Use Apple’s Move to iOS app on your Samsung during the iPhone’s initial setup. It can transfer many common items, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, calendars, call history, and WhatsApp messages and media. It does not move everything: music, books, and PDFs need to be transferred manually, and some apps must be downloaded again.
Before you start: the iPhone must be in setup
Apple’s Move to iOS transfer is offered while setting up a new iPhone. If you have already finished setup, Apple says you need to erase the iPhone and start setup again to use this in-flow transfer. If you do not want to erase it, use Apple’s manual-transfer guidance instead. See Apple’s Move from Android to iPhone or iPad instructions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check space, connectivity, and power
- Make sure the iPhone has enough available storage for the content you want to move, including content stored on an external microSD card.
- Turn on Wi-Fi on the Samsung and connect both phones to power. Keep the devices close together.
- If bookmarks matter, update Chrome on the Samsung before transferring.
- A direct USB-C cable connection is an optional method Apple describes as faster. Check the ports and compatibility of your particular Samsung and iPhone before buying a cable; wireless transfer is also supported.
How to transfer from Samsung to iPhone with Move to iOS
- Turn on the new or erased iPhone and follow setup until you reach the screen for transferring apps and data. Choose the option to transfer data from Android.
- On the Samsung, open or install Apple’s Move to iOS app, then follow its prompts.
- When the iPhone displays a code, enter it on the Samsung. Follow the prompts to connect the Samsung to the temporary Wi-Fi network created by the iPhone.
- Choose the content to transfer on the Samsung and start the transfer.
- Keep Move to iOS open in the foreground on the Samsung. Do not switch apps or answer a call on that phone while the transfer is in progress.
- Wait until the progress bar on the iPhone finishes, even if the Samsung indicates that its part is complete. Then finish setting up the iPhone.
What transfers—and what still needs attention
Apple lists these kinds of content as transferable, depending on the selections you make and device support:
- Contacts, message history, and SMS messages
- Camera photos and videos, plus photo albums
- Files and folders
- Calendars, call history, mail accounts, and web bookmarks
- Accessibility and display settings
- WhatsApp messages and media, and Voice Memos
Some free apps may be matched if they are available in both Google Play and the App Store and support the transfer feature. Matching does not mean every app or its data will move; download the apps you need from the App Store and check their contents after setup.
#1 Best Overall
- 10Gbps Data Transfer: USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable for ultra-fast sync of 4K movies, photos, & music. It's also backward compatible with USB 3.0. DOES NOT support video output
- Universal Compatibility: Designed for iPhone 15/16/17 Series and compatible with CarPlay, Android Auto, Portable SSDs (including Samsung T7), Samsung Phone and all USB-C devices
- 3A Fast Charging & Heavy-Duty: Equipped with a 22AWG thick copper core, it handles 3A current effortlessly, ensuring stability and reliability for extended use
- Innovative Braiding: Features a sleek white nylon braiding and silver aluminum port housing, offering a stylish yet durable design
- IRMZ USB-C Data Cable Specifications: 10Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer, 3A Fast Charging, Innovative Braided Design, 3ft Length, White Color
Move music, books, and PDFs manually
Apple Support states: “Music, books, and PDFs need to be moved over manually.” Plan to transfer those items separately rather than expecting Move to iOS to carry them across.
Wireless or USB-C: which should you use?
Wireless transfer uses a temporary Wi-Fi network created by the iPhone. Apple also supports connecting Android directly to iPhone with a USB-C cable, which it describes as a faster option. Apple does not specify a universal speed or time estimate, so the best choice depends on your devices and the amount of data. A compatible cable is optional, not a requirement.
Rank #2
- Note: To get the full 10 Gbps, both ends of the cable must be plugged into USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C and USB-A). if in doubt, check with the device's brand service or FEMORO support
- up to 10 Gbps High-Speed Data Transfer: This USB-C cable meets USB 3.2 Gen 2 spec, delivering up to 1 050 MB/s—twice the speed of USB 3.0
- up to 3A Fast Charging: This USB-A to USB-C cable carries up to 3 A. It supports both slow charging and fast charging in accordance with the USB-A standard
- 10X Tensile Strength: Double-layer cotton braided delivers 10× the tensile strength of ordinary cables and reinforced strain relief survives 20 000+ bend cycles
- Compatible with Various USB-A Devices: Including Android Auto/CarPlay; iPhone 15/16/17 series; Galaxy S08-S26 series; Galaxy A series, Google Pixel 7/8/9/10 series; Portable SSDs; MacBook Air/Pro/Neo, HP/Dell/ASUS/Surface Laptop, Mac Mini/Pro, iMac, etc.
Does Samsung Smart Switch transfer to iPhone?
No. Samsung says Smart Switch transfers content from Android and iOS devices to Galaxy phones and tablets, and that content cannot be transferred to an iOS device. For a Samsung-to-iPhone move, use Apple’s Move to iOS process during iPhone setup.
Source: Samsung Support: Transfer content with Samsung Smart Switch.
Rank #3
- [ Excellent Performance ] This USB C 3.1 cable connects a portable external USB C 3.1 SSD to a computer for speedy file transfer or syncs and charges Samsung smartphones or tablets equipped with the USB C port. Data synchronization is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 cables (480Mbps). (Does not support video output.)
- [ Fast Charging & High Speed Data Transfer ] This usba to usbc data power cable can sync your favourite photos, videos and music at a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps(1250MB/s). Files can be synchronised in seconds. In addition, it can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. Tested charge Samsung Galaxy S22 from 0 to 60% in 30mins with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.Tips: USB 3.1 Gen 2 renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2 by USB-IF in 2019.
- [ Extreme Durability & High Quality ] : Unique ABS case with the reinforced connector withstand 10000+ bending test. Durable TPE cable not only stay tangling-free but also flexible enough to be wrapped up and put in a bag ! (PS:The connector shell is wrapped around by a piece of plastic film to protect the shell from scraching ,feel free to remove the film when you use it.)
- [ Universal Compatibility ] This USB C to USB A Charger cable is Compatible with almost all USB-C devices. For Samsung Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra/S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/Note 20/10/A70/A80/A90/A54, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/, Moto G9/G8/G7/G Pure, LG G7/G6/V50, Sony XZ, Bose 700, GoPro, Nintendo switch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, iPad Pro 2018 11''/12.9", Samsung T7/T5, Crucial X8/X6, LaCie Rugged SSD, G-Drive, WD My Passport, Seagate Fast, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD etc. (OnePlus phones are not supported.)
- [ What You Get ] 1 X Super-Fast USB-A to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable (3 ft including both ends), our worry-free LIFETIME WARRANTY and friendly customer service. NOTE: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you and give you an easy and pleasant shopping experience.
If Move to iOS stalls or misses content
- Check that the iPhone has enough free space for the selected content.
- Keep both phones close and connected to power, and leave Move to iOS open on the Samsung until the iPhone progress bar completes.
- On Android, turn off apps or settings that affect Wi-Fi, forget known Wi-Fi networks, restart both phones, and turn off cellular data; these are among Apple’s troubleshooting suggestions.
- If the transfer fails, try again without using the Samsung during the process. Switching apps or taking a call before completion can prevent content from transferring.
Transfer time depends on how much content is being moved; Apple does not give a fixed duration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect with your phone number and SIM
Apple says you may be able to activate your phone number and SIM or eSIM on the iPhone during the move. You may instead be directed to your carrier’s website to complete activation. The process depends on carrier, device, and region, so check with your carrier if activation does not complete during setup.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- USB-IF Certified, connects any USB-C to any standard USB-A enabled devices. For power transfer/charging smartphones, power banks, wall/car chargers, and low-power devices. Suitable for data transfer between smartphones, tablets, laptops, hard drives and more
- In the box: 1 cable, 3 foot 15W USB-A to USB-C cable (USB 2.0) for charging and powering devices, transferring data, photos, and music
- Fast Charge and Data Transfer: Supports fast charging up to 15W (5V/3A) and data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps. Do not exceed recommended load (15W, 5V/3A). Limited charging speed for PD enabled devices
- Backed by an Amazon Basics 1-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.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
