Changing an ecosystem from Apple to Android is always stressful, associated with the risk of losing important files, photos and contacts. Users often fear that when they switch to a new smartphone, their digital lives will be fragmented between two platforms. However, modern technologies make it possible to make this process as smooth and secure as possible using proven cloud tools.
The most reliable migration method is to use Google Drive, which serves as a universal bridge between operating systems. This method does not require the installation of additional paid software or complex manipulations with cables. All you need is a stable Wi-Fi connection and the Google account that you plan to use on the new device.
In this article we will analyze in detail each stage of the process: from preparing the old iPhone to the final setup of the Androidsmartphone. You will learn exactly what data can be transferred in this way, how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if synchronization is interrupted. Please note that there is only 15 GB of free space in Google Drive, so if you have a large volume of media files, you may need to temporarily expand the storage.
Preparing your iPhone for backup
Before starting any data manipulation, you must make sure that your iPhone is ready to transfer information. The first step is to update the application Google Drive to the latest version through the App Store. Older versions of the app may not work correctly with new security protocols or may not support some file types.
Then you need to log in to the application using the same Google account that you will enter on the new phone. This is a critical point, since all data will be tied to this particular email address. If you plan to create a new account specifically for migration, do so in advance.
Also check the privacy settings on your iOSdevice. The system may ask for permission to access contacts, calendar, and media files for the Google app. Without granting these rights, the backup process will simply not start or will fail.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network before starting the backup. Transferring large amounts of data over a mobile network can take a long time and exhaust your data plan.
☑️ Check before you start
Setting up backup in application
After installation and login, open the main menu of the application by clicking on the icon with three stripes in the upper left corner. You are interested in section Settings, and then subsection Backup. This is where all the key levers for managing the migration process are concentrated.
In the menu that opens, you will see switches for various data types. The system will offer to save contacts, calendar events and photos. For each data type, you can select detailed options. For example, for photos you can select the quality of uploads: “High quality” (compresses the photo, does not take up space in the quota) or “Original” (takes up space in the storage).
It is important to pay attention to the “Last backup” status. If it shows a date when you have not yet installed the application, then the process has not yet started. Click the button Start copyingto initiate the process. The waiting time depends on the Internet speed and the size of your media library.
What to do if copying is stuck?
If the progress bar is frozen in place, try switching from Wi-Fi to the mobile network and back, or simply close the application completely (swipe up) and start it again. Sometimes rebooting the iPhone itself helps.
Do not turn off the iPhone screen too early, although the application can run in the background, the active mode guarantees more stable transmission of data packets. If you have thousands of photos, the process may take several hours.
Migrating Contacts, Calendar, and Events
One of the most important parts of the migration is saving your address book and schedule. Luckily, Google Drive syncs this data almost instantly once the server-side backup is complete. You don't have to wait for heavy file uploads to see your phone numbers.
iPhone contacts are automatically matched to Google account fields. If you had duplicate entries or contacts saved locally on your device (not in iCloud), the app will offer to merge them or save them separately. It is recommended to choose merging to avoid chaos in the phone book of the new smartphone.
Calendar events are also transferred with all the details: time, place and reminders. However, it is worth considering that recurring events with complex logic (for example, “every second Wednesday of the month”) may sometimes require manual checking to ensure that they are displayed correctly in the new system.
- 📞 Contacts: Names, phone numbers, email addresses and positions are saved.
- 📅 Calendar: All events are transferred, including invitations and employment statuses.
- ⚠️ Local data: Contacts saved only in the phone memory (not in iCloud) may not be backed up without explicit permission.
Before you throw away or sell your old iPhone, be sure to check contacts.google.com from your computer. If all the numbers are in place, you can be sure that they will safely move to Android.
Migration of photos and videos through the cloud
Photos and videos are the most voluminous layer of data that worries users the most when switching to Android. Google Photos (integrated into Drive or running as a standalone app) lets you upload your entire library to the cloud. After that, on the new phone you just need to log into your account, and the gallery will fill itself.
There is a nuance with formats. Apple uses a format HEIC for photos and HEVC for videos that may not be supported by some older Android models or third-party applications. Google Drive and Google Photos automatically convert these files into compatible ones JPG and MP4 upon download, if the corresponding option is in the settings.
The uploading process can put a lot of stress on the battery and heat up the device. We recommend leaving your iPhone charging and not actively using it in the background during the initial sync. The speed depends on the bandwidth of your Wi-Fi channel.
| Data type | Transfer speed | Impact on storage | Automatic conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | Instant | Minor | No |
| Calendar | Instantly | Minor | No |
| Photo (High quality) | Medium | Does not waste quota (up to 15GB) | Yes (compression) |
| Video (Original) | Low | Spends quota completely | No |
If you choose storage in original quality, keep an eye on the free space in your Google account. 4K video files take up gigabytes, and the 15 GB of free space can run out mid-album loading.
Actions on a new Android smartphone
Once you've backed up your iPhone, it's time to pick up a new one Android. When you turn it on for the first time, the system will prompt you to configure the device. At the stage of connecting to Wi-Fi, enter the same network as on the iPhone, this will speed up the process.
Next you will be asked to log in to your Google account. Enter the exact email that was used for the backup. The system will automatically detect the presence of a backup copy from the iPhone and offer to restore the data. You will need to agree to the terms and choose what exactly you want to transfer: applications, contacts, photos.
If the phone is already set up and you skipped this step, don’t worry. Just install the applications from the Play Market, log in to your account, and the data will appear in the appropriate sections of the system. Contacts are synchronized through the account settings in the “Synchronization” section. Google Drive And Google Photos from the Play Market, log in to your account, and the data will appear in the appropriate sections of the system. Contacts are synchronized through your account settings in the “Synchronization” section.
Solution and possible errors
Despite the smooth running of the process, sometimes failures may occur. A common problem is desync, when new contacts added to the iPhone after creating a backup do not appear on Android. The solution is simple: run the iPhone backup procedure again manually.
Another common error is “Not enough space.” As mentioned earlier, the 15 GB limit is real. If you see a storage error, you will have to either delete some of the old emails and files from Drive, or temporarily buy a Google One subscription and cancel it after transferring your data.
⚠️ Attention: App interfaces and the exact location of settings may vary depending on the version of iOS and the version of the Google Drive app. If you do not find the item you need, use the search inside the iPhone settings.
It is also worth remembering that Wi-Fi passwords saved in iCloud Keychain will not be automatically transferred through Google Drive. You will have to re-enter your home network password on the new device or use the QR code to connect.
The main secret of successful migration is patience and checking each stage. Don't rush to erase data from your old phone until you're sure everything works on the new one.
Alternative methods and additional tools
While Google Drive is a great tool for basic data, it won't transfer your progress in games or chat history in some instant messengers. For WhatsApp, for example, there is a separate function for transferring chats, which is often offered during the initial setup of Android via cable or Wi-Fi Direct. There are also specialized applications from smartphone manufacturers, such as (official from Google) or from Samsung. They work on a similar principle, but can offer deeper integration with a specific phone model, even transferring the arrangement of icons on the desktop.
There are also specialized applications from smartphone manufacturers, such as Switch to Android (official from Google) or Smart Switch from Samsung. They work on a similar principle, but can offer deeper integration with a specific phone model, even transferring the arrangement of icons on the desktop.
For users who value complete independence from the clouds, there is a wired method. Using a Lightning-to-USB adapter and an OTG cable, you can physically connect your iPhone to your Android smartphone. This method is faster for transferring heavy video files, as it does not depend on Internet speed.
- 📲 Switch to Android: Official application, copies photos and contacts well.
- 🔌 Cable connection: The fastest method for large amounts of data without compression.
- ☁️ Google Drive: The best option for regular synchronization and work in the background.
The choice of method depends on your priorities: speed, convenience or maximum compatibility. In most cases, a combination of Google Drive for contacts/calendar and manually transferring photos via the cloud is the most reliable strategy.
Will my in-app purchases and subscriptions transfer over?
No, App Store purchases and subscriptions made through an Apple ID do not transfer to Android. You will have to repurchase apps or sign up for Google Play subscriptions. However, services like Spotify, Netflix or Yandex.Plus will work on your account without additional payments.
What to do with iMessage to avoid losing messages on your iPhone?
Before you remove the SIM card from your iPhone, be sure to go to Settings → Messages and turn off iMessage. Otherwise, SMS from other iPhone users may continue to arrive on the old phone and not on the new Android.
Is it possible to interrupt the download process and continue later?
Yes, Google Drive can resume downloads. If you close the application or the Internet goes out, the next time you start it and connect to the network, the process will continue from where it left off, rather than starting again.
Is it safe to store copies of documents in Google Drive?
Yes, Google uses data encryption during transmission and storage. However, for increased security of confidential documents (passports, contracts), it is recommended to use the “Secure Folder” function inside the application or set an additional password to enter the Drive application.