How to Transfer Data From Android to iOS Easily

12 MIN READ | Last updated: Jan 19, 2025 | By Atika Lim

We’ll walk you through three easy ways to transfer your data from Android to iPhone, so you can enjoy your new device without the hassle.

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Steps to Take Before Transferring Data from Android to iPhone

Make sure your transfer goes smoothly by preparing your devices with these simple steps:

1. 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.

2. Make sure both devices have enough battery

Before transferring data from Android to iPhone, ensure both devices have at least 75% battery. Why? Because the transfer process can take time—anywhere from several minutes to over an hour, depending on how much you’re moving. If either device runs out of juice mid-transfer, you could lose data or have to restart the entire process. Keeping both devices well-charged helps ensure a smooth, uninterrupted transfer so everything arrives safely on your new iPhone.

3. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network 

Data transfers between devices rely heavily on a steady network, especially for larger files like photos, videos, and apps. A weak or unstable connection can slow things down—or worse, interrupt the transfer altogether, potentially causing you to lose progress or data. Making sure you’re on a reliable network keeps the process moving and ensures that everything reaches your new iPhone without a hitch. 

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4. Sign out of Rich Communication Services

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

How to Move Your Data from Android to iPhone

1. Use 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 works wirelessly, so you don’t need cables to transfer your data.

With the app, you can transfer the following data:

• • 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.

Note: This transfer method can only be used before you set up your iPhone. If you’ve already completed the setup process, you’ll either have to reboot your iPhone or transfer your files manually.

2. Manually Transfer Data

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.

How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone 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.

How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone on Mac

Follow these steps to move files (photos, videos, music, etc.) from your Android to iPhone, manually on Mac: 

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. 

3. Use a Google Account

Another way to transfer data is by using Gmail and the cloud. This method is perfect if you forgot to move certain files during the initial transfer or if you’ve already set up your iPhone and couldn’t use Move to iOS.

Here’s how:

Back up Your Android Data to Google

Head to the Settings app on your Android, find the Google tab, tap on Backup, and select the categories you’d like to sync. You can double-check what’s being backed up by expanding Google Account data in the Backup details list. Once everything’s set, wait for the backup to finish syncing.

Sync Google Account with Your iPhone

On your iPhone, go to Settings then Mail then Accounts and Add Account, and log in with your Gmail credentials. This will allow your data from Google to sync with your iPhone and automatically start importing.

Bonus Option: Google Drive

You can also upload files to a Google Drive folder and download them on your iPhone. Just remember, a standard Google account has 15GB of free storage, so you may need to upgrade if you need more space.

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How to Transfer WhatsApp Data from Android to iPhone

Switching from Android to iPhone? If you want to keep your WhatsApp chats, photos, and settings, you’re in luck. You can move over your account info, profile photo, individual and group chats, chat history, media, and settings. Just keep in mind that some things like call history and your display name won’t transfer.

Before Transferring WhatsApp Data 

To ensure a smooth transfer, make sure:

• • Android Requirements: Your device needs Android OS Lollipop (version 5) or higher.
  • iPhone Requirements: Your iPhone must be running iOS 15.5 or later.
  • Apps: Install the Move to iOS app on your Android. Avoid using unsupported data migration apps as they can cause issues.
  • WhatsApp Versions: Update WhatsApp to the latest version on both devices.
  • Phone Number: Use the same phone number on your new iPhone.
  • Device Setup: Your iPhone should be either new or reset to factory settings to work with Move to iOS.
  • Power Connection: Keep both devices plugged in during the transfer.
  • Network Connection: Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, or connect your Android to the iPhone’s hotspot.

How to Transfer WhatsApp Data from Android to iPhone 

Moving your WhatsApp chats, photos, and settings from Android to iPhone? You can do this smoothly with the Move to iOS app by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Move to iOS app on your Android and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: A code will appear on your iPhone. Enter this code on your Android device when prompted.

Step 3: Tap Continue and follow the instructions.

Step 4: On the Transfer Data screen, select WhatsApp.

Step 5: Tap Start on your Android and wait for WhatsApp to prepare the data for export. Once complete, you’ll be signed out of WhatsApp on your Android.

Step 6: Tap Next to return to the Move to iOS app.

Step 7: Tap Continue to begin transferring data from your Android to your iPhone. Wait for the process to finish.

Step 8: Install the latest version of WhatsApp on your iPhone from the App Store.

Step 9: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and log in using the same phone number you used on your old device.

Step 10: Tap Start when prompted and complete the setup. Your chats will be restored.

Will I Lose Data When Moving From Android to iPhone?

Yes. When transferring data from Android to iPhone, there’s a chance you’ll lose some data due to differences between the operating systems. Here’s what typically won’t transfer:

• • Purchased apps and in-app purchases: Apps bought on Android won’t move over to iOS, so you’ll need to download and repurchase their iOS versions if available.
  • Free apps not available on iOS: Not all Android apps have an equivalent on the Apple App Store. You’ll need to find alternatives where necessary.
  • Settings: Custom settings like accessibility options and display preferences will need to be set up again on your iPhone.
  • Messages from some apps: While some messaging apps like WhatsApp offer transfer solutions, others may not, leading to potential loss of message history.

While some data may be lost in the transfer, core elements such as contacts, photos, and most messages can be moved over, making the process manageable.

Transferring Data from Android to iPhone: Troubleshooting 

After transferring your data, you may encounter some bumps along the way. Here are common issues you might face and how to solve them:

Missing Contacts or Photos

If some contacts or photos are missing after the transfer, check your Google account sync settings. Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts on your iPhone and ensure that syncing for contacts, calendars, and photos is enabled. Alternatively, you can manually import missing files from Google Drive or via a PC.

App Compatibility Issues

Not all Android apps have equivalents on iOS, and some apps may behave differently. Check the App Store for compatible versions, reinstall the app, and restore any data from backups or built-in cloud sync options.

Wi-Fi or Network Problems

Experiencing Wi-Fi issues? Try resetting your iPhone’s network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. For messaging, ensure that Rich Communication Services (RCS) on your old Android device are turned off to avoid potential conflicts. Also, confirm that iMessage is enabled on your iPhone by navigating to Settings > Messages.

Battery Drain

If your iPhone’s battery drains quickly after the transfer, it may still be syncing large amounts of data. This typically stabilizes within a day or two. To speed things up, limit background app refreshes by visiting Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

By addressing these common issues, you can ensure a smoother transition and fully enjoy your new iPhone.

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