Moving from iPhone to a smartphone Android is always exciting: a new interface, other applications, and most importantly, the risk of losing important data. The issue with contactsthat has been accumulated over the years is especially acute: the numbers of colleagues, relatives, friends from social networks. Many are afraid that when changing the operating system, they will have to manually rewrite hundreds of records or completely lose them.

In fact, the process of transferring contacts from iOS to Android is simpler than it seems! There are at least 5 reliable methods - from automatic synchronization via Google Account to manual export via iCloud or SIM card. In this article we will look at each method taking into account the latest updates in 2026where Apple has tightened data access rules and Android has introduced new migration tools. Choose the appropriate option - and in 10 minutes all your contacts will be on the new phone!

1. Preparing for the transfer: what you need to do BEFORE you start

Before you begin the transfer, make sure that your contacts not scattered across different accounts. A common problem: some numbers are stored in iCloud, some in the phone's memory, and some are synchronized with Facebook or WhatsApp. If you do not combine them in advance, you risk losing some of the data.

Check exactly where your contacts are:

  • 📱 Locally on iPhone: go to Settings → Contacts → Accounts. If there is an item “On my iPhone,” then some of the numbers are not synchronized with the cloud.
  • ☁️ In iCloud: enable synchronization in Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Contacts (the slider should be green).
  • 🤝 In third parties services: check Facebook, VK, Telegram —numbers can also be stored there.
⚠️ Attention: If you use iOS 17+Apple may request confirmation via two-factor authentication when exporting contacts. Make sure you have access to a trusted device or backup code.

Also prepare:

  • 🔌 Chargers for both phones (this process may take up to 30 minutes).
  • 📶 Stable Wi-Fi (for methods with the cloud) or USB cable (for direct transfer).
  • 📝 Backup copy: just in case, export contacts to a file .vcf (instructions below).
📊 How do you usually save contacts?
Only in the phone
In iCloud/Google
In the SIM card
On social networks
I don’t know

2. Method 1: Synchronization via Google Account (the simplest)

This is recommended method for most users, since it does not require additional apps and works on any version iOS i Android. The bottom line: you add Google Account to iPhone, synchronize contacts with it, and then simply log into the same account on Android.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Add Google Account on iPhone:
    • Open Settings → Contacts → Accounts → Add account → Google.
    • Enter your email details Gmail (if not — create it here).
    • Turn on the “Contacts” slider and click “Save.”
  2. Start synchronization:
    • Return to Settings → Contacts → Accounts, select yours Google.
    • Click “Sync now” (may take 1-5 minutes).
  • Transfer to Android:
    • Enable new Android-smartphone and log in to the same Google Account.
    • Contacts will be automatically loaded into the Contacts application (it may take 10-15 minutes).

    All contacts are in place (view the list in the Contacts application)

    Profile photos have been saved

    Numbers are displayed correctly (without extra characters)

    Contact groups (for example, "Family", "Work") have been transferred -->

    If contacts do not appear:

    • 🔄 Update the Contacts application on Android via Google Play.
    • 📱 Reboot both phones.
    • ☁️ Check if synchronization is enabled in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account synchronization.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you used several Google Accounts on iPhone, contacts could be divided between them. Before transferring, delete duplicate accounts, leaving only one main one.

    3. Method 2: Export via iCloud (if you don’t have a Google Account)

    This method is suitable if you do not want to mess with Google or you already have a backup copy in iCloud. We export contacts to a file .vcfand then import it to Android.

    Steps for iPhone:

    1. Open the site on your computer iCloud.com and log in using your Apple ID.
    2. Select “Contacts” (if there are none - enable synchronization in settings iPhone).
    3. Click on the gear in the lower left corner → “Select all” → gear again → “Export vCard.”
    4. The file contacts.vcf will be saved to your computer.

    Steps for Android:

    1. Transfer the file .vcf to your smartphone (via USB, Bluetooth or the cloud).
    2. Open the file - the system will offer to import contacts into the phone memory or Google Account.
    3. Select “Import” and wait for completion.
    Problem Solution
    File .vcf does not open Install Contacts app from Google or use the built-in Contacts app on Android.
    Contacts are duplicated Sign in Settings → Contacts → Merge duplicates (not available on all firmwares).
    There are not enough contacts in the export Check whether synchronization with iCloud is enabled in the settings iPhone.
    Cyrillic alphabet is displayed in krakozybra Export the file in encoding UTF-8 (setting in the browser when saving).
    💡

    If the file .vcf is too large (more than 1000 contacts), split it into parts using the service vcfsplitter.com. This will speed up import to Android.

    4. Method 3: Direct transfer via cable (for new Androids) It allows you to transfer contacts, photos and even messages directly via cable.

    Modern smartphones on Android 12+ (For example, Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 8) support the function "Transfer data" (previously - Smart Switch). It allows you to transfer contacts, photos and even messages directly via cable.

    How it works:

    • 📱 Connect iPhone to Android via USB-C/Lightning cable (an adapter may be required).
    • 🔄 On Android when you turn it on for the first time, select “Copy data” → “iPhone/iPad.”
    • 🔐 On iPhone allow access to data (the “Trust this computer?” request will appear).
    • ✅ Select “Contacts” in the list of data to transfer and wait for completion.

    Advantages method:

    • ⚡ Instant transfer without the Internet.
    • 🔒 Without loss of quality (profile photos are saved).
    • 📊 Also transferred call logs i iMessages (on some models).
    ⚠️ Attention: On iPhone s iOS 16+ Apple has limited access to some data via cable. If the transfer fails, use iCloud or Google Account.
    What data will NOT be transferred through the cable?

    Chats from WhatsApp or Telegram (need a separate backup copying)

    Applications (they will have to be installed again via Google Play)

    Settings iCloud (for example, notes or reminders)

    5. Method 4: Transfer via SIM card (if nothing works)

    This is universal, but outdated. methodwhich is suitable for older phones or in case of Internet problems. Minus: SIM card stores a limited number of contacts (usually up to 250), and does not save photos or additional fields (for example, email addresses).

    Instructions:

    1. On iPhone:
      • Open “Contacts” → click on the contact → “Share” → “Copy to SIM.”
      • Repeat for all the necessary contacts (unfortunately, there is no batch transfer).
  • Move SIM card to Android-phone.
  • On Android:
    • Open “Contacts” → “Settings” → “Import/Export” → “Import from SIM card.”
    • Select where to save (to phone memory or Google Account).

      • If SIM card does not fit (for example, nano-SIM vs micro-SIM), use an adapter or contact a communication store for cutting.

      💡

      Transferring via a SIM card is the only method that works without the Internet and additional apps. However, it does. the most time-consuming and does not save all information about contacts.

      6. Method 5: Special applications (for advanced)

      If standard methods do not work, you can use third-party apps. We recommend only proven tools:

      Application How it works Pros Cons
      Move to iOS (from Apple) Transfer data from Android to iPhone, but it also works in the opposite direction through workarounds. Official solution, supports iMessage. Complicated setup, not all contacts are transferred.
      Copy My Data Transfers contacts, photos and calendars via Wi-Fi. Simple interface, cross-platform. Limitation on the amount of data in the free version.
      My Contacts Backup Exports contacts to a file .vcf and sends by email. Works without registration. Advertising, no support for Russian language.

      How to use Copy My Data (for example):

      1. Install the application on both phones (link for iOS, link for Android).
      2. On iPhone select “Send Data”, on Android — «Receive Data».
      3. Connect to one Wi-Fi network or create an access point.
      4. Select "Contacts" and confirm the transfer.
    ⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Move to iOS) may request access to geolocation or notifications. Deny if this is not required to transfer contacts.

    7. Checking and cleaning after the transfer

    After the transfer is completed be sure to check:

    • 🔍 Number of contacts: compare with the original list on iPhone.
    • 📞 Number formatting: sometimes advantages are lost or brackets (for example +7 (999) 123-45-67 becomes 79991234567).
    • 👥 Contact groups: check if the categories are preserved ("Family", "Work").
    • 🖼️ Profile photos: they often “fly off” when transferred through SIM card.

    If you find errors:

    • 🧹 Delete duplicates: use the "Contacts" application → "Manage contacts" → "Merge duplicates."
    • ✏️ Correct numbers: edit incorrect entries manually.
    • ☁️ Synchronize with the cloud: enable auto-sync in Settings → Accounts → Google.

    To avoid problems in the future:

    • 🔗 Link your contacts to your Google Account: this way they will be automatically backed up.
    • 📅 Regularly export your backup (once every 3-6 months).
    • 🚫 Do not store contacts only on the SIM card —it is unreliable.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    ❓ Is it possible to transfer contacts without computer?

    Yes! The simplest methods without a PC:

    • Synchronization via Google Account (method 1).
    • Direct transfer via cable (method 3).
    • Using applications like Copy My Data (method 5).

    You only need a computer to export via iCloud (method 2) if you want to receive the file .vcf.

    ❓ Will photos of contacts be transferred?

    It depends on the method:

    • ✅ Will be saved when transferring via Google Account, cable or iCloud (in format .vcf).
    • ❌ Will not be saved when used SIM cards.

      • If the photos have not been transferred, you can add them manually or use the service Sync.ME to automatically search for avatars.

    ❓ What to do if the contacts have been transferred, but are displayed in hieroglyphs?

    The problem occurs due to incorrect encoding during export. Solutions:

    1. Repeat the export from iCloud, selecting the encoding UTF-8.
    2. Open the file .vcf in a text editor (for example, Notepad++) and save it in UTF-8.
    3. Use the application VCF Fix to correct the encoding.
    ❓ Is it possible to transfer contacts from a locked iPhone?

    If iPhone is locked (forgot the password or it is disabled), standard methods will not work. Alternatives:

    • 🔓 Restore access via iforgot.apple.com (if you remember Apple ID).
    • 💻 Use a backup copy in iTunes (if it exists). Connect iPhone to the computer where the backup was previously performed and export the contacts via iExplorer or iMazing.
    • 📱 Contact Apple Support with proof of device ownership.

    ⚠️ Without unlocking iPhone transfer contacts impossible — Apple does not provide alternative ways to access data.

    ❓ How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Android if iPhone is broken?

    If iPhone does not turn on or does not respond to touches, but you have enabled synchronization with iCloud:

    1. Log in iCloud.com from your computer.
    2. Export contacts to a file .vcf (method 2).
    3. Transfer the file to Android (via email, cloud or USB).

    If synchronization with iCloud has been disabled, contacts can only be restored via a backup copy in iTunes (provided that it was created earlier).