How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone: Move Contacts, Photos & More

TL;DR: Switching from Android to iPhone? Use Apple's Move to iOS app during initial setup for a seamless wireless transfer of contacts, photos, messages, and more. If you've already set up your iPhone, sync contacts via Google Account, use Google Drive for media, or transfer manually via computer. Ensure both devices are charged and connected to Wi-Fi for smooth migration.

Why Proper Data Transfer Matters

I know how nerve-wracking it can be to switch ecosystems. You've spent years building your digital life on Android—contacts, photos, messages, and apps—and the thought of losing any of it is daunting. But rest assured, moving from Android to iPhone is smoother than ever, thanks to dedicated tools and methods. In this guide, I'll walk you through every step, highlight common pitfalls, and share practical tips to ensure nothing gets left behind.

Preparing Both Devices for Transfer

Before diving into the transfer process, a little preparation goes a long way. First, ensure both your Android and iPhone are charged to at least 50% or plugged into power^1. This prevents interruptions during data migration. Next, connect both devices to the same stable Wi-Fi network. If you want to transfer Chrome bookmarks, update Chrome to the latest version on your Android device^1. Also, check that your new iPhone has enough storage to accommodate all your Android data, including content from an external Micro SD card if you use one^1.

Method 1: Using Move to iOS App (During Initial Setup)

Apple's Move to iOS app is the most comprehensive solution for transferring data wirelessly during your iPhone's initial setup. It's designed to move contacts, photos, messages, email accounts, calendars, and even Chrome bookmarks^1. Here's how I recommend doing it:

1. On your Android device, download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store (supports Android 4.0 or higher)^5.
2. Turn on your new iPhone and begin the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
3. Tap "Move Data from Android" and note the code displayed.
4. Open Move to iOS on your Android, enter the code, and select the content you want to transfer.
5. Wait for the transfer to complete—this may take a while depending on data size.

This method is ideal because it handles multiple data types simultaneously and requires no cables or computers. However, it only works during the initial iPhone setup^5. If you've already set up your iPhone, you'll need to erase it and start over to use Move to iOS.

Method 2: Syncing Contacts via Google Account

If you've already set up your iPhone or prefer a manual approach, syncing contacts through your Google Account is straightforward. Most Android users store contacts in Google by default, making this method highly effective^7. Here's my step-by-step guide:

1. On your Android, ensure all contacts are saved to your Google Account (go to Contacts > Settings > Account and sync).
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Google.
3. Sign in with the same Google account used on your Android.
4. Toggle on "Contacts" to sync them to your iPhone.

Your contacts should appear in the Phone app within minutes. This method also works for calendars and notes stored in Google^3.

Method 3: Transferring Photos and Videos Using Google Drive

For photos and videos, Google Drive offers a reliable cloud-based solution. I've used this method myself and found it efficient for large media libraries. Follow these steps:

1. On your Android, install Google Drive and sign in.
2. Tap Menu > Settings > Backup > Start backup to upload photos/videos to Google Drive.
3. On your iPhone, install Google Drive or Google Photos, sign in, and access your media.

Alternatively, you can use a computer to transfer photos manually^3:

• Connect your Android to a computer via USB and copy photos/videos to a folder.
• Disconnect Android, connect iPhone, and use iTunes or Finder (on Mac) to sync the folder to your iPhone.

Method 4: Manual Transfer via Computer

For those who prefer hands-on control, a computer-mediated transfer is a solid choice. This method is great for contacts, photos, documents, and even music. Here's how I do it:

1. Export contacts from Android as a .vcf file (via Contacts > Settings > Export).
2. Transfer the file to your computer via USB or email.
3. On your iPhone, use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to import the .vcf file to your contacts.
4. For photos, use Image Capture (Mac) or Photos app to import from Android, then sync to iPhone^3.

This method requires a bit more effort but gives you precise control over what gets transferred.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over the years, I've seen many users stumble during the switch. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping Backup: Always backup your Android data to Google Drive or a computer before starting.
• Ignoring Wi-Fi Stability: Unstable Wi-Fi can interrupt transfers, especially with Move to iOS.
• Not Checking Storage: Ensure your iPhone has enough space; offload unused apps if needed.
• Rushing Setup: Take your time during initial iPhone setup to avoid missing the Move to iOS option.

Pros and Cons of Each Transfer Method

Method	Pros	Cons
Move to iOS	Transfers multiple data types at once; wireless	Only works during initial setup
Google Sync	Easy for contacts; no computer needed	Limited to Google-stored data
Google Drive	Good for photos; cloud-based	Requires internet; may take time for large files
Manual/Computer	Full control; works post-setup	Requires cables and computer access

Case Study: Seamless Switch with Move to iOS

A friend recently switched from a Samsung Galaxy to iPhone 15. He used Move to iOS during setup and transferred 5,000 photos, 500 contacts, and years of messages in under an hour. The key was preparing both devices—fully charged, on stable Wi-Fi—and selecting only essential data to avoid overload. His experience shows that with the right prep, Apple's tool makes switching effortless.

Checklist for a Smooth Android-to-iPhone Transfer

• Charge both devices or plug into power
• Connect to stable Wi-Fi
• Backup Android data to Google Drive or computer
• Update Chrome on Android (for bookmark transfer)
• Check iPhone storage capacity
• Choose transfer method based on setup status
• Verify transferred data on iPhone before deleting from Android

Glossary

• Move to iOS: Apple's official app for wireless data transfer from Android to iPhone during setup.
• Google Sync: Process of syncing contacts, calendars, etc., via a Google Account.
• .vcf File: Virtual Contact File format used for exporting/importing contacts.
• iCloud Photos: Apple's cloud service for storing and accessing photos across devices.

Conclusion

Switching from Android to iPhone doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you use Move to iOS, Google Sync, or manual methods, your data can make the jump safely. I recommend starting with Move to iOS if possible—it's the most comprehensive option. Ready to make the move? Download the Move to iOS app on your Android, and begin your iPhone setup with confidence!

FAQ

Q: Can I transfer WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone?
A: Yes, but it requires using WhatsApp's official Move to iOS feature during initial iPhone setup. Backup chats on Android first.

Q: Will my Android apps transfer to iPhone?
A: No, apps won't transfer directly due to different operating systems. You'll need to download iOS versions from the App Store.

Q: How long does data transfer take?
A: It depends on data size. A typical transfer with Move to iOS takes 30 minutes to 2 hours for average users.

Q: Can I transfer data after setting up my iPhone?
A: Yes, using Google Sync for contacts or Google Drive for photos. Move to iOS only works during initial setup.

Q: Is it possible to transfer music from Android to iPhone?
A: Yes, via computer using iTunes or Finder, or by subscribing to a music streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music.

Q: Do I need a SIM card for data transfer?
A: No, most methods work without a SIM card. Wi-Fi is sufficient for wireless transfers.

References

Step-by-Step: Using Move to iOS

I've found that the most seamless way to transfer data is using Apple's Move to iOS app, but it requires careful preparation. Here's exactly how I do it:

1. Pre-transfer checklist: Ensure both devices are charged (or plugged in), Wi-Fi is enabled on your Android, and you've checked that your new iPhone has enough storage for all your data^1. If you use Chrome, update it to the latest version to ensure bookmarks transfer correctly.

2. Initiate transfer: During iPhone setup, tap "Set Up Without Another [Apple] Device" when prompted. On the Apps & Data screen, select "Move Data from Android"^1.

3. Open Move to iOS on Android: Launch the app, agree to terms, and tap "Continue." Enter the 6- or 10-digit code displayed on your iPhone to establish a secure connection^1.

4. Select data to transfer: Choose which content to move—contacts, message history, photos, videos, mail accounts, and calendars. The app will handle the rest wirelessly.

Tip: For larger transfers, consider using a USB-C cable to connect both devices directly for faster speeds, as mentioned in Apple's support documentation^1.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Having tried all major transfer methods, here's my breakdown:

• Move to iOS:

  • Pros: Transfers the widest range of data types (including messages and settings), encrypted for security, free.
  • Cons: Only works during initial iPhone setup; can be slow for large data volumes; requires stable Wi-Fi.

• Google Sync (for contacts/calendars):

  • Pros: Works anytime (not just during setup); automatically syncs changes; no app needed.
  • Cons: Only syncs Google account data (not messages or photos); requires manual account setup on iPhone.

• Manual transfer via computer:

  • Pros: Full control over what transfers; works for large media libraries; doesn't require internet.
  • Cons: Time-consuming; requires cables and computer; multiple steps for different data types.

Comparison: Move to iOS vs. Google Drive Backup

Many users ask me about using Google Drive as an alternative. While both work, they serve different purposes:

Feature	Move to iOS	Google Drive Backup
Transfer timing	During iPhone setup only	Anytime after setup
Data types	Contacts, messages, photos, videos, calendars, email accounts, bookmarks	Contacts, calendars, photos (via Google Photos)
Ease of use	Automated, one-tap process	Manual backup and restore
Internet required	Yes (Wi-Fi)	Yes (for upload/download)
Cost	Free	Free (up to 15GB)

I recommend Move to iOS for most users because it's designed specifically for this transition and transfers more data types automatically^1. However, if you've already set up your iPhone, Google Drive (especially Google Photos for media) is a reliable fallback^3.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

From my experience, these are the most frequent problems and how to solve them:

• Transfer fails or stalls: Check that both devices stay on and connected to power. Restart both devices and try again. Sometimes switching to a different Wi-Fi network helps.
• Contacts don't appear: Ensure you're signed into the same Google account on both devices. On iPhone, go to Settings > Contacts > Default Account and select your Google account^7.
• Photos not transferring: If using Move to iOS, ensure you selected "Camera Roll" during transfer. If manual, use Google Photos backup and sync on both devices^3.

Final Thoughts

Having helped numerous friends and family through this process, I can confidently say that while no method is perfect, Move to iOS is the most comprehensive for most switchers. The key is preparation—ensure your Android data is backed up and your iPhone has enough space. If you hit snags, remember that manual methods via Google services or computer transfer are reliable alternatives. Welcome to the iPhone ecosystem—it's worth the effort!