Switching from iPhone to Android has never been easier

This article has been updated since its original publication on July 23, 2018.

Perhaps the cost of a new iPhone 13 has prompted you to consider switching to Android. Fortunately, this transition is now significantly easier for many users.

Google's "Switch to Android" app, initially exclusive to Pixel phones, now supports most Android 12 devices. However, some challenges may remain. If your phone is incompatible, you prefer a manual transfer, or encounter data transfer issues, the following sections offer alternative methods.

Using the Switch to Android App

The Switch to Android app isn't listed in the iOS App Store; find it via your iPhone's browser or this direct link. After downloading, the app guides you through the data transfer process.

Connect your old and new devices using an iPhone cable (or WiFi with a stable connection). Select the data to transfer (contacts, photos, messages, apps, etc.). While most free apps transfer easily, purchased apps might require contacting their developers. Existing subscriptions remain active, managed by the app developer or iTunes.

Crucially, disable iMessage and FaceTime on your iPhone (Settings > Messages and Settings > FaceTime) before inserting your SIM card into the Android device. This prevents messaging issues. If you forget, you can disable them remotely via a dedicated webpage. Rest assured, the Android transfer creates a copy; your iPhone data remains intact until you erase it.

Switching Without the App: A Manual Approach

This section details manual data transfer for those not using the Google app, or as a supplementary guide for those who are.

Transferring Google or Microsoft Apps

Using Google and Microsoft apps simplifies the process. These cloud-based apps (including Netflix and Spotify) readily sync across platforms. Your Google data (Gmail, Maps, Chat) is accessible after logging into your Google account on your new Android device. Similarly, Outlook and Office data transfers seamlessly. For frequent cross-platform switching, use platform-agnostic apps for ease of transition. Apple's apps, however, require more effort due to limited Android availability.

Moving Text Messages and Email

Direct iMessage transfer to Android isn't possible without the Switch to Android app. Before switching, unlink your number from iMessage and FaceTime (as detailed above). Import iCloud emails into Gmail on your Android device by adding your iCloud account. You can then either continue using your iCloud email within Gmail or switch to a Gmail address.

Moving Contacts, Calendars, Photos, and Videos

Transfer iCloud data (contacts, calendars, photos, videos) to Google services before removing your iPhone. Install Google Drive on your iPhone, sign in, and back up your data via the app's settings. This moves data to Google Contacts, Calendar, and Photos. Remember, photos and videos consume Google's 15GB free storage quota; consider upgrading if necessary.

Moving Music, Movies, and TV Shows

Apple Music works on Android (subscription required). For other music, use YouTube Music's web portal to upload MP3s and access them on your Android device. Apple doesn't offer an Android iTunes video player; however, videos from other sources and streaming services work seamlessly.

Moving Documents and Other Files

Transfer documents using cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox). For Apple's Pages, Numbers, or Keynote files, export them as PDFs or Microsoft Office formats before transferring.

After completing these steps, your cloud-based apps and social media accounts will function normally. Enjoy your Android experience!

The above is the detailed content of Switching from iPhone to Android has never been easier. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!