How To Transfer Data From An iPhone To Android?

By: Vincent Totino

Read Time: 6 min

January 30, 2025

ios to android

But don’t worry: transferring your contacts, photos, messages, apps, and more doesn't have to be complicated.

In this guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step methods to transfer your data-whether you prefer using a cable or going wireless. No matter which Android model you have, we've got you covered with clear instructions to ensure your data is transferred securely and without any unnecessary hassle.

What You’ll Need To Transfer Data From iOS To Android

What You'll Need To Transfer Data From iOS To Android

Before starting your transfer, gather everything you'll need to avoid interruptions and complete the process in one go. The requirements will vary slightly depending on your Android phone model and whether you plan to transfer data over WiFi or with a cable.

The first step is to make sure you have everything you need, so you can finish the entire transfer in one sitting without any interruptions. The requirements vary depending on your Android phone model and whether you plan to transfer data over WiFi or cable.

For Android Versions 12 Or Higher, you’ll need:

  • Switch app for Android (free from Google Play Store and comes installed with your phone)
  • A stable WiFi connection that both phones can connect to
  • USB cable if the Android phone has not been set up and you don’t want to use WiFi
  • USB-C to Lightning cable or adapter depending on the phone model
  • Free Google account

How to Transfer Data to Your Android Phone

When transferring over WiFi, you can only move your contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events. To transfer music or game data, you will need to use a cable.

For Samsung Phones, you’ll need:

  • Smart Switch app from Samsung (Free from Samsung)
  • USB cable or adaptor to match your phone connection
  • WiFi connection if preferred instead of using a cable

Whichever method you use, make sure both phones are fully charged. You'll also want to have all the necessary passwords and PINs for your phone, Google accounts, or iCloud

Transfer Data to an Older Android Phone

How to Transfer Data to Your Android Phone

Follow these steps to transfer your data from an iPhone to your Android phone using a cable or WiFi. The cable method allows you to transfer the most data, but both options ensure a smooth transition to your new device.

Step 1: Start the Setup Process on Your New Android Phone

  • Power on your new Android phone:
  • If the phone isn’t set up yet, you’ll see a Start button on the welcome screen.
  • Tap the Start button and follow the on-screen instructions
  • Select the option to transfer data:
  • When prompted, tap Next to begin the transfer from your old device

Step 2: Connect Your Android Phone to Your iPhone

Use a USB-C to Lightning cable (or the appropriate adapter) to connect your iPhone and Android

Select the data to transfer:

  1. Contacts
  2. Photos and videos
  3. Calendar events
  4. Messages and WhatsApp chats
  5. Music
  6. Apps
  7. Game data

Step 3: Transfer Data Over WiFi (Optional)

  • Choose WiFi as the transfer method if you prefer a wireless connection
    • Note: WiFi transfers can only move limited data types, such as contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events
  • Sign in to your Google account:
    • A Google account is required to transfer data over WiFi. If you don’t have one, you can create it during the setup process

Step 4: Complete the Transfer Process

  • Follow the prompts on your Android phone to complete the data transfer
  • Wait for the transfer to finish:
  • The process may take a few minutes to an hour, depending on how much data you are moving
  • Verify the transferred data:
  • After the transfer is complete, check your contacts, messages, and photos to ensure everything moved correctly.

How to Transfer iCloud Data to your Android Phone

Transfer Data to an Older Android Phone

Most new Android devices will have the latest Android version (15) with all the new feature updates.

If your Android phone is running an older version of Android, such as Version 13 or below, transferring data is still possible. Depending on your phone's make and model, you can use apps like Samsung Smart Switch or Motorola Migrate.

How to Transfer iPhone Data to Your Samsung Phone

Follow the steps below to move your data.

Step 1: Install the Right Data Transfer App

  • 1. For Samsung Phones:
    • Install the Smart Switch app from the Google Play Store (it may already be pre-installed).
    • Works with Android OS 4.3 and above and iOS 4.2.1 or later.
  • 2. For Other Phones:
    • IUse the appropriate transfer app based on your phone’s brand:
      • Motorola Migrate for Motorola devices
      • Switch to Android app for BlackBerry or Windows Mobile devices
    • Download the app from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Connect Your Devices

  • Launch the transfer app on both your old Android phone and iPhone
  • Connect the phones with a USB-C to Lightning cable (or the correct adapter)
  • Select WiFi as an alternative option, if preferred, though fewer data types can be transferred this way

Step 3: Choose What Data to Transfer

Once the devices are connected, your Android phone will prompt you to select which data to transfer. Choose from the following categories:

  • Contacts
  • Photos and videos
  • Calendar events
  • Messages and chat histories (including WhatsApp)
  • Apps
  • Music and game data

Step 4: Complete the Data Transfer

  1. Begin the transfer process:
    • Tap Start on the transfer app to begin moving your selected data
  2. Wait for the process to finish:
    • Transfers may take a few minutes to complete, depending on the amount of data
  3. Verify your transferred data:
    • Open apps and review your contacts, messages, and photos to ensure everything moved correctly

How to Transfer iPhone Game and Other Data to Your Android Phone

How to Transfer iCloud Data to your Android Phone

If your Android phone is already set up and you need to transfer data from your iCloud storage, you can request a manual transfer through Apple

Step 1: Prepare for the Transfer

  1. Ensure you have a Google Account:
    • If you don’t already have one, create a free account at Google.
  2. Check your iCloud storage:
    • Make sure all the data you want to transfer—such as photos, contacts, and calendar events—is backed up to iCloud.
    • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on your iPhone

Step 2: Request a Data Transfer from Apple

  1. Visit the Apple Data and Privacy page and log in with your Apple ID.
  2. Request to transfer your iCloud data to Google
    • Click on Request to transfer a copy of your data.
    • You’ll be prompted to select which data you want to transfer, such as:
      1. Photos
      2. Videos
      3. Calendar events
      4. Contacts
  3. Enter your Google Account information
    • Provide your Google account credentials when prompted to complete the request.

Step 3: Wait for the Transfer to Complete

  1. Allow 3-7 days for Apple to process the transfer:
    • The transfer is handled manually by Apple, and the data will be sent directly to your Google account.
  2. Monitor your Google account:
    • After a few days, sign in to your Google Photos, Calendar, and Contacts apps to verify that the data has arrived

How to Transfer iPhone Data to Your Samsung Phone

Samsung has their own app for transferring data called Smart Switch. It works almost identically to the Android app but has a few added features to make the process easier.

One advantage of Smart Switch is that you can transfer iCloud data directly between the two phones without having to contact Apple support.

Follow these steps to complete the transfer seamlessly.

Step 1: Prepare for the Transfer

  • Make sure both phones are fully charged to avoid interruptions.
  • Use a USB-C to Lightning cable or the correct adapter to connect your iPhone and Samsung phone.
  • If Smart Switch isn’t pre-installed, download it from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Connect and Start the Transfer

  • Connect the two phones using the USB cable, which will launch the Smart Switch app automatically.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to sync your accounts and begin the transfer process.

Step 3: Select the Data to Transfer

Choose what data you want to transfer, including

  • Contacts, photos, and videos
  • Calendar events
  • Messages and WhatsApp chats/li>
  • Apps (where compatible) and music

If prompted, sign in to iCloud on the Samsung device to transfer iCloud data directly

Step 4: Troubleshoot Transfer Issues (If Needed)

If the transfer fails or freezes:

  • Clear the Smart Switch app cache:
  • Go to Settings > Apps > Smart Switch > Storage > Clear Cache.
  • Check the USB connection or try a different cable or adapter.
  • Ensure the Smart Switch app is updated via the Google Play Store.

Step 5: Verify Your Transferred Data

  • Review your contacts, photos, and messages to confirm everything moved correctly.
  • Some apps, like WhatsApp, may require you to re-login to restore chats.

At times, you may experience issues with the transfer process. If you do, make sure to clear the cache from the app, check the wire connections - or try using a different cable - and ensure the app is updated to the latest version.

How to Transfer iPhone Game and Other Data to Your Android Phone

Most of your data will transfer smoothly during the switch from iPhone to Android, but certain items—like paid apps, WhatsApp history, and DRM-protected content—may require extra steps.

Follow these instructions to ensure as much of your content transfers as possible.

Step 1: Transfer Paid Apps and Purchases

  • Free apps generally transfer without any issues.
  • For paid apps or in-app purchases made outside of the Google Play Store, you may need to purchase them again on your Android phone.
  • Alternatively, contact the app developer to ask about transferring licenses.

Step 2: Transfer WhatsApp Chat History

  • If using Samsung Smart Switch, a QR code will appear on your Android phone during the transfer.
  • Scan the QR code with your iPhone to move your chats and account data to your new phone.
  • Ensure you log in with the same phone number on your Android device to restore the transferred messages.

Step 3: Handle DRM-Protected Content

  • DRM-protected content like music or videos purchased from iTunes won’t transfer automatically.
  • Contact the original app store for license information, or repurchase the content on your Android device if necessary.

Step 4: Transfer Mobile Game Data

  • Most games with cloud saves (e.g., via Facebook or Google Play Games) will transfer seamlessly.
  • However, some in-app purchases and progress may not carry over.
  • If needed, reach out to the game developer’s support team to request a transfer of your account or progress to the new device.

Step 5: Verify and Test Your Data Transfer

  • After the transfer, log in to cloud services like Google or Facebook to ensure everything syncs properly.
  • Test key apps and games to confirm your data and progress are intact.
  • Back up essential files manually before switching, just in case any data is missed during the transfer.

Tips for Transferring iPhone Data to Android

Transferring data from an iPhone to an Android is a straightforward process. To help things go even smoother, follow these important tips:

  1. Turn off and deregister iMessage:
    • Before starting the transfer, go to Settings > Messages on your iPhone and toggle off iMessage.
    • This ensures all texts and messages are delivered to your Android phone without issues.
  2. Set aside time to complete the transfer:
    • The transfer can take up to an hour, depending on the amount of data.
    • Avoid starting the setup if you don’t have enough time; completing the transfer during setup is easier than doing it manually afterward.
  3. Stay near your phones during the transfer:
    • You may need to enter passcodes or scan QR codes during the process

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