Want To Make An iOS To Android Transfer? Here's How

People can be extremely loyal when it comes to their smartphones. Some people are forever-iPhone fans while others love the customization and options of Android phones.

So, when switching from an iPhone to an Android, especially after having an iPhone for a long time, transferring your data may seem like a daunting task.

But don’t worry: There are several easy methods to quickly transfer your data and start enjoying your new phone.

Below, we'll go through each method depending on which model phone you have and what connection method you prefer. Following these instructions will have your data transferred securely and without any unnecessary hassle.

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

The first step is to make sure you have everything you need so you can finish the entire transfer in one sitting and not have to stop part way through.

For Android Versions 12 Or Higher, You’ll Need:

• Switch app for Android (free from Google Play Store and comes installed with your phone)
• 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

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.

How to Transfer Data to Your Android Phone

If your new Android phone is not set up, you will see a Start button when you power it on.

Tap the Start button and follow the instructions. When asked if you want to transfer data from an old device, tap Next.

Connect your new Android phone to your iPhone with a cable and then select the data you want to start transferring

Your Android phone will also ask if you want to transfer over WiFi instead of a cable. If you use the WiFi option, you'll only be able to transfer a limited amount of data. You'll also need to sign in to your Google account to start the process over WiFi.

Using a cable will allow you to transfer the most data, including the following:

• Contacts
• Photos and videos
• Calendar events
• Apps
• Messages and WhatsApp chats
• Music
• Game data

Transfer Data to an Older Android Phone

Most Android devices will have the latest Android version (14) with all the new feature updates.

Still, if your Android phone is older than version 14, you have options. If you have an older Samsung phone, use the Smart Switch app. If you have an older phone that's not Samsung, you can use another app (depending on the make and model) such as the Motorola Migrate app.

First, install the Switch app from the Google Play store to transfer your data if you have a Samsung, BlackBerry, or Windows Mobile device. The Switch app works as long as your device is running at least Android OS 4.3 and your Apple device is running at least iOS 4.2.1.

Launch the app and you’ll be asked to connect a cable between your Android phone and iPhone.

Choose what data you want to transfer and begin the process. With older Android phones, you can complete the setup even after they have initially been set up.

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.

To start, you'll need a free Google account to receive the data. Next, sign into your Apple account via the link above and request a data transfer. You'll be asked to enter your Google account information.

The transfer is done manually by Apple and may take 3-7 days to complete.

How to Transfer iPhone Data to Your Samsung Phone

Samsung phones have 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.

To start, connect your two phones with the appropriate USB cable or adaptor. The Smart Switch app will launch and give you instructions on how to sync your accounts.

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 even 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

Whichever method you use, most data should transfer over without issue. However, there are a few items that may take extra steps or are not transferable.

Paid Apps: Free apps generally transfer without issue. Paid apps and in-app purchases may not transfer, though, if they were purchased outside of the Google Play Store. For these apps, you will need to contact the app developer or buy the app again on your new phone.

WhatsApp History: WhatsApp will display a QR code during the transfer if you use the Smart Switch app. Scanning this code will allow you to quickly move your account information between iPhone and Android.

DRM-Protected Content: Music or videos with DRM (Digital Rights Management) or copy protection will not transfer. You can contact the original app store where you purchased the content to learn more about license transfers for specific content.

Mobile Game Data: Most free mobile game data will transfer without issue. In-app purchases or microtransactions may not transfer depending on the developer. Submit a support request to the game developer to ask if your account can be transferred to a new device.

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, keep the following tips in mind:

• Turn off and deregister iMessaging before you start the transfer:This will make sure all your confirmation texts and messages are sent to your new phone during the transfer.
• Set aside about an hour to complete the transfer: From start to finish, the transfer can take about an hour or less depending on the amount of data you’re transferring. Avoid setting up your new Android phone if you don’t have time to complete the transfer. After you set up your new Android phone, the transfer process is more difficult and you’ll need to move some things manually.
• Stay near your phone during the entire transfer: You’ll be prompted to enter passcodes or scan QR codes during the transfer. Stay near your phone so you can ensure the process isn’t interrupted. Once the process is complete, you're ready to start enjoying your new Android phone.

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