Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Cupertino desk5 min

How to Move from iPhone to Android Without Losing Photos, Messages, or Contacts

A careful iPhone-to-Android transfer starts during setup. Compare cable and wireless coverage, handle iCloud photos separately, and verify contacts and messages before resetting your old phone.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can move most of your iPhone data to a new Android phone during Android setup, but no single transfer route guarantees that every item will come across. Google’s classic cable transfer covers more categories than its classic wireless option; photos stored only in iCloud need separate handling. Turn off iMessage, follow the steps below, and verify your data on Android before erasing or trading in the iPhone.

Before you start

  • Charge both phones and make sure you can unlock the iPhone. Check that the Android phone has enough free storage for what you plan to copy.
  • Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi. Google says a transfer usually takes less than 30 minutes, but a large transfer can take a few hours. Keep both phones connected until the process finishes.
  • If you want to use a cable, check that it supports data transfer and fits both phones. You may need an adapter. A cable can copy more categories in Google’s classic transfer process.
  • Turn off iMessage on the iPhone before switching. Google says this is required to help ensure texts arrive on the new phone.
  • If the iPhone is managed by a school or employer, restrictions may prevent some data from copying.

Google’s transfer instructions and categories can change, and the exact prompts depend on the Android model and software version. Follow the directions shown on your own phone.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Choose a transfer method

Method What Google lists it for What to know
Classic cable transfer Contacts, photos and videos, calendars, texts and iMessages, WhatsApp history, and additional categories such as music, downloaded files, notes, call history, voice memos, and some apps or settings. Requires a compatible data cable and may need an adapter. WhatsApp may require an additional step after setup.
Classic wireless transfer Contacts, photos and videos, and calendars. Google’s category table does not list texts or WhatsApp history for this route. The Android Switch wireless app method requires iOS 15 or later.
Upgraded transfer on eligible devices Google lists support for encrypted messages and messages stored in iCloud, among other transfer capabilities. Availability is limited to eligible devices and setup flows. Google names Pixel 8 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8, as examples in its current help content. Rely on the prompt during your Android setup and the phone maker’s current guidance.

These are categories Google documents, not a promise that every individual item will transfer. Results can depend on the phone, method, storage, file format, and software support. Standard transfers do not copy paid apps or in-app purchases, Safari bookmarks, Health data, or some app data.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Copy data during Android setup

  1. Turn on the new Android phone and begin its initial setup.
  2. When asked whether to copy apps and data, choose the option for an iPhone or iPad.
  3. Follow the instructions on screen. Depending on the device, you may be offered a cable route, a wireless Android Switch route, or an upgraded QR-code-based flow.
  4. For a cable transfer, connect the phones as directed. If the iPhone displays a Trust prompt, approve it, then select the data categories you want to copy and start the transfer.
  5. For wireless Android Switch, follow the QR-code and app prompts. The wireless app method requires iOS 15 or later; some older iPhones can still use cable transfer.
  6. Leave the phones connected and follow any remaining setup prompts until the process is complete. If one phone says it is done, check the other phone and finish any outstanding steps before disconnecting.

Some Android phones offer a way to transfer data after initial setup, but availability varies by model and manufacturer. If you do not see that option, check the phone maker’s instructions rather than assuming the same setup path is available on every Android device.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver | USB-C Flash, Metal Housing, Swivel Design, Thumb Drive
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty

Move photos and videos, including items in iCloud

The ordinary phone-to-phone transfer does not include photos and videos stored in iCloud, according to Google. To move those, Google offers a separate request to transfer iCloud photos and videos to Google Photos. You can also install Google Photos on the iPhone and back up the library there; Google says that process may take several days and recommends leaving the iPhone on with Google Photos open while it runs.

After either route, open Google Photos on Android and check that the expected albums and older items are visible. Do not delete the originals or reset the iPhone while a cloud transfer or backup is still running.

Rank #2
Sale
Lexar D40E 64GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver | USB-C Flash, Metal Housing, Swivel Design, Thumb Drive
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty

Make sure messages reach Android

Turn off iMessage on the iPhone as part of the switch. Google’s setup guidance links to instructions for moving from iMessage to Google Messages so new texts can reach Android reliably. If messages still go to Apple’s service, use Google’s troubleshooting instructions; people messaging you through your Apple ID may need to send messages to your phone number instead.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Message coverage depends on the transfer method and device. Google lists texts and iMessages for classic cable but not classic wireless; its upgraded flow supports encrypted messages and messages stored in iCloud on eligible devices. Do not assume every message type or attachment will transfer, since some messaging features are not supported on Android.

Rank #3
Sale
KOOTION USB C Flash Drive 32GB 2 in 1 OTG USB 3.0/Type C Thumb Drive Dual Drive USB C Memory Stick for Smartphone Laptop Tablet PC, Blue
  • 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
  • High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
  • Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
  • Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
  • Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices

Check contacts and account-synced data

Google lists contacts for both classic cable and classic wireless. But contacts and calendar events already synced to an account may not be copied during setup. On Android, sign in to the account they are associated with and allow it to sync. Then open Contacts and spot-check names, phone numbers, and email addresses; a transfer-complete screen alone does not confirm that every contact is present.

Verify everything before resetting the iPhone

Keep the iPhone intact until you have checked the data that matters to you. Use this checklist on the Android phone:

Rank #4
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Dual Drive Go, USB-C & USB-A, Up to 400MB/s Read Speeds
  • The 2-in-1 flash drive with a reversible USB Type-C and a traditional Type-A connector.
  • Seamlessly move content between your USB Type-C smartphone, tablets and Macs and USB Type-A computers(2) | (2) Mobile device requires USB Type-C port and On-The-Go (OTG) support. See the official SanDisk website for a list of compatible devices.
  • Free up space on your USB Type-C smartphone(2)
  • Automatically back up photos with SanDisk Memory Zone app(3) | (3) Download and installation of SanDisk Memory Zone app required.
  • High-performance USB 3.1 Gen 1 drive with 150MB/s read speeds(1) | (1) Read speeds up to 150MB/s. Write speed lower and vary by capacity. USB Type-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 1/ USB 3.0 support required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
  • Open Contacts and check names, numbers, and email addresses, including a few people you contact often.
  • Open recent and older text conversations. Check group threads and representative attachments.
  • Compare photos and videos, paying particular attention to older albums and anything stored in iCloud.
  • Confirm the expected Google account is signed in and that account-synced contacts and calendar events have appeared.
  • If you use WhatsApp, open it and follow its transfer prompt. Google notes that an additional step may be required after setup.
  • Resolve missing items and check available storage before clearing or resetting the iPhone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If the transfer is incomplete

Use Google’s troubleshooting guidance for copy problems and check that the Android phone has enough free storage. Confirm that both phones stayed connected, that you followed any iPhone Trust prompt, and that the right account is signed in for synced contacts or calendars. For photos in iCloud, check the separate Google Photos transfer or backup rather than expecting them in the standard phone-to-phone copy. Keep the iPhone until the missing data is accounted for or you have decided how to preserve it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sources: Google Android Help: Copy apps & data from an iPhone or iPad to a new Android device; Google Android Help: Transfer data to a new Android device; Google Android Help: Data types that you can copy when you set up your Android device; Google Android Help: Can’t transfer data to a new Android device. Pages accessed October 3, 2026.

Best Value
Sale
Lexar D40E 256GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver | USB-C Flash, Metal Housing, Swivel Design, Thumb Drive
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.