign in using the same account credentials. Access the uploaded data and download it to your Android device’s internal storage.

Pros: Flexible solution, accessible from any device with an internet connection, suitable for large datasets.

Cons: Requires additional storage space in your cloud account (free tiers might have limitations), upload and download times depend on internet speed.

Technical Analysis: Cloud storage services provide online storage space accessible through their apps. You upload data from your iPhone to the cloud storage, essentially creating a temporary backup. You then access and download this data from your Android device using the same cloud storage app.

How to transfer Data from iPhone to android step to step

Turn on your new Android phone. Follow the on-screen prompts to transfer your iPhone data and set up your new phone. Use your old iPhone cable but if you don’t have one, you can  transfer wirelessly.

Use a cable

To transfer the most data, we recommend using your old iPhone Lightning cable.

What can transfer:

Contacts
Photos and videos
Calendar events

Messages & WhatsApp chats
Apps
Music

And more

1. Connect both devices. Turn on your new Android device. When prompted, connect your new Android phone to your old iPhone using your Lightning to USB-C cable. In some cases, you might need an OTG adapter.
2. Select your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what to copy over — contacts, photos, messages, WhatsApp chats and more. Disable iMessage so you don’t miss a notification.

3. Transfer. That’s it. You’ve copied over your most important data onto your new Android phone.

If a cable isn’t available

Transfer wirelessly

You can connect your new Android and old iPhone wirelessly, to transfer a more limited set of your data.

What can transfer:

Contacts

Photos and videos
Calendar events

1. Connect both devices wirelessly. Turn on your new Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts. When asked if you have a cable, select “No cable,” and follow the instructions to connect your iPhone and Android via Wifi using the Switch to Android app. To transfer data without a cable to Samsung devices.

2. Select your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what comes with you — contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. To transfer Messages and WhatsApp chats, you’ll need to use a cable.
3. Transfer. That’s it. Your personal data is now on your new Android phone. Just disable iMessage so you don’t miss a notification.

How to Move from Android to iPhone or iPad

Are you ready to transfer to iOS? Download the Move to iOS app to get help switching from your Android device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Before you begin

On your Android device, make sure that Wi‑Fi is turned on.
Plug your new iOS device and your Android device into power.
Make sure that the content you’re moving, including what’s on your external Micro SD card, will fit on your new iOS device

If you want to transfer your Chrome bookmarks, update to the latest version of Chrome on your Android device.

Get started on your Apple device

Turn on your new Apple device and place it near your Android device.

On your Apple device, follow the onscreen setup instructions.

On the Quick Start screen, tap Set Up Without Another [Apple] Device, then continue to follow the onscreen instructions. You might be asked to activate your eSIM.

Tap Move Data from Android

Look for the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen. Then tap From Android. (If you already finished setup, you need to erase your iOS device and start over. If you don’t want to erase, just transfer your content manually.)

Open and set up the Move to iOS app

On your Android device, open the Move to iOS app. If you don’t have the Move to iOS app, you can tap the QR code button on your new iOS device and scan the QR code using the camera on your Android device to open the Google Play Store.

To start using the Move to iOS app:

Tap Continue.
Read the terms and conditions that appear, and tap Agree to continue.

Tap Automatically Send or Don’t Send to choose how to share app data with Apple.
Tap Continue and enable Location permissions if necessary.
Tap Continue and enable Notification permissions if necessary.

Wait for a code

On your iOS device, tap Continue when you see the Move from Android screen. Then wait for a ten-digit or six-digit code to appear. If your Android device shows an alert that you have a weak internet connection, you can ignore the alert.

Use the code

Enter the code on your Android device.

Connect to a temporary Wi-Fi network

Your iOS device will create a temporary Wi-Fi network. When asked, tap Connect to join that network on your Android device. Then wait for the Transfer Data screen to appear.

Choose your content and wait

On your Android device, select the content that you want to transfer and tap Continue. Then—even if your Android device shows that the process is complete—leave both devices alone until the loading bar that appears on your iOS device finishes. Keep your devices near each other and plugged in to power until the transfer completes. The whole transfer can take a while, depending on how much content you’re moving.

Transfer your phone number and SIM or eSIM

As you move from your Android device, you can activate your phone number and SIM or eSIM on your iPhone or iPad. You might be directed to your carrier’s website to finalize this activation.

Set up your iOS device

After the loading bar finishes on your iOS device, tap Done on your Android device. Then tap Continue on your iOS device and follow the onscreen steps to finish setup for your iOS device.

Finish up

Make sure that all of your content transferred. Music, books, and PDFs need to be moved over manually.

Need to get the apps that were on your Android device? Go to the App Store on your iOS device to download them.

If you need help with the transfer

Make sure that you leave both devices alone until the transfer finishes. For example, on your Android device, the Move to iOS app should stay onscreen the whole time. If you use another app or get a phone call on your Android before the transfer finishes, your content won’t transfer.

On your Android device, turn off apps or settings that might affect your Wi-Fi connection, like the Sprint Connections Optimizer or the Smart Network Switch. Then find Wi-Fi in Settings, touch and hold each known network, and forget the network. Then try the transfer again.
Restart both of your devices and try again.
On your Android device, turn off your cellular data connection. Then try the transfer again.

Tips

Disable iMessage: Before initiating any transfer, ensure you disable iMessage on your iPhone. Otherwise, you might miss messages sent to your iPhone number after switching to Android. To disable iMessage, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage and toggle it off.
Backup Your iPhone: It’s always a good practice to create a backup of your iPhone data using iCloud or iTunes before starting the transfer process. This provides an additional layer of security in case of any unforeseen issues.
Manage Large Datasets: If you have a significant amount of data to transfer, consider using a method that leverages Wi-Fi (cloud storage or Switch to Android app) for faster transfer speeds. For smaller datasets, a cable connection might be sufficient.

Conclusion

Switching from iPhone to Android doesn’t have to be a data-loss nightmare, understanding the available methods, their technical aspects, and the crucial considerations, you can ensure a smooth and successful data transfer.

Do you have any questions or require further assistance with transferring data from your iPhone to Android? Leave a comment below, and the digiwallet team will be happy to help!