How to Switch from Android to iPhone: Step-by-Step Data Transfer Guide

Switching from Android to iPhone can be exciting, but also a bit daunting—especially if you’re worried about losing your contacts, photos, or messages. Fortunately, Apple offers a free tool that simplifies the entire migration process. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to transfer your data step by step, so your new iPhone feels like home from day one.

1. Before You Begin

To ensure a smooth transfer, make sure:

• Your Android phone is connected to Wi-Fi
• Both devices are charged (or plugged into power)
• Your iPhone is brand new or reset to factory settings
• Both phones are physically near each other

Next, download the Move to iOS app on your Android device from the Google Play Store.

2. Using the Move to iOS App

Apple’s Move to iOS app handles the core data transfer. Follow these steps:

1. On your Android phone, open Move to iOS
2. On your iPhone, begin the setup process and choose Move Data from Android
3. On your Android, agree to the terms and proceed
4. Your iPhone will display a six-digit code – enter it on your Android
5. After the devices connect, choose what data to transfer (contacts, messages, calendar, photos, videos, etc.)
6. Wait patiently while the data is being transferred – the process may take several minutes
7. Once complete, finish setting up your iPhone

3. What the App Doesn’t Transfer

Although Move to iOS handles most essentials, some items must be moved manually:

• Apps – Only free apps available in the App Store will be suggested for download
• Music and documents – Use cloud services like iCloud Drive or Google Drive to move these
• WhatsApp chats – Transferable using WhatsApp’s official migration tool

4. Sign In and Sync

After the transfer:

• Log in with your Apple ID
• Reconnect your email accounts
• Make sure your contacts, calendars, and notes are syncing correctly
• Enable iCloud backup for future data protection

5. Additional Tools to Assist

For more advanced transfers:

• Google Drive: Upload your documents and download them on iPhone
• WhatsApp: Use the in-app chat transfer feature between Android and iOS
• Microsoft OneDrive / Outlook: Handy for business data or Microsoft 365 users

6. Final Tips

• Once you’re sure everything is transferred, you can safely factory reset your Android phone (remember to sign out of your Google account first)
• Check your iPhone’s storage capacity before transferring large media libraries
• Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS