How to transfer data from iPhone to Android via iTunes

Changing a mobile platform from iOS to Android is always a stressful process associated with the fear of losing important information. Many users who have decided to take such a step are looking for a way to transfer data from iPhone to Android via iTunes, believing that Apple's proprietary app will help in this matter. However, the reality is that this process is not straightforward and requires an understanding of the file system architecture of both operating systems.

The fact is that Apple iTunes does not know how to directly transfer files to third-party devices. This is a closed ecosystem that works exclusively in conjunction with devices Apple. Therefore, when we talk about transferring via iTunes, we mean using this app as an intermediate link for creating a backup copy or downloading data to a computer, followed by converting and downloading it to a new smartphone.

In this article we will look in detail at how to extract information from backup or directly from the device, using the computer as a bridge. You will learn which types of data can be saved in this way, and which will require cloud services, and why the direct cable method via iTunes is technically impossible without third-party software.

Limitations of the method and working with backups

The main misconception is that iTunes can sync content between different brands. In fact, the app creates an encrypted data container that is understandable only to iPhone and iPaddevices. To transfer to Android we will have to first decrypt and extract this data to a PC.

There are two main operating scenarios. The first is to create a full backup of the device on your computer. The second is direct synchronization of media files that iTunes allows you to upload to the Windows or macOS file system. It is important to understand that applications, system settings and messages WhatsApp in the standard form are not transferred through this interface.

⚠️ Attention: iTunes backups by default do not contain purchased media content (music, movies) if it is not downloaded to the app’s library. Copies may also be encrypted, and without a password you won't be able to extract a single byte of information from them.

If your goal is to transfer your music or video library, the process is relatively simple. You need to connect iPhone, allow access to data and use the synchronization function. However, for contacts, calendars and notes, the situation is more complicated, since they are stored in specific databases inside the backup.

Preparing hardware and software

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the latest version is installed on your computer iTunes from the official Apple website. Outdated versions may not work correctly with new models iPhone or file formats. You will also need a high-quality USB cable, preferably an original one, to avoid disconnections during the transfer process.

To work with backup files, you may need third-party software, since iTunes does not provide an “Export to Android” button. There are special backup reader utilities that can read the structure of Apple files and save them in publicly available formats.

• 📱 Smartphone iPhone with the current version of iOS and an unlocked screen.
• 💻 A computer running Windows or macOS with iTunes installed.
• 🔌 Lightning or USB-C USB cable (depending on the phone model).
• 📂 Free hard drive space (minimum 10-20 GB for heavy backups).

Also prepare your new smartphone based on Android. Make sure it has enough memory and USB debugging enabled if you plan to use advanced file transfer methods via the command line, although most users won't need this.

Step-by-step guide: Exporting contacts and calendar

The most popular type of data when changing a phone is contacts. Unfortunately, iTunes does not have an explicit function for exporting the phone book to .vcf or .csv format via a graphical interface. However, contact data is stored in a database file inside the backup.

Create a local backup first. Connect your iPhone to your computer, select the device in iTunes and click Create a copy now. Make sure the "Encrypt copy" checkbox is unchecked if you don't want to remember a complex password, or write it down if encryption is necessary to save passwords.

After creating a copy, you will need a third-party utility to extract the data. apps such as iBackup Viewer or similar allow you to open the backup file and export your contacts. After export, you will receive a file that can be imported into your Google account.

Path to the backup folder (Windows): %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Once you have received the contacts file, go to the website contacts.google.com from your account to which your new Android smartphone is linked. Use the import function to load your saved numbers. After a couple of minutes of synchronization, they will appear in the phone book of your new device.

Transferring photos and videos through your media library

Working with media files in iTunes are more transparent. The app allows you to synchronize photos and videos between your computer and device. If your photos are stored in your iPhone's camera roll, you can upload them to your computer and then transfer them to Android.

Connect your device and go to the photo management section in the iTunes interface. Here you can set up synchronization with a specific folder on your computer. If you just want to pick up a photo from your phone, use standard Windows Explorer (for this, the iPhone must be unlocked and given permission to access the photo).

However, if you use iTunes for uploading, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Enable photo synchronization in the device settings in iTunes.
2. Specify the destination folder on computer.
3. Click Apply or Synchronize.

After the photos are on your hard drive, connect your Android-smartphone in file transfer mode (MTP). Just copy the image folders to the internal memory or SD card of your new phone. Please note that metadata (date of shooting, geolocation) is usually saved with this method.

Data type	Method via iTunes	Complexity	Saving metadata
Contact	Via extractor backup	High	Full
Photo/Video	Synchronization/Explorer	Low	Full
Music (purchased)	Authorization and synchronization	Medium	Tags saved
SMS messages	Impossible directly	Critical	No

Problems with music and protected content

Situation with music double If you purchased tracks from the iTunes Store, they may be protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology. Such files have the extension .m4p and will not be played on an Android device without removing the protection.

To transfer legal music, make sure that your computer is authorized under the same Apple ID as your phone. From the iTunes menu, select File → Devices → Transfer purchases. This will copy the purchased content to your computer. After this, the files can be converted to a universal format MP3 or AAC without protection, if the license terms allow it.

⚠️ Attention: Files downloaded via subscription Apple Music, are protected by DRM and cannot be transferred to other devices for offline listening. They only work inside the Apple Music application after authorization.

If the music was imported from a CD or downloaded from other sources and is not protected, it will sync without problems. Just drag and drop the files into the music folder on your Android smartphone. Otherwise, you will have to look for information about legal conversion methods or purchase tracks again in stores compatible with Android.

Alternatives and specialized software

Using iTunes to migrate to Android is a path through thorns to the stars. There are simpler and more effective methods developed specifically for this purpose. The application Move to Switch (or analogues from smartphone manufacturers, for example, Samsung Smart Switch) does what iTunes cannot do - direct transfer over Wi-Fi or cable.

These applications scan your iPhone, find the data and transfer it to Android, automatically converting formats. They transfer not only contacts and photos, but also calendar settings, and sometimes even keyboard layouts. Using iTunes is only justified if you do not have access to the Internet or you want to make a cold backup before selling your old device.

Why doesn’t iTunes see Android?

The data exchange protocols of Apple and Google are fundamentally different. iTunes uses a proprietary protocol that ignores any devices that are not MFi (Made for iPhone) certified.

However, knowing how to work with iTunes backups is useful for data recovery in an emergency. If your new phone hasn't been set up yet and your old one has already been sold, but you still have a copy on your computer, you can still salvage important information using the methods described above.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to transfer WhatsApp messages from iPhone to Android via iTunes?

No, it is not possible directly through iTunes. WhatsApp databases on iOS and Android have different structures and encryption. To transfer correspondence, you must use the official migration tools built into the Android settings when you initially set up your phone, or specialized software from the messenger developers.

What to do if iTunes gives an error when creating a copy?

The error often occurs due to insufficient disk space, a damaged USB cable, or a driver conflict. Try replacing the cable, restarting your computer, and freeing up space on your system drive. Also make sure that the screen lock is disabled on your iPhone during the process.

Will Wi-Fi and website passwords be saved during this transfer?

Passwords saved in iCloud Keychain are not transferred to Android via iTunes. You will have to enter them again. It is recommended that before changing your phone, you export important passwords from the Safari browser to a third-party password manager, available on both platforms.

Do you need to delete iTunes after transferring data?

There is no urgent need, but if you no longer plan to use Apple devices, you can delete the app to free up space and remove unnecessary services from startup. The data that you have already transferred to your computer will remain in the user's folders.

Is it possible to transfer applications from iPhone to Android?

Applications (.ipa files) are not compatible with Android (.apk files). You will have to re-download all the necessary applications from the Google Play Store. Some paid applications will have to be purchased again if the developer does not support a cross-platform license.