The best way to transfer data from an Android device to a new iPhone is to do it before completing the setup process, using the Move to iOS app for a seamless experience. However, if you need to transfer data (files, settings, accounts, photos, videos, etc.) from Android to iPhone after the setup is done, there are a few ways we can think of. Learn more below.
Can I Transfer Android Data to an iPhone?
Yes, you can transfer most of your phone data from Android to iOS with the Move to iOS app, however, you’ll need to do it during the initial new iPhone setup or after a factory reset.
There are some alternative ways to transfer some data from one Android device to your iPhone after the initial iPhone setup, but this mostly applies to media files.
How to Transfer Files From Android to iPhone via Wi-Fi
You can transfer files from Android to iPhone via Wi-Fi by using Move to iOS app. Move to iOS is an official app made for users who switch from an Android smartphone to an iPhone. There are similar apps that allow the reversed functionality and allow you to transfer iPhone data to your new Android.
Method 1: Share Files From Android to iPhone Using “Move To iOS” After Setup
As the primary option, we recommend using Move to iOS, an Apple native app that is free and user-friendly. Also, the procedure is pretty straightforward and intuitive.
Here’s what can be transferred:
- Contacts
- Message history
- Camera photos and videos
- Photo albums
- Files and folders
- Accessibility settings
- Display settings
- Web bookmarks
- Mail accounts
- WhatsApp messages and media
- Calendars
Some of your free apps will also transfer if they’re available on both Google Play and the App Store.
Follow these instructions to move data with Move to iOS:
- Get the Move to iOS app on your Android.
- On your new iOS device follow the instructions until you reach the Transfer your Apps & Data screen and select pick Move Data from Android.
- A code will show up on your iOS device. Type this code on your Android.
- Your iOS device will make a temporary Wi-Fi network. Connect your Android to this network.
- Pick what you want to move from your Android and tap Continue. The list includes Messages, Contacts, Calendar, Google Account, Photo Library, Apps, Display Settings, Accessibility Settings, and WhatsApp.
- Once you select the data you want to transfer to your iPhone and confirm, it will take some time until everything is transferred.
- After that, closely follow instructions on the screen. There will be a dozen or so prompts so watch what you’re tapping.
Also, some apps available on your Android might not be available on App Store.
Make sure both devices are charging until the transfer is done. If you’ve already set up your iOS device, you’ll need to erase it and start over, or move your content manually.
Method 2: Transfer Data From Android to IOS Using “Smart Switch”
Similarly, you can use Smart Switch to transfer data from an iPhone to a Samsung smartphone. It can’t be done the other way around as Smart Switch on iPhone can only send data but not receive it.
So, if you were looking for an alternative to the Move to iOS app, Smart Switch is not the answer.
What is Smart Switch App on Android?
The Smart Switch app is an application developed by Samsung for Android devices. It facilitates the transfer of data from one mobile device to another.
This includes contacts, photos, messages, and other types of data. The application is designed to make the process of switching to a new phone more convenient by ensuring that important data is not lost in the transition.
Will Smart Switch Transfer Apps?
Smart Switch will transfer apps if you use it to move data from one Samsung Galaxy device to another. Otherwise, it might be able to transfer some apps data but that’s not a guarantee.
If you absolutely need to get the majority of apps along with the app data, we recommend downloading Smart Switch on your Windows PC, connecting your Samsung phone, and creating a local backup.
Method 3: Android File Transfer Alternative Apps
There’s a lot of alternatives to Move to iOS if you need some extra functionality. We had a mixed experience with third-party apps because iOS is a pretty locked-down system and doesn’t allow too much access to third-party services. No matter what the adverts on various tech articles say.
1- SHAREit
SHAREit is a cross-platform file sharing app that allows users to transfer files like photos, videos, music, installed apps, and any other files. It uses a direct Wi-Fi connection, ensuring a swift transfer rate which outpaces Bluetooth.
2- PhoneTrans
PhoneTrans is a software designed to facilitate the transfer of data between phones, including contacts, messages, photos, and more. It supports cross-platform transfers, making it easy to switch between different operating systems.
3- AnyTrans – Transfer without Resetting
AnyTrans is a comprehensive file management tool that enables the transfer of data between devices without the need for a reset. Its ‘Transfer without Resetting’ feature ensures that data migration does not erase existing data on the target device.
4- Send Anywhere
Send Anywhere is a file sharing application that allows users to transfer files of any type and size across different platforms. Utilizing end-to-end encryption, it ensures that files remain secure during the transfer process.
Learn more about Send Anywhere.
5- FoneTool
FoneTool is a versatile utility for managing and transferring mobile data. It offers various features for backing up, restoring, and transferring data across a wide range of mobile devices, ensuring users have full control over their data.
Editor’s note: We are not affiliated with the respective developers of the above-mentioned tools.
How Can I Transfer information From Android to new iPhone via Email
You can use your Google Account (Gmail) to transfer some data from your Android to a new iPhone. Adding the email account will provide an option to import Calendar and Contacts, while also allowing for seamless sign-in to Google apps, like Google Photos, Google Keep, or Google Meet among other.
Follow these instructions to add your Email (Google Account) on your iPhone:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Choose Mail.
- Select Accounts.
- Tap Add Account.
- Sign in with your Google Account (Gmail). You might need to confirm on another device or with a different two-factor authentication method.
Steps to Copy Files to iPhone From Android using email
At the moment, you can import only Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Notes from your Gmail email. With that in mind, here’s how to import these different data points to your iPhone:
- Mail – Once you add your Gmail to Settings > Mail > Accounts > and enable Mail in the Sync Menu, you’ll be able to find all Gmail emails in the Mail app.
- Contacts – Open Settings > Contacts > Accounts. You can also set Gmail as the Default Account in Contacts Settings to show all the contacts from your previous Android device. If you backed them beforehand, of course.
- Calendars – Open Settings > Calendar > Accounts. You can select the Default Calendar in Calendar Settings.
- Notes – Open Settings > Notes > Accounts. This option syncs Notes Label in Gmail with your iPhone.
How To Transfer Video and Files From Android to iPhone After Setup via iTunes
There are several ways to transfer only media files from Android to iPhone. You can connect the devices with a data cable, use cloud services, or export files to your PC and import them to your new iPhone.
In order to transfer Video and Files from Android to iPhone via iTunes, you’ll need to export them to your PC first. Sadly, Apple doesn’t allow classic copy-paste like Android where you can, once you grant the permission, do whatever you please with the phone’s internal storage.
Follow these instructions to transfer data from Android to iPhone via iTunes:
- Connect your Android to your PC via a data cable.
- Allow access when prompted on your phone.
- Open File Explorer on your PC, select your phone from the list of drives and open internal storage. We’re looking for DCIM folder for photos and videos.
- Copy and paste photos and videos you want to transfer anywhere on your PC. You can copy the complete DCIM folder if you want. Also, there might be other folders containing media files so check everything.
- Now, disconnect your Android smartphone and connect your iPhone to your PC.
- Open iTunes and click on your device icon in the address bar.
- Select Photos from the left pane.
- Check the Sync Photos box and then select the folder from the “Copy photos from” dropdown menu.
- Check the Include videos box.
- Finally, click Apply at the bottom.
In order for this to work, you need to disable iCloud Photos on your iPhone. You can do that in Settings > Your Account > iCloud > Photos.
How to Share and Transfer Files and Photos from Android to iPhone After Setup Using Google Drive Without iTunes or Computer
Another option is to just upload all the files to Google Drive on your Android and then download them on your iPhone. After that, you can delete them. Don’t forget that you can always use Google Photos for photos and videos on your iPhone.
Have in mind that Google Drive app doesn’t support downloading files for reasons only known to Apple and Google. You can, however, use the web client in the browser to download files.
1- Use Google Drive on your Android
Because Google Drive comes pre-installed on most Android devices and it’s available on Apple App Store, it’s first on our list. However, if you use OneDrive, Dropbox, or an alternative cloud storage solution they can serve the same purpose as Google Drive. The idea is to upload files you want to transfer on your Android and then sync Google Drive on your iPhone.
Upload files to Drive on your Android phone
The first thing you should do is upload all the files you want to move to your iPhone. So, if you don’t have Google Drive installed on your Android, download it from Play Store and sign in with your Google Account.
You can select file or files you want to upload directly from the Google Drive app or, even better, from a File Manager with the Share option. Ideally, you can place them in a single or multiple folders so you’ll have an easier time later on.
Once you open the default file manager on your Android device, select folders you would want to upload and tap on the Share icon. Tap on Drive and select Upload (you might need to expand options as the Drive is usually not listed in the primary sharing options). Based on the size of files and your network speed, uploading files can take some time.
2- Install Google Drive on Your iPhone
The next thing you should do is install Google Drive on your iPhone and sign in with the same Google Account you’ve been using on your Android. Later, you’ll be able to access them in the Files app and move them to one of the folders on internal storage. That would complete the strenuous task we placed upon you.
You can get Google Drive on your iPhone from App Store.
3- Access Google Drive on iPhone
Once you have Google Drive on your iPhone ready, you can access Files from the bottom bar and select the files you want to download. If you previously added your Gmail account in Settings > Mail > Accounts, Google Drive should sign you in automatically. This isn’t necessary and you can sign in directly in Google Drive.
4- Download Photos and Files to Your iPhone
With the two approaches (iPhone app or web client), you can choose between using Offline files or downloading them directly to your iPhone.
Follow these instructions to enable Offline files in the Google Drive app on your iPhone:
- Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone and sign in, as we previously mentioned.
- Now, open the Files app from the Home Screen or App Library.
- Tap on Browse in the bottom bar and then toggle ON and select Drive in the Locations menu. You should see all Google Drive files and folders.
- The only remaining thing is to select files or folders and copy them to Downloads or a newly created folder in internal storage (On My iPhone).
How To Send Files From Android to iPhone After Setup Using iCloud
This process typically involves uploading the files from the Android device to iCloud, and then downloading them onto the iPhone. It’s a useful method for those who have already completed the initial setup of their iPhone and want to transfer additional data from an Android device.
The specific steps can vary based on the types of files being transferred. For example, transferring photos might involve different steps compared to transferring contacts or other types of data.
Here’s how to use iCloud Services on your Android:
- Open a browser on your Android and navigate to iCloud Web Client.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and select iCloud Drive.
- Tap on the Upload icon (Cloud with an upward pointing arrow).
- Select Media and choose all the files you want to upload with the file manager. You are not limited to media files, you can upload most other file formats like PDFs, text documents, etc.
- Now, when you open iCloud Drive on your iPhone Files app in Browse > iCloud, you should see all the files you uploaded from your Android.
Tips To Do after transferring data to new iPhone
Once you move the data to a newly set up iPhone, you should do the following:
- Check if all the data and apps were successfully transferred.
- Set up Face ID.
- Customize system and app settings to your liking.
- Sign in all the third-party apps with your accounts.
- Check for system updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some users have had some related questions, and we gave our best to answer them below.
How to transfer files from iPhone to iPhone?
The best and the simplest way to transfer files from an old to a new iPhone is with Quick Start tool. We suggest avoiding the iCloud method and rather use the direct transfer from the old device.
Here’s how to transfer files from a current iPhone to a new one:
- Start the set up on your new device and follow the instructions until you reach Data transfer screen. Select iPhone. Make sure that your current device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network and that the Bluetooth is enabled.
- Select Quick Start instead of iCloud and keep devices close and charging.
- Follow the instructions until the process is complete. Note that this can take some time and that you won’t be able to use either iPhone until it’s done.
How To transfer Google Messages to iPhone?
Ideally, you would want to use Move to iOS to transfer data from your Android during the initial setup, including Google Messages. For that, your iPhone needs to be either new or you have to reset it to erase it and restore it to factory settings.
Does Quick Start transfer everything?
If both your current and new iPhone run iOS 12.4 or older, you can transfer everything from the current iPhone and make the new one a perfect copy. You can do that wirelessly (via shared Wi-Fi network) or with a data cable. The transfer includes all settings, apps, and files.
On the other hand, if your current device runs on iOS version lower than 12.4, you won’t be able to transfer everything, and you’ll need to resort to iCloud Backup.
What is Fetch new data on iPhone?
The “Fetch New Data” setting on your iPhone refers to the process where your iPhone goes out on the internet to retrieve new information from different accounts. You can tweak it in Settings > Mail > Accounts.
If you disable it for particular accounts, you’ll need to fetch the data manually by refreshing the app. You also have an option to choose Fetch period or make your iPhone fetch the data automatically (the default setting).
How To transfer text messages from Android to new iPhone free after setup?
You can use one of the above-mentioned third-party tools but we wouldn’t keep our hopes high. The best way to transfer text messages from Android to an iPhone is Move to iOS. And, for that, you’ll need to set up your device anew. Meaning that factory reset is in order if you need all messages from your Android on your iPhone.
What to do if apps did not transfer to new iPhone?
If all apps didn’t transfer to a new iPhone, you are left with two choices. To go for another factory reset and try again or download and configure apps manually. iPhone to iPhone transfer is much more reliable than the Android to iPhone transfer so some apps might not transfer.
Why Smart Switch backup data cannot be found?
If you can’t find Smart Switch backup data, ensure that the file location is correct and that you have the compatible device connected to your PC. If that doesn’t work, try with Google Backup and restore the data from there.
Why is Smart Switch not transferring Messages?
Smart Switch might not transfer Messages because you forgot to toggle the option when making the back up. Also, Smart Switch will back up messages from Samsung Messages but, if you use another default SMS app, the back up might not work.
With that said, we can conclude this article. We hope this was a helpful read and look forward to hearing from you. Have you tried any of these methods to transfer data from Android to iPhone? Let us know in the comments!
