What app can I use to transfer from iPhone to Android?

Introducing the Topic

With Android and iPhone controlling almost all of the smartphone market share, many users debate switching between the two platforms. This article will provide an overview of the most popular methods to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device.

We’ll discuss using wireless transfer methods like Google Drive and other cloud storage services. iTunes and Apple’s own Move to iOS app can also help transfer some data directly between an iPhone and Android. And we’ll look at third-party apps designed specifically for iPhone-to-Android transfers. Finally, we’ll go over recommendations for moving data manually between devices.

By the end, you’ll have a thorough guide to the best apps and techniques to transfer contacts, messages, photos, videos, calendars, app data, and other important information when switching from an iPhone to an Android smartphone or tablet.

Why Switch from iPhone to Android?

There are several compelling reasons why someone might want to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone.

One of the most common reasons is cost – Android phones are generally more affordable than iPhones, with far more budget and mid-range options available. The latest iPhone models retail for $700+ while you can find very capable Android phones for under $300. For those looking to save money on their next smartphone, switching to Android opens up many more possibilities.

Android also offers a lot more choice and flexibility when it comes to phone models. Rather than choosing from a handful of iPhone models each year, Android has hundreds of different smartphones across various brands, sizes, specs, and price points. You’re much more likely to find an Android phone that precisely fits your preferences.

Customization is another key advantage of Android – its open platform allows for unlimited customization of the interface, apps, widgets, themes, and more. Everything on iPhones works and looks the way Apple intends it to, while Android grants users far more freedom to personalize.

What Data Can be Transferred

One of the most important considerations when switching from an iPhone to an Android is what data can actually be transferred over. Thankfully, most key data types can make the move from iOS to Android including:

• Contacts – Your phone contacts can be transferred so you don’t lose those connections.
• Photos and Videos – All your precious photos and videos can be moved to your new Android phone.
• Music – Your iTunes music library can also be transferred.
• Documents – Important documents like PDFs, Word docs, spreadsheets etc. can also make the jump.
• Calendars – Your calendar events and reminders will stay intact.
• Texts – Your SMS text conversations can also be transferred over.

Apple device owners will be relieved to know most of their key data points will securely transfer to a new Android device. For comprehensive instructions, keep reading.

Using Google Drive

One of the easiest ways to transfer files from an iPhone to an Android device is by using the Google Drive app. Here are the steps to transfer files using Google Drive:

1. On your iPhone, download the Google Drive app from the App Store and sign into your Google account.
2. In the Google Drive app, tap the “+” icon and select “Upload” to upload any files, photos, videos etc. you want to transfer to your Google Drive storage.
3. Once the files have finished uploading, open the Google Drive app on your new Android device and sign into the same Google account.
4. Your uploaded files and folders will now be available to access and download onto your Android device.

The benefit of using Google Drive is that it allows you to transfer files wirelessly over the internet. As long as you have the Google Drive app installed on both devices, you can skip connecting them directly with a cable to transfer data. Everything gets backed up to your Google Drive cloud storage in the process.

See https://www.android.com/switch-to-android/

Using Other Cloud Services

In addition to Google Drive, there are other popular cloud storage services that can help transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device, such as Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive.

To use Dropbox, you would first install the Dropbox app on both your iPhone and Android phone. Then on the iPhone, select the files and folders you want to transfer and tap the share icon within the Dropbox app. Choose to send a copy or move the files. On the Android side, open the shared folder within the Dropbox app to access the files.

OneDrive works similarly – install OneDrive on both devices, select the files to transfer on the iPhone, choose the share option and send a copy to OneDrive. Then on the Android, open OneDrive to access the shared files. The advantage of using cloud services is that the transfer process is wireless and you don’t need a cable to connect the two phones.

According to a recent article, cloud storage apps like Dropbox and OneDrive provide “a simple way to wirelessly transfer files, photos, videos, and other data from an iPhone to Android.” Just be mindful of storage limits when transferring large amounts of data.

Using iTunes

One of the easiest ways to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device is by using Apple’s iTunes software on a computer. Here are the steps to transfer data with iTunes:

1. Install the latest version of iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer using the USB cable that came with your phone. iTunes will detect the phone automatically.

2. In iTunes, click on your iPhone icon. Go to the Summary page and check the box that says “Encrypt iPhone backup” if it is not already checked. Then click “Back Up Now” to back up your iPhone data to iTunes.

3. After the backup is complete, connect your Android phone to the same computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes and go to Preferences > Devices. Check the box that says “Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically.” This will prevent accidentally syncing data from your iPhone to the Android device.

4. Click the iPhone icon again and go to the Summary page. Click “Restore Backup” and select the latest backup you just made. iTunes will now transfer apps, app data, messages, contacts, calendars, and media files from your iPhone backup to the Android phone.[1]

This process makes it easy to transfer all your important iPhone data to the new Android device through iTunes. Just be sure to disable automatic syncing to prevent data crossover between the two phones.

Using Apple’s Move to iOS App

One of the easiest ways to transfer data directly from an Android device to an iPhone is by using Apple’s Move to iOS app. This free app from Apple allows you to securely transfer your contacts, message history, photos, videos, bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, and more from your Android device to your new iPhone or iPad during setup (or after setup is complete).

To use Move to iOS, first download the app on your Android device from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apple.movetoios&hl=en_US&gl=US). Then, on your new iPhone, follow the prompts during setup to pair with the Move to iOS app on your Android device via a Wi-Fi connection or Bluetooth. The app will then walk you through the process of transferring your data. You can choose what content to move and allow the app to handle the secure transfer between the devices.

The benefit of Move to iOS is that it doesn’t require any manual back up or transfer steps on your part. Simply connect the app on your Android device to your new iPhone and it will automatically transfer your content between the operating systems. This makes it a very quick and seamless transition.

Trying Third-Party Apps

In addition to the first-party options offered by Apple and Google, there are also several good third-party apps that can help transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device.

Some popular options include:

• AnyTrans – This all-in-one phone transfer app allows you to move contacts, messages, photos, music, videos, calendars, app data and more between iOS and Android.
• iMyFone iTransor – With iMyFone you can transfer almost all your iPhone data like photos, messages, contacts, notes, and more to an Android device.
• MobileTrans – This app by Wondershare can transfer a wide range of data types from an iPhone to Android, including photos, videos, contacts, messages, apps and more.

These third-party apps provide easy to use interfaces to securely transfer your data from iPhone to Android. Many of them offer free trials so you can test them out before purchasing the full version. They can transfer a wide range of data, saving you the hassle of moving everything manually.

Transferring Data Manually

If you don’t want to rely on third-party apps and services to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device, you can always transfer data manually. This takes more time and effort, but gives you full control over exactly what data gets transferred.

For contacts, you can manually enter each contact one-by-one on your Android phone. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Contacts > Default Account and make sure your contacts are synced to your iCloud account. Then on your Android, add your iCloud account in Settings to sync those contacts. You can also export contacts from your iPhone as a CSV or VCF file, then import that file to your Android. Just keep in mind contact photos may not transfer over.

For calendars, open the iPhone’s Calendar app and under Accounts tap on iCloud. Enable calDAV if prompted. Then on your Android device, add your iCloud account and calendars will sync. You can also export an ICS calendar file from iPhone and import it to Android.

Other data like notes, voice memos, ebooks, and documents can also be transferred manually by exporting them from iOS apps like Notes, Voice Memos, and iBooks, and importing them into Android versions of those apps. Media like photos, videos, and music can be transferred by connecting your devices to a computer and copying the files over.

While time consuming, manually transferring data gives you full control and ownership over the process. Just be patient and double check everything transferred over correctly.

Summary and Recommendations

There are several ways to transfer data from an iPhone to a new Android device. Some of the main options include using Google Drive or other cloud storage services, iTunes on a computer, Apple’s Move to iOS app, or various third-party apps designed for iOS to Android transfers.

For most users, the easiest and quickest option is to use the Switch to Android app by Google. This transfers your contacts, messages, photos, videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, and calendars from iPhone to your new Android device. You will need both devices and a cable to connect them.

Using iTunes to back up your iPhone data and then sync that backup to your Android is also fairly simple for those with access to a computer. For advanced users wanting to transfer absolutely everything, a manual data transfer may be preferred.

In summary, the Switch to Android app provides the smoothest and most integrated transfer experience to get your new Android phone set up just the way you want.