The transition from iPhone to Android is not only a change of operating system, but and transfer of personal data, including music library. Many users are faced with a problem: how to save favorite tracks purchased or downloaded on iOSso that they can be played on a new Androiddevice? Unlike photos or contacts, music is often protected by copyright, and standard synchronization methods (like iTunes or Apple Music) do not work with a competing platform.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods transferring songs from iPhone on Android, taking into account the nuances of formats, service limitations and legal aspects. You will learn how to bypass blocking DRM, save metadata (covers, track names) and avoid loss of quality. And also, what applications and services will help automate the process, even if you don’t have a computer at hand.

1. Transfer via cloud services: Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox

Cloud storage is the most universal way to transfer files between devices of different ecosystems. They do not require cables, work on any platform and allow you to maintain the original audio quality. Let's consider three popular options:

  • 📁 Google Drive: integrated with Android, supports downloading files up to 750 GB (for accounts with a paid subscription). Available for free 15 GB.
  • ☁️ iCloud: native storage Apple, but limited 5 GB for free users. Requires installation of the application iCloud for Windows or web version.
  • 🗂️ Dropbox: convenient for small libraries (free 2 GB), but offers bonuses for inviting friends.

To upload music to the cloud from iPhone:

  1. Open the cloud service application (for example, Google Drive).
  2. Click + → Upload → Select files.
  3. In the file manager iOS go to On my iPhone → Music (if the tracks are downloaded locally) or select files from another source (for example, Downloads).
  4. Wait for the download to complete.

On Android download files through the same application or the web version of the service. Important: if the tracks were purchased on iTunes Store, they may be protected DRM and will not be played on Android. In this case, conversion will be required (see section 4).

File format (MP3, AAC, WAV are supported)

Amount of free space in the cloud

Internet speed (downloading 1 GB of music will take ~10 minutes at speed 15 Mbit/s)

The presence of DRM protection (tracks from the iTunes Store are usually protected)

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2. Direct transfer via cable (via a computer)

If you have Mac or PC, transferring music via cable USB is the most reliable method. It guarantees file safety and works even with large libraries (tens of gigabytes). You will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac).
  • 🔌 Cable Lightning/USB-C → USB for connections iPhone.
  • 📱 Cable for connecting Androiddevices (or a card reader, if the phone supports OTG).

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Connect iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.
  2. Go to the section File → Devices → Transfer purchases (if tracks were purchased in iTunes Store).
  3. Open the music folder: usually it is Music → iTunes → iTunes Media → Music.
  4. Copy files to Android via Explorer (This computer → [Phone name] → Internal memory → Music).

For Mac (macOS Catalina and later): instead iTunes use Finder. Connect iPhone, select it in the side menu, then go to the Files tab and copy the music manually.

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If Androidthe phone is not displayed as a removable disk, enable the File transfer (MTP) mode in the USB connection settings.

3. Transfer via messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber

Messengers are convenient for transfer small number of tracks (up to 5–10 songs). They do not require additional apps, but have limitations:

  • 📎 Telegram: maximum file size - 2 GB (in channels/chat), but in personal messages - up to 200 MB.
  • 💬 WhatsApp: limit - 100 MB per file (audio compression is possible).
  • 📱 Viber: up to 200 MB, but the quality may deteriorate.

How to send a song:

  1. Open the messenger on iPhone and create a chat with yourself (or use saved messages in Telegram).
  2. Click Attach → File and select a track from the device memory.
  3. Open the same chat on Android and download the file.

Disadvantages of the method: long loading with weak Internet, possible loss of metadata (name track, artist). For mass transfer, it is better to use clouds or cable.

Telegram

WhatsApp

Viber

Other

I don’t use instant messengers for this

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4. Converting protected tracks (DRM) for Android

If your songs were purchased in iTunes Store or downloaded via Apple Music, they can be protected by DRM (FairPlay)technology. Such files have the extension .m4p and are not played on Android. universal format (MP3 or AAC).

For this you will need a converter app. The best options:

app Platform Supported formats Features
iTunes Match Windows, macOS M4P → AAC (256 kbps) Paid subscription ($25/year), removes DRM
TuneFab Apple Music Converter Windows, macOS M4P, M4A → MP3/AAC/WAV Saves metadata, free trial version
Audacity Windows, macOS, Linux Any audio formats Free, but requires manual configuration

Step-by-step guide for TuneFab:

  1. Download and install the app to your computer.
  2. Connect iPhone and log in iTunes.
  3. Select tracks to convert and specify the output format (MP3 recommended).
  4. Click Convert and wait for completion.
  5. Transfer the received files to Android in any convenient way.
What is DRM and why does it interfere?

DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a copyright protection technology that limits the use of digital content. In the case of Apple Music i iTunes Store, DRM links tracks to the account Apple ID and devices Apple. Without removing the protection, files cannot be played on Android or other unsupported platforms.

5. Special applications for transferring music

If you need to transfer the entire music library without manual copying, use specialized applications. They automate the process, save playlists and metadata. The best options:

  • 🔄 SHAREit: transfer via Wi-Fi Direct at speeds up to 20 MB/s. Supports iOS i Android.
  • 🎵 SongShift: transfers playlists between services (Apple Music → Spotify/YouTube Music).
  • 📲 Send Anywhere: generation of a 6-digit code for fast file transfer.

How to work with SHAREit:

  1. Install the application on both devices (iPhone and Android).
  2. On iPhone select Send → Music and mark the tracks.
  3. On Android click Receive and scan the QR code from the screen iPhone.
  4. Wait for completion transfers.

Advantages of the method: high speed, no loss of quality, preservation of folder structure. Disadvantages: Some applications show advertising, and large libraries may require a premium version.

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Applications like SHAREit or Send Anywhere are ideal for one-time transfer of a large amount of music (for example, when changing a phone). For regular synchronization, it is better to use cloud services.

6. Alternative methods: streaming services and downloading from YouTube

If transferring local files is not possible (for example, due to DRM), consider alternatives:

  • 🎧 Streaming services: Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music (there is an application for Android) allow you to listen to music without downloading. Minus - a subscription and Internet are required.
  • 📺 Downloading from YouTube: using services like YTMP3 or 4K Video Downloader you can download an audio track from videos. Attention: this may violate copyright rights!
  • 💿 Purchasing tracks again: in Google Play Music (if still available) or Amazon Music you can buy songs in the format MP3 without DRM.

How to download music from YouTube legally:

  1. Find an official video clip or audio recording on YouTube.
  2. Use service YouTube Premium for downloading on Android (legal, but paid).
  3. Or use applications like Snaptube (for personal use only!).
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Before downloading music from YouTube, check the video license. Many labels allow downloading for personal use, but distribution of files is prohibited.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When transferring music, users often encounter problems. Here top 5 errors and their solutions:

  1. Tracks do not play on Android: most likely, files in the format .m4p (with DRM). Use a converter (section 4).
  2. Song titles and covers are lost: use metadata editing apps, for example MP3Tag (Windows) or Star Music Tag Editor (Android).
  3. Slow Wi-Fi transfer: Switch to a cable connection or use 5 GHz network instead 2.4 GHz.
  4. Not enough space in the cloud: Clean up unnecessary files or archive music to ZIP before downloading.
  5. Transfer applications do not find music: check if the tracks are downloaded locally on iPhone (in Settings → Music → Downloads).

If you are transferring music from Apple Music, remember: tracks downloaded offline are protected by DRM and will disappear if you cancel your subscription. They cannot be copied to Android without conversion.

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Before mass transferring music, check your settings. Settings → Music → Optimize storage on iPhone. If enabled, some tracks may be stored in the cloud rather than locally.

Can I transfer playlists from Apple Music to Spotify?

Yes, for this use services like SongShift or Soundiiz. They sync playlists between streaming platforms, but do not transfer local files. Downloaded tracks will require manual downloading.

Why are album covers not displayed on Android?

This is due to a lack of metadata or format incompatibility. Use applications to edit tags, for example Automatic Tag Editor (Android) or MusicBrainz Picard (PC/Mac).

Is it possible to transfer music from iPhone to Android without a computer?

Yes, using cloud services (section 1), instant messengers (section 3) or applications like SHAREit (section 5). A computer is only needed to delete DRM or convert formats.

Is it legal to download music from YouTube for personal use?

From a legal point of view, there are gray areas. In most countries, downloading for personal listening is not criminalized, but distributing files violates copyright. For legal downloading, use YouTube Premium or buy tracks in official stores.

How to transfer music from iPhone to Android memory card?

Connect the memory card to the computer via a card reader, copy files from the folder iTunes Media (or clouds), then insert the card into Androiddevice. Or use OTG adapter to directly connect the card to iPhone (a file manager is required, for example, Documents by Readdle).