Changing an operating system is always stressful for a user who is accustomed to a certain interface and logic of the gadget. The transition from iPhone to a device under control Android requires careful preparation so as not to lose important data accumulated over the years. Fortunately, modern developer tools have made this process as automated and safe as possible for the end user.
You will not only have to transfer contacts and photos, but also adapt to the new philosophy of organizing the file system. Many people fear that their favorite apps will disappear or stop working, but the vast majority of popular services are available in both ecosystems. The main thing is to set up synchronization correctly and choose the right method of information transfer.
In this material we will analyze in detail all stages of migration: from cloud backup to setting up instant messengers on a new device. You will learn what data is transferred automatically and what will have to be configured manually so that your new smartphone becomes a full replacement for the old one.
Preparing the iPhone for moving
Before starting any manipulations, you need to make sure that your current device iOS is up to date. Updating the software minimizes the risk of errors when exporting data through official Google or Samsung utilities. Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install the latest available version of the system.
A critical step is to free up space and check the status of iCloud. If your cloud storage is full, syncing your contacts and calendars may stop midway. Delete unnecessary pictures or temporarily move them to your computer to ensure the integrity of the backup.
⚠️ Attention: Do not reset your iPhone to factory settings immediately after starting the transfer process. Wait for full confirmation of successful data migration to the new Android device, otherwise restoring information will become impossible without re-configuring the old phone.
It is also recommended to disable the function iMessage before removing the SIM card. If you don't do this, SMS from other iPhone users may continue to be sent to the old device, even if the SIM card is already inserted into the new phone. This can be done through the menu Settings → Messagesby moving the switch to the inactive position.
☑️ Preparing the iPhone for migration
Official tools for migration
Google has developed a special application Switch to Androidthat has become the industry standard for switching from iOS. It allows you to transfer photos, videos, contacts, calendar events and even some free applications in a contactless way. The process starts when setting up a new smartphone for the first time or through the settings of an already working device.
For equipment owners Samsung a more advanced tool is available - Smart Switch. This application supports the transfer of not only basic data, but also call history, alarms and home screen layout. The connection is made either through a special Lightning-USB-C cable or via a Wi-Fi Direct wireless network.
Alternative methods include the use of cloud services. You can download the Google Drive app on iPhone, back up your contacts and calendar, and then sign in to the same account on Android. This method is ideal for those who want to transfer data gradually, without tethering two devices to each other in the same space.
Use the original Lightning cable to connect iPhone to Android via USB. Cheap analogues often do not support data transfer, operating only in charging mode, which will disrupt the migration process.
Transfer of multimedia and contacts
The most voluminous block of data is your media library. When using a cable, the transfer speed is much higher than over Wi-Fi, which is critical when you have thousands of high-resolution photos and videos. The library scanning process can take from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data.
Contacts and calendar events are synchronized almost instantly. After the transfer is complete, be sure to test the application Contact on the new phone. Make sure that the numbers are saved in your Google Account and not in your phone's memory, so they won't be lost the next time you reset your settings.
Music and books require a separate approach, as DRM-protected files from the iTunes Store won't play on Android. You will either have to abandon the purchased content, or use third-party players and converters for files without protection. Subscriptions to streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music are saved when you log into the same account.
| Data type | Transfer method | Speed | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | Google Account / Cable | Instantly | Check the connection to Google |
| Photo and Video | Switch to Android / Cable | High (cable) | Live Photos may not transfer |
| Messages (SMS) | Cable only (Samsung) | Average | iMessage is not transferred |
| Applications | Search for analogues | Depends on the Internet | Paid applications need to be purchased again |
Migration of instant messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram
Transferring correspondence history to WhatsApp has been a stumbling block for a long time, but now it has been resolved at the official level. When you first set up Android using a cable or the Switch to Android utility, the system will prompt you to transfer chats. It is important not to interrupt the process and keep the screens of both phones on.
For Telegram the situation is simpler: this messenger is completely cloud-based. All you need to do is install the application on your new smartphone, enter your phone number and verification code. All chats, channels and media files will be downloaded automatically, with the exception of secret chats that are tied to a specific device.
⚠️ Attention: When transferring WhatsApp via cable, make sure that two-factor authentication is disabled on your iPhone for the duration of the process, or remember the passcode. In some cases, the system may request confirmation, which will be sent to the old device.
Other popular instant messengers, such as Viber or Signal, also have built-in backup functions. For Viber, you need to create a local copy in the application settings on the iPhone, transfer the file to your computer, and then restore it on Android, although support for this function varies depending on the OS version.
What to do if WhatsApp does not see the backup?
If the automatic transfer did not work, try on your iPhone by going to WhatsApp Settings → Chats → Backup and create a copy manually. Then on Android, when installing the application, choose to restore from a local copy if the file was transferred through a file manager, but this method is less reliable than cable.
Problems with paid applications and subscriptions
One of the most painful issues is the fate of purchased applications. Ecosystems App Store and Google Play are completely separated financially. Licenses purchased with money on iPhone are not valid on Android. You will have to purchase popular paid apps again in the new store.
However, many services operate on a subscription model tied to the developer account, and not to the store. For example, subscriptions to dating services, cloud storage, or music streaming are often saved when you log into your personal account through a web browser or the application itself.
Check your active subscriptions in your iPhone settings before canceling it. Cancel those you don't plan to use to avoid double charges. For those that are needed, find a way to manage your subscription through the service’s website in order to continue paying from a card linked to your Android device.
There are free analogues for most paid iOS applications. Before purchasing a app on Google Play, look for reviews of alternatives. Often, the functionality of free versions on Android even surpasses paid analogues from a competitive platform.
Paid applications are not transferred between stores. Budget for the purchase of key apps again, but check the possibility of restoring subscriptions through the developer account.
Setting up security and accounts
Security on Android is structured somewhat differently than on iOS. Instead of a single Apple ID, a Google account is used here, which is the key to all services. When you turn on your smartphone for the first time, you will be asked to sign in to an existing account or create a new one.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires special attention. If you used the app on Google Authenticator iPhone, be sure to transfer the codes via the export function (QR code) before resetting your old phone. Otherwise, you may lose access to your accounts on social networks and banks.
The biometrics and face unlock settings are being adjusted again. Face ID or Touch ID data from an iPhone cannot be used on an Android device due to differences in hardware and encryption algorithms. Take the time to properly configure the fingerprint scanner of your new device.
⚠️ Attention: Security settings interfaces may differ depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Always check the location of menu items with the official manual for your specific smartphone model, as manufacturers often change the logic for grouping settings.
It is recommended to immediately set up the “Find My Device” function from Google. This is an analogue of Apple’s “Locator”, which will allow you to track your smartphone in case of loss, block it or erase data remotely. Make sure geolocation is enabled for system services.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my passwords be transferred from iCloud Keychain?
Passwords from iCloud Keychain are not automatically transferred to Google Password Manager. However, if you use third-party password managers like 1Password or LastPass, all you need to do is install their app on Android and sign in to your account. The built-in Chrome browser on iPhone can also sync passwords with Android if you're signed into the same Google Account.
What happens to my data in Apple Health and Apple Watch?
Health data is not transferred directly to Google Fit. You will have to start collecting statistics again. The Apple Watch is not compatible with Android phones. To fully work with your new smartphone, you will need to purchase a smartwatch based on Wear OS or other compatible models.
Is it possible to play the same games as on the iPhone?
Most popular games are available on Google Play, but progress in games is transferred only if it is saved through a developer account (for example, Supercell ID, Facebook, VK Play). Progress saved only through Game Center will be lost, and you will have to start from the first level.
Do I need to format my iPhone before selling it?
Yes, but only after you have made sure that all data was successfully transferred and works on the new device. Before selling, be sure to log out of iCloud (Settings → Your name → Sign out) and delete the content in the menu General → Reset → Erase content and settingsto break the connection of the device to your account.