How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone — The Complete Guide!

Switching from Android to iPhone is easy with our step-by-step guide. We’ll walk you through different methods of moving your data from your old Android phone to your new iPhone. The Move to iOS app is the easiest option, but it’s not the only way. Let’s get started!

What to Do Before You Transfer Data from Your Old Phone

Before you start the Android to iPhone transfer:

1. Check that your new device has enough space to fit all of your old device’s data.
2. Plug in both devices and make sure they’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network. 
3. Back up your Android phone to Google Drive.
4. Sign out of RCS (Rich Communication Service) on Google Messages.

How to Back Up Your Data to Google Drive

The good thing about Google services is they work on both Android and iOS, so you can keep your Google accounts when you move. You can use Google Drive to easily back up your call and SMS history, documents, photos and videos, settings, and app data such as contacts (Google Contacts app only). To sync your Chrome bookmarks to your new device, update the Chrome app on your old device. 

To back up data to Google Drive from your Android phone, go to Settings > Google > Backup (or search backup in settings.) Then select Back up now.

How to Sign Out of RCS

Rich Communication Services (RCS) enables you to send encrypted messages including text, videos, photos, and GIFs. If your Android phone uses Google Messages for text messages, you need to turn off RCS before you switch your phone to avoid missing messages. 

On your Android device, go to the Google Messages app and follow these steps:

1. Select More options
2. Select Settings
3. Select Chat features
4. Toggle off Enable chat features

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How to Transfer Your Data to iPhone Using the Move to iOS app 

Now that you’ve backed up your old phone, it’s time to start moving your files. The easiest way to do this is to use the Move to iOS app. You can download the app to your Android phone from the Google Play Store. It all works wirelessly, so you don’t need any cables to transfer your data.

You can only use this transfer method before you set up your iPhone. If you’ve already completed the setup process, you’ll either have to start again or transfer your files manually.

You can transfer the following data with the Move to iOS app:

• • • • • Contacts
        • Calendars 
        • Message history
        • Whatsapp messages
        • Photos (and photo albums)
        • Videos 
        • Files (and folders)
        • Some settings (e.g., accessibility and display)
        • Your Google account 
        • Other email accounts
        • Some free apps

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Plug in both devices and connect them to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to the Play Store on your Android phone and download the Move to iOS app.
3. Turn on your iPhone and select Move Data from Android.

4. Open the Move to iOS app on your Android phone.
5. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
6. Wait for the Move from Android screen on your iPhone, then select continue.
7. Wait for the one-time code to appear on your iPhone. Enter it on your Android phone.

8. Select Connect on your Android phone to join the temporary Wi-Fi network.
9. Choose what content to transfer from your Android phone to your iPhone and select Continue.

10. Leave both devices alone until your iPhone shows the transfer is complete.

Apple Support outlines the process in this video: 

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How to Manually Transfer Your Data to iPhone

You can manually transfer your data if you don’t want to use the Move to iOS app or if it doesn’t transfer everything you want.

Manual Transfer on a PC

Follow these steps to move music, photos, videos, and other files manually on a PC: 

1. Plug your Android phone into your PC.
2. Import your photos and videos from your Android phone to a new folder on your PC.
3. Remove your Android phone and plug your iPhone into your PC.
4. Open iTunes on your PC.
5. Select the device button for your iPhone (top left corner).
6. Select the content from the folder on your computer that you want to sync in the settings menu on the left (music, photos, files, etc.).
7. Click the checkbox for each category you’d like to sync.
8. Click Apply or Sync in the bottom right corner after you’ve chosen everything you want to sync.

Manual Transfer On a Mac

Follow these steps to move files (photos, videos, music, etc.) manually: 

1. Plug your Android phone into your Mac.
2. Use the Android file transfer app to import your files to a new folder. 
3. Remove your Android phone and plug your iPhone into your Mac.
4. Go to the finder on your Mac (or iTunes in older Mac OS versions) and select your iPhone
5. Configure the settings in the finder for each file type you want to sync (music, books, photos, files, etc.) 
6. Click the checkbox and select Apply for each category you want to sync. 

Other Ways To Transfer Your Data

Google Drive works on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC, so it’s a straightforward way to access documents and other data on multiple devices. Simply back up files on your Android phone, then install the Google Drive app on your iPhone to access your files instantly. You can only transfer files, photos, videos, settings, and app data with Google Drive. You’ll need to use a different method to transfer music and apps. 

There’s an alternative to Google Drive that we haven’t mentioned. If you’re committed to Apple products from now on, you could manually import files to your computer from Android and then upload them to iCloud. Then you just have to sync your iPhone with iCloud to access the files.

You could also use a paid app to transfer your files — MobileTrans is one of the most popular. Like the Move to iOS app, it helps you move files, documents, photos, and WhatsApp messages. In addition, you can use it to transfer music, ringtones, and voice memos. You’ll have to weigh the benefit of paying for an app for one-time use against the potential convenience it offers.

What Will You Lose in the Transfer?

The downside of switching to a new operating system is you can’t transfer everything. Some things will get lost in the process, including:

• • • • • Purchased apps 
        • Free apps that don’t have an equivalent in the iOS App Store
        • In-app purchases
        • Accessibility and display settings
        • Messages on certain messaging apps 

Can You Transfer Apps?

Yes, with some big caveats. The Move to iOS app can move some free apps that are available on both Android and iOS. Unfortunately, you can’t automatically transfer paid apps. For paid apps and apps that don’t transfer, you’ll need to go to the App Store on your iPhone and search to see if each app exists on iOS.

If you can’t find an exact match, you can often find an equivalent app. Try Googling “[app name] iOS equivalent” for suggestions.

What to Do With Your Android Phone after You Transfer the Data

Many Apple Stores will recycle your Android device after you switch to an iPhone. It’s a smart idea to wipe your data before you hand it in. Just go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You can’t undo this, so remember to back up your data to Google Drive first!

Do You Need a VPN on Your iPhone?

Yes! Apple devices have great security, but it never hurts to take extra precautions. A VPN will make your phone’s connection more secure, especially if you use public Wi-Fi. 

Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are so convenient when you’re away from home. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi networks at airports, train stations, and malls are usually unsecured — even Apple devices are at risk on these networks. Cybercriminals often use these unsecured networks to steal user data.

Use a VPN with end-to-end encryption to avoid snooping on these networks. Enable automatic Wi-Fi protection in the CyberGhost app to protect your iPhone on any public Wi-Fi network. Set it and forget it!

Keep Your Identity Private

Everyone from cybercriminals to marketing companies want to get their hands on your data. Apple has recognized this and integrated features that limit tracking, with even more security features on the way. Still, you shouldn’t rely on Apple to prevent identity theft.

CyberGhost’s state-of-the-art encryption secures your data so no one can read it. Our strict No Logs policy guarantees we won’t track anything you do online. For improved online privacy, use CyberGhost VPN on your iPhone. 

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Use on All Your Devices

CyberGhost VPN isn’t just for iOS and Android. We also have apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, and more. Every CyberGhost subscription supports up to 7 simultaneous connections, so you can protect your phone, laptop, and other devices at the same time!

Even better, 7 connections mean your family can enjoy the benefits of a secure VPN too.

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Congrats, You Made the Change!

Now that you’ve got an Apple device, you’re about to discover why people love iPhones and other Apple products so much. While you’re busy loading your new device with all your favorite apps, consider downloading CyberGhost VPN to stay safe online. 

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