Tons of people switch to Android every year for a wide variety of reasons, from better value for money, to a less walled-in user experience, or just for a change. However, switching all your data from your iPhone to an Android can seem daunting. This easy-to-follow guide explains how to transfer your data from iOS to Android using different methods in simple steps.
It includes instructions for any Android phone, whether you’ve got a brand new Galaxy, a shiny new Pixel, or something else! We’ll also tell you how to protect your online privacy on your new device for a stress-free Android experience.
What to Do Before You Transfer Data from Your Old iPhone
Before you start the iPhone to Android transfer, make sure you’ve charged both phones. Update all software on your old phone and back up your data on iCloud so you don’t lose anything important. You won’t be able to access iCloud on your Android phone, but it will preserve everything in case you decide to go back to an iPhone.
How to Back up Your Data on iOS
Whether you’re going to transfer data from your old phone manually or with an app, you’ll want to back up your data first. Here are two great ways to back up everything on your old device.
How to Backup Your Data to iCloud
You may have your phone set to automatically back up to iCloud, but it’s worth doing a final backup just before you switch to Android! You can still access that data on other devices via a browser and who knows if you’ll be switching back one day? Make sure your phone is on charge and connected to a Wi-Fi network before you start.
Here’s how to back up your data to iCloud:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Select your name
- Select iCloud
- Select iCloud backup
- Select Back Up Now
You won’t be able to use iCloud on your Android phone unless you log in through your browser. Still, you can transfer the data to your new phone using an app, or manually download your iCloud files to your computer and then to your new phone.
How to Back up Your Data to Google Drive
Using Google Drive is the easiest way to back up your data. It will back up your calendar, contacts, videos, and photos. If you’ve already backed up photos and videos to iCloud, you’ll want to transfer it all to Google Drive, since Android doesn’t have an app for iCloud!
If you use Microsoft for your calendar and contacts, you can download their apps for Android on your new phone. Here’s how to back up your data to Google Drive:
- Download Google Drive on your iOS device from the App Store.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Go to settings in Google Drive.
- Select backup
- Choose what to back up.
- Select Start Backup
Of course, you don’t have to use Google Drive. You can use a service like Amazon Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox instead. If you only use Amazon photos but not the other services, you can back up your photos on Amazon photos and back up the rest in Google Drive.
How to Transfer Data from iPhone to Android
On Pixel and Samsung phones, you can use their respective apps to transfer data automatically. You don’t have to do a Google Drive backup, but it’s always a smart idea in case something goes wrong during the transfer process between phones.
For other phones, you can transfer your calendar, contacts, photos, and videos using Google Drive. For everything else, you’ll need to transfer the information manually or use a paid app. Be careful when downloading new apps, though. Vet them carefully first!
Transfer Your iPhone Data to Google Pixel
Google’s Quick Switch adapter (what they call the USB A to USB C adapter) lets you transfer most data from your old phone to your new Pixel phone. This includes call history, photos and videos, DRM-free music, and messages (texts, iMessage, and WhatsApp).
It will also automatically download the equivalent versions of your iPhone apps from the Play Store. Keep in mind some apps will be iOS only, but you may be able to find an Android equivalent with a quick Google search.
Hot tip: You can also use an Apple Thunderbolt to USB C cable if you have a newer iPhone.
Follow these instructions to transfer everything from your iPhone to your new Google Pixel phone:
- Insert your SIM card into the Pixel phone, turn it on, and press Start on the screen.
- It will ask you to Copy apps and data – select Next.
- It will ask you, Use your old device? – select Next.
- Use the adaptor to plug your iPhone into the Pixel phone.
- Select Copy on your iOS device.
- Choose what data to import to your Pixel phone.
- Select Copy on the Pixel phone (deselect whatever you don’t want to copy). It should start transferring the data.
- The app will tell you once it’s finished transferring the files.
Transfer Your iPhone Data to Samsung Galaxy
Samsung also allows you to transfer data from your iOS device to a Galaxy phone with a cable or using iCloud. The Samsung Smart Switch app lets you transfer call history, DRM-free music, settings and alarms, notes and voice memos, as well as your contacts, calendars, photos, and videos.
How to Transfer from iOS Using a Cable:
Samsung phones sometimes include a USB A to USB C adapter, or you could use a Lightning to USB C cable to connect the two phones. Follow these instructions to transfer your data from your iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy phone using the adapter:
- Turn off two-step verification on your Apple ID before starting the transfer.
- Use the adaptor to plug your iPhone into your Galaxy phone.
- Download the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy phone.
- Open the app.
- Select Receive data and then iPhone/iPad.
- On your iOS device, select Trust.
- On the Galaxy phone, select Next.
- Choose what data to transfer to your Galaxy phone.
- Select Transfer on the Galaxy phone.
- Select Done once the transfer is finished.
How to Transfer from iOS Using Wi-Fi:
If you’re transferring data from iCloud, be sure to do one final backup on your iOS device before the transfer. You will also want to disable iCloud’s two-factor authentication. To transfer wirelessly from iCloud instead of with a cable, follow these steps:
- Download the Smart Switch app on your Galaxy phone.
- Open the app and accept the terms of service.
- Select Receive data, and then iPhone/iPad.
- Select Get data from iCloud instead.
- Enter your Apple ID and select Sign in to iCloud.
- Enter the verification code and select ok.
- Choose what data to transfer to your Galaxy phone.
- Select Transfer on the Galaxy phone.
Transfer Your iOS Data to Other Devices
Only Pixel and Samsung devices have native transfer apps. For other phones, you can use Google Drive, but it will only transfer your photos, videos, contacts, and calendars. For everything else, you’ll have to use a paid app or manually transfer data.
How to Manually Transfer Your iOS Data to Android
You can plug both phones into your computer and manually move photos, videos, documents, and music files from your old phone to the new one.
On a PC, use iTunes to manually copy music files from your iPhone to your PC or Android phone. Transfer photos and videos manually in the file explorer. You can export text chats from WhatsApp and send them to yourself via email, but you won’t be able to transfer photos or videos from conversations.
If your calendar is synced with iCloud, you can also manually export it as a .ics file and import it into Google Calendar. You can also select all contacts in iCloud and export them as a .vcf file to import into Google Contacts. Alternatively, a Google Drive backup will also import calendar and contacts from your iOS device and iCloud account to Google Calendar.
On a Mac, use the Finder to transfer any files directly from your iPhone to your Android device. You could also use your Mac to download iCloud files to your Android phone or to Google Drive.
How To Transfer Your iOS Data Using Google Drive
After completing the Google Drive backup on your iOS device, log into your Google Account on the Android phone and download the Google Drive app. Select Restore from backup. You should then be able to access the backed-up contacts, calendars, photos, and videos from your old device.
How To Transfer Your iOS Data Using an App
You could also use a paid app like MobileTrans to transfer your data. On top of video, photos, and contacts, it can also transfer data like messages (SMS, WhatsApp, WeChat, LINE), alarms, and reminders. It can also transfer iCloud data directly to your Android device. You’ll have to weigh the benefits of easily transferring your data with the con of paying $45 for an app you’ll only use once.
What Will You Lose in the Transfer?
Unfortunately, you can’t take everything with you. Here’s what you may lose when you switch to Android:
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- Paid apps (the Play Store and App Store are different)
- App data
- Apps that don’t exist for Android (you may be able to find a similar app)
- In-app purchases (the App store handles these on iOS)
- Settings (Samsung can transfer Wi-Fi settings and alarms)
- Safari bookmarks
- Third-party chat app data (depending on how you transfer your data)
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What Should You Do With Your iPhone after You Transfer the Data
We use our smartphones for everything from online shopping to banking and cloud storage. That means these handy gadgets also contain a lot of personal information! To protect yourself from identity theft, you need to wipe your old phone’s memory and perform a factory reset before selling, donating, or recycling it.
Be sure to back everything up first. You can’t undo a reset! To perform the reset, go to Settings > General > Reset. Remember to turn off “Find my iPhone” if you plan on selling your old phone.
Data privacy is just as crucial on your new phone. Once you’ve switched to Android from iPhone, use a VPN to protect your personal data and stay anonymous online.
Do I Need a VPN on My Phone?
Yes! A VPN encrypts your data and disguises your location. This protects you from data-hungry apps, helps prevent identity theft, and gives you anonymity online. Here are a few advantages of installing the CyberGhost VPN app on your phone:
Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
Even if you have a great data plan, you might want to use Wi-Fi when you travel to avoid reaching your data limit. CyberGhost VPN keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi.
We send your data through an encrypted tunnel to our servers. This encryption prevents anyone from seeing what you’re doing online and protects you from man-in-the-middle cyber attacks. Take advantage of free public Wi-Fi without exposing your data!
Protect Your Connection
If your connection isn’t encrypted, anyone can snoop on your browsing activity or steal your data! CyberGhost VPN secures your data with 256-bit AES encryption. Our uncrackable encryption makes it impossible for anyone to read your data, including your ISP, government, and cybercriminals. Though keep in mind websites will still be able to see what you do and any data you enter into them.
We connect you to our servers with a choice of protocols, like the state-of-the-art WireGuard® protocol which ensures maximum security without sacrificing speed.
Stay Anonymous Online
Want to stay anonymous online? A VPN hides your actual IP address with one from its server, so no one can track you! It also sends your data through an encrypted tunnel, so no one can interfere with your data.
As a bonus, CyberGhost’s headquarters are in privacy-friendly Romania, so we’re never required to report on you. Our strict No Logs policy guarantees we don’t keep track of what you do online. Check out our detailed Transparency Report for more information about our commitment to privacy.
Use on All Your Devices
CyberGhost VPN protects more than just your phone. Your CyberGhost subscription supports up to 7 devices at a time. That means you can protect your privacy and security on all your devices simultaneously!
Download the CyberGhost app to your PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone, and Smart TV to get started. You can use CyberGhost on up to 7 devices simultaneously, so your whole family can benefit from all CyberGhost VPN has to offer.
Stream Your Favorite Content
Want to access TV shows and other content regardless of where you are? CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers for major streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
You can keep watching your favorite shows in UHD at lightning-fast speeds even if you’re on a restricted network or traveling. Access CyberGhost’s streaming servers from your phone, computer, or Smart TV! If you need any help connecting, contact our Customer Support Team. They’re available 24/7.
Things You Can Do on Android That You Can’t on iPhone
Welcome to the dark side! Now that you’ve escaped Apple’s walled garden, you’ll discover a new world of possibilities. Here’s a taste of what you can do on Android that you can’t on iPhone:
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- Choose your default apps for file management, photos, music, and more.
- Enjoy native support for the entire Google Workspace suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive ) and Google Assistant.
- Use app stores such as Amazon and Epic Games.
- Sideload apps without jailbreaking your phone. Be careful when doing this!
- Customize your phone’s home screen layout and use custom app launchers.
- Customize your phone’s appearance, including themes and fonts.
- Add external storage with a microSD card (depending on model).
- Use Chromecast to mirror your phone screen on your TV.
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Congrats, You’ve Made the Switch!
It seems daunting at first to switch from iOS to Android, but you’ll soon be too busy enjoying your shiny new phone to remember the process. Before you break in your new phone, make sure you stay safe online! Download the CyberGhost Android app to protect your data and stay anonymous online.
FAQ
To backup to iCloud, go into settings on your iPhone and then go to the iCloud section. Select “iCloud backup” and then “backup now.” Otherwise, the simplest way to back up your iPhone is with Google Drive, since it’s closely integrated with Google services and Apple doesn’t make an iCloud app for Android.
Check out our quick guide on how to back up your data on iOS. When dealing with sensitive information, it’s a good idea to use a VPN to encrypt your connection so no one can read your data. Use CyberGhost VPN to protect yourself online!
If you’re moving to a Pixel or Galaxy phone, you can use the Quick Switch adaptor (Pixel) or Smart Switch app and a Lightning to USB C adapter (Galaxy) to transfer your data from your iPhone to your new Android phone. You still may want to do a Google Drive backup beforehand to save your contacts, calendars, videos, and photos.
For other Android phones, you can use Google Drive to transfer your photos, contacts, and calendar. For everything else, you’ll have to manually move files from one phone to another with iTunes (PC) or Finder (Mac), or use an app like MobileTrans.
Yes. You can connect both phones to your computer to do a manual file transfer using iTunes on Windows, or Finder on a Mac. It may take some time for all of the files to transfer. Install CyberGhost VPN on all your devices to make sure they’re secure while you’re transferring your personal data.
Yes! Your old device contains important information that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Wipe your phone and return it to the factory settings before selling it, giving it away, or recycling it.
Download CyberGhost VPN on your new phone to avoid identity theft and stay anonymous online. CyberGhost VPN includes a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you’ve got no reason to wait!
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