Switching from Android to iPhone: how to transfer all your data
The easiest route is the Move to iOS app from Google Play. Condition: the iPhone must be new or reset to factory settings — the app doesn't work with a phone that's already set up. It transfers contacts, message history, photos, videos, bookmarks, calendars and mail accounts. It won't transfer paid apps, music from other stores, passwords from Google Password Manager, or data from apps without their own backup. WhatsApp has its own chat history transfer built into the app, and it must be done during the first setup. Contacts can alternatively be transferred by syncing via a Google account added in Settings → Apps → Contacts. The whole transfer typically takes 20–60 minutes depending on the number of photos.
The easiest route is the Move to iOS app from Google Play. Condition: the iPhone must be new or reset to factory settings — the app doesn't work with a phone that's already set up. It transfers contacts, message history, photos, videos, bookmarks, calendars and mail accounts. It won't transfer paid apps, music from other stores, passwords from Google Password Manager, or data from apps without their own backup. WhatsApp has its own chat history transfer built into the app, and it must be done during the first setup. Contacts can alternatively be transferred by syncing via a Google account added in Settings → Apps → Contacts. The whole transfer typically takes 20–60 minutes depending on the number of photos.
In this article
- Method 1: the Move to iOS app (recommended)
- Method 2: manual transfer when the iPhone is already set up
- What transfers and what doesn't
- What to get used to after switching
- Which iPhone to choose when switching from Android
Method 1: the Move to iOS app (recommended)
Apple's official tool. It can be done during a single setup wizard, but you need to launch it at the right moment.
1. Prepare both phones
Put both on a charger and on the same Wi-Fi. Check that your iPhone has enough storage for all the data from the old phone.
2. Install Move to iOS on Android
Download the Move to iOS app from Google Play. It's free and comes directly from Apple.
3. Turn on the iPhone and reach the Apps & Data screen
If you've already set up the iPhone, you'll need to reset it: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Choose Move Data from Android
A six- or ten-digit code will appear on the iPhone.
5. Enter the code in the app on Android
The phones pair over a temporary private Wi-Fi network.
6. Select what to transfer
Contacts, messages, photos, videos, bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars. Select everything.
7. Wait until both phones finish
The transfer can take up to an hour. Leave both devices in place, don't open other apps, and don't turn off Wi-Fi.
8. Finish setting up the iPhone
Sign in with your Apple account. Apps that also exist for iOS will then be offered for download from the App Store.
Method 2: manual transfer when the iPhone is already set up
Don't want to erase the iPhone? You can do it piece by piece.
1. Contacts via Google account
Settings → Apps → Contacts → Accounts → Add Account → Google. Sign in and turn on Contacts. They'll appear within a few minutes.
2. Photos via Google Photos
Install the Google Photos app on your iPhone and sign in with the same account. If you want the photos directly in the Photos app, you can bulk-download them from Google Photos to the phone.
3. Calendar and mail
Adding the same Google account also syncs your calendar and Gmail — no need to install additional apps.
4. WhatsApp
Transferring chat history from Android to iPhone is built into the app and only works during WhatsApp's first setup on the new phone. Have a USB-C or Lightning cable ready, depending on the model.
5. Passwords
In Chrome on your computer, export passwords to a CSV file and import them under Settings → Passwords → Import. Alternatively, keep Chrome installed on the iPhone and keep using Google Password Manager.
6. Music and files
Upload them to iCloud Drive or Google Drive and access them on the iPhone via the Files app.
What transfers and what doesn't
A realistic overview so nothing catches you out.
| Transfers: contacts | Completely, including groups and contact photos. |
|---|---|
| Transfers: photos and videos | In full quality. The biggest part of the transfer — for large libraries, expect it to take tens of minutes. |
| Transfers: SMS and MMS | Message history transfers via the Move to iOS app. Doing it manually without paid tools is practically impossible. |
| Transfers: calendars, bookmarks, mail accounts | No problem, including account settings. |
| Doesn't transfer: paid apps | A purchase on Google Play doesn't count on the App Store. You'll need to buy the app again, or simply sign in to the service's account (Netflix, Spotify) where the subscription keeps running. |
| Doesn't transfer: game data and some app data | Game progress stays only if the app ties it to an account (Google Play Games alone isn't enough). |
| Doesn't transfer: music downloaded outside streaming | Drag MP3 files across via computer or the cloud. |
| Doesn't transfer: accessories | USB-C chargers also work with the iPhone 15 and newer. Older models need a Lightning cable. Android watches usually don't work with the iPhone. |
What to get used to after switching
The most common things that catch people out in the first week.
- Back is done with a swipe from the left edge: The iPhone has no system Back button. Swipe your finger from the left edge to the right.
- Don't bother closing apps: iOS manages memory itself. Manually closing apps doesn't save battery — if anything, it does the opposite.
- Control Centre is in the top right: Swipe down from the top-right corner. Notifications, by contrast, are pulled down from the top edge in the middle.
- Backups are handled by iCloud: The free 5 GB usually isn't enough — expect to need a 50 GB plan. iCloud storage has nothing to do with the phone's own memory.
- File sharing via AirDrop: The fastest way between Apple devices. AirDrop doesn't work with Android — use the cloud or email there instead.
- Apps only install from the App Store: Installing outside the store isn't normally possible, which is also the main reason for the much lower incidence of malware.
Which iPhone to choose when switching from Android
The most common mistake is buying the cheapest available model. Coming from Android, you're usually used to a large screen and plenty of storage, so a small, old model will feel like a step backwards.
Practical recommendations depending on what you're switching from:
- From mid-range Android (under 10,000 Kč): iPhone 12 or 13 with 128 GB. Both still get the current system, have an OLED display and reasonable battery life.
- From a flagship (Samsung S, Pixel Pro): iPhone 14 Pro, 15 or 16 — for the high-refresh-rate display and a comparable camera.
- You want a big display: the Plus or Pro Max variants.
- You want a compact phone: iPhone 13 mini or SE.
Choose at least 128 GB of storage; if you're used to a memory card, go for 256 GB instead — you can't expand storage on an iPhone.
With us, you can see the measured battery health for every unit (always 86–100%), the cosmetic condition and the exact storage capacity. Every phone has passed a thorough technical check, comes with a 2-year warranty, and is unlocked for all carriers. Delivery takes 2 working days, or you can collect your phone at selected iLoveServis stores — where we'll also help you transfer your data from Android in person.