How to Switch From an iPhone to Android

You’ve an iPhone, however that Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone is looking your title. But leaping out of the proverbial Apple basket and into Google’s robotic arms appears to be an amazing if not daunting process. Consider it or not, the method is admittedly fairly easy.

On this information, we present you find out how to swap from an iPhone to an Android gadget. We begin with the only method potential after which clarify find out how to manually transfer particular objects for those who do not want the whole lot packed below the iPhone’s fairly face. After that, we are going to introduce you to the methods of Android.

Making the transition

Earlier than you embark on this journey to the promised land of Android, take into consideration this. Android isn’t constant throughout all associated units. In contrast to evaluating an iPhone X to an iPhone 12 Professional Max, a Samsung Galaxy doesn’t have the identical expertise as a Google Pixel 5. Nevertheless, that’s the great thing about customization, even on the end-user stage, which an iPhone clearly lacks.

Know what you are forsaking. Lots of the circumstances, docks, and different equipment you acquire in your iPhone aren’t going to be suitable with Android smartphones (although it’s value checking as a result of some are).

Perceive what you will have as an alternative. Your iOS apps can not go along with you, however you’ll discover that almost all have Android counterparts awaiting your arrival. When you have any paid apps, you’ll be required to buy them once more by means of the Play Retailer, the Galaxy Retailer, and so forth. In-app purchases will have to be purchased once more except they’re tied to a particular app account.

What about your media? Any DRM-protected content material you bought, like e-books, podcasts, films, and TV exhibits, will stay of their respective Apple-based shops. Your music is accessible by means of Apple Music for Android whereas sure films and TV exhibits purchased utilizing iTunes might be accessible in the event that they help Films Anyplace and/or Vudu. You’ll be able to simply and legally take away the restrictions from music, however not from TV exhibits and flicks.

Final, however not least, there’s your iPhone itself. Earlier than you wipe it with a manufacturing unit reset, you’ll need to work by means of the remainder of our information. If you’re accomplished, assuming you’re not gifting your iPhone to somebody, you would possibly need to peruse our information on find out how to promote an iPhone with out getting ripped off.

Utilizing telephone producer apps or instruments

Earlier than we dig into numerous strategies for shifting over totally different bits and items, it is value mentioning which you could typically save a while through the use of the instruments that the smartphone producer offers. You will normally be requested in the course of the setup of your new telephone if you wish to copy over information out of your previous telephone.

In the event you purchase a Samsung telephone, just like the Galaxy S21 5G, for instance, you will get a USB-OTG connector within the field, which lets you plug in your previous iPhone and replica over a number of information and information. You may also use the Good Swap software program.

If you aren’t getting such an possibility in your new Android telephone, otherwise you lack the connector you want, don’t fret as a result of we’re about to run by means of some different strategies.

Use Google Drive

Google offers a backup device inside the Google Drive app for iOS that does the next:

• Backs up contacts to Google Contacts.
• Backs up calendar occasions to Google Calendar.
• Backs up pictures and movies to Google Pictures.

Any information you downloaded to your iPhone will have to be manually uploaded to Google’s cloud. In any other case, the whole lot listed above shall be transferred to your Google Account with the contact of a button. Right here’s how:

Step 1: Faucet to open the Google Drive app.

Step 2: Faucet the Three-Line icon within the top-left nook.

Step 3: Faucet Settings on the record.

Step 4: Faucet Backup.

Step 5: Faucet every possibility (Contacts, Calendar Occasions, and Pictures & Movies) and ensure they’re toggled on — they need to be enabled by default.

Step 6: Faucet the Begin Backup button.

Remember the fact that the free Google Drive account solely offers 15GB of storage. In case your backup requires extra, you’ll want a Google One subscription — not less than briefly till the whole lot is moved over to your new Android telephone.

Manually switch contacts utilizing iCloud

In the event you simply have to switch contacts, there are a number of methods exterior utilizing Google Drive. A method is to obtain them from iCloud. First, make certain the Contacts app is synced with iCloud after which obtain your contacts utilizing an internet browser. Right here’s how:

Step 1: Faucet to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Faucet in your Apple ID.

Step 3: Faucet iCloud.

Step 4: Faucet the toggle subsequent to Contacts if syncing is disabled.

Step 5: Open an internet browser and log in to the iCloud web site.

Step 6: Click on Contacts.

Step 7: Click on the Cog icon on the backside left.

Step 8: Select Choose All on the pop-up menu.

Step 9: Click on the Cog icon once more.

Step 10: Choose Export vCard on the pop-up menu.

Step 11: Utilizing the identical browser, log in to Google Contacts.

Step 12: Click on Import listed on the left.

Step 13: Click on the Choose File button on the pop-up window.

Step 14: Choose the file positioned in your laptop after which click on the Open button.

Step 15: Click on Import.

Switch contacts utilizing My Contacts Backup app

You may also switch contacts utilizing the free My Contacts Backup app.

Step 1: Set up it in your iPhone.

Step 2: Launch it.

Step 3: Faucet Backup.

Step 4: Electronic mail the backup file to an electronic mail account in your Android telephone. You’ll get a VCF file.

Step 5: Import the VCF file into Google Contacts, just like how we imported the file from iCloud.

Switch contacts individually

If you wish to use the method as an excuse to skinny the herd and edit your contacts, you then would possibly think about doing it one after the other. On this case:

Step 1: Open the contact you need to switch in your iPhone.

Step 2: Choose Share Contact to ship it as a textual content message or by electronic mail.

For extra info, take a look at our information on find out how to switch contacts between iPhone and Android units.

Sync Apple’s calendar with Google Calendar

Once more, the Google Drive app can sync Apple’s calendar mechanically for those who go along with that possibility as Google suggests. Nevertheless, you may have a number of different choices.

If you have already got a Google Account arrange in your iPhone, likelihood is Google Calendar already syncs along with your iPhone. In the event you’re unsure, do the next:

Step 1: Faucet to open the Setting app.

Step 2: Scroll down and faucet Mail.

Step 3: Faucet Accounts. Right here, you too can faucet Add Account and observe the steps for those who don’t have a Google Account synchronized to your gadget.

Step 4: Faucet Gmail.

Step 5: Faucet the toggle subsequent to Calendars to show synchronization on (if it’s not already).

Now we’re going to sync Apple Calendar with Google Calendar:

Step 6: Faucet to open the (Apple) Calendar app.

Step 7: Faucet the Calendars tab positioned on the backside.

Step 8: Faucet the Data icon subsequent to the calendar listed below iCloud that you simply need to sync.

Step 9: Faucet Share Hyperlink. In the event you don’t see this feature, you’ll have to faucet the toggle subsequent to Public Calendar first.

Step 10: Ship the hyperlink to your self utilizing an electronic mail.

Step 11: Open an internet browser and log in to Google Calendar.

Step 12: Click on the Plus image subsequent to Different Calendars listed on the left.

Step 13: Click on the From URL possibility on the pop-up menu.

Step 14: Enter the URL you emailed to your self.

Step 15: Click on Add Calendar.

You’ll be able to even sync a number of Google calendars to your iPad for those who want to take action.

Sync Apple’s calendar with iCloud

You may also obtain an app to sync your calendar from iCloud, assuming you may have Calendar switched on in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. You can strive One Calendar to sync your entire calendars into one place or take a look at a few of our suggestions for the perfect calendar apps.

Switching from Apple to Google providers

Apple is famend for its tightly built-in ecosystem, however for those who’re switching to Android, you’ll need to begin utilizing extra Google providers.

General, Google is extra universally accessible. Any media bought by means of Google Play might be accessed by means of apps and net browsers. The one Apple-purchased media you’ll be able to entry on an Android gadget is Apple Music — apps associated to Beats and shifting to iOS are the one different Android apps Apple gives. Are you able to get Safari on an Android telephone? No, however you’ll be able to set up Google Chrome on an iPhone.

That mentioned, neglect about iCloud and Safari — you’ll find all the identical performance, and extra, through Google. So long as you’re signed in to your Google Account, you’ll be able to entry all of your contacts, bookmarks, appointments, and information on virtually any gadget. Right here’s a listing of what to anticipate:

• Contacts for backing up and sharing contacts.
• Messages for texting.
• Google Calendar for conserving on high of your schedule.
• Chrome browser can sync bookmarks and open tabs between laptop and Android telephone.
• Google Drive for backing up your information.
• Google Docs for enhancing and sharing paperwork.
• YouTube Music or Google Play Music for storing and streaming your music from the cloud.
• Google Pictures for backing up and sharing pictures and movies.
• Google Match for monitoring your well being and health.
• Google Maintain for notes and lists.
• Android Auto for while you’re driving.
• YouTube for watching movies.
• Google Maps for straightforward navigation.
• Google Pay for tap-to-pay providers.
• Google Assistant (just like Siri however extra common).

Many of those providers are additionally accessible on Apple units, however the expertise is optimized for Android. The truth that you’ll be able to have all of those as your default choices below one Google Account makes it straightforward and accessible, and also you’ll be tempted to make use of increasingly more Google providers. There are additionally a great deal of nice alternate options that you should utilize as an alternative of — or in addition to — Google choices like Dropbox, and Mozilla Firefox.

Manually transfer pictures and movies utilizing Google Pictures

With the Google Drive methodology, pictures and movies are already backed as much as the cloud if this particular setting is toggled on. You may also use different strategies to switch this media, together with Google Pictures.

In the event you simply need to switch pictures and movies, you’ll be able to activate Again Up & Sync within the Google Pictures app. Right here’s how:

Step 1: Faucet to open the Google Pictures app.

Step 2: Faucet your Google Account Profile within the top-right nook.

Step 3: Faucet Pictures Settings.

Step 4: Faucet Again Up & Sync.

Step 5: Faucet the toggle subsequent to Again Up & Sync to change this function on. All media ought to ultimately sync along with your new Android gadget.

Different methods to manually transfer pictures and movies

You’ll be able to plug an iPhone right into a Home windows PC or Mac utilizing a USB cable after which switch your pictures and movies, just like shifting information from an exterior storage gadget. You’ll be able to at all times use Bluetooth too so long as your PC can acknowledge the telephone. For detailed directions, we offer a information on find out how to switch pictures from an iPhone to a pc. After that, observe our information on find out how to switch information from Android to your PC. The latter switch directions can be reversed for each USB and Bluetooth connections.

Nevertheless, these strategies generally is a ache. Utilizing cloud providers like Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive requires you to add to the cloud from one gadget and obtain to a different. Utilizing the Drive/Pictures methodology might be the simplest, extra native methodology of getting your pictures and movies into Android.

For extra particulars on utilizing apps to again up and share your pictures, take a look at our information on find out how to share pictures on Android. You need to use plenty of the apps and providers mentioned there to switch your pictures and movies out of your iPhone.

One entails a USB cable and an exterior onerous drive. To make use of this methodology:

Transferring your music: Obtain and add to YouTube Music (Home windows 10)

The best approach to entry your music purchased by means of iTunes is to make use of the Apple Music app for Android. All you could do is set up the app, check in along with your Apple ID, and also you’re good to go. There’s no have to obtain and import something, and also you don’t want a subscription.

Nevertheless, if you wish to rid your self of iTunes, you’ll be able to at all times obtain the music and add all of it to YouTube music.

Step 1: Obtain and set up iTunes for Home windows. (Microsoft Retailer) (Desktop)

Step 2: Obtain the music you need to be transferred to YouTube Music.

Step 3: Sign up to YouTube Music.

Step 4: Click on in your Google Account Profile icon within the top-right nook.

Step 5: Click on Add Music within the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Navigate to (C:) > Customers > Your Profile Identify > Music > iTunes. That is the default location.

Step 7: Choose the music you need to add and click on Open.

Transferring your music: Obtain and add to YouTube Music (MacOS)

The method is barely totally different for those who’re utilizing a MacOS. This is what to do:

Step 1: Open the Music app.

Step 2: Obtain the music you need to be transferred to YouTube Music.

Step 3: Sign up to YouTube Music.

Step 4: Click on in your Google Account Profile icon within the top-right nook.

Step 5: Click on Add Music within the drop-down menu.

Step 6: Navigate to Macintosh HD > Customers > Your Profile Identify > Music > Music > Media > Apple Music.

Step 7: Choose the music you need to add and click on Open.

You’ll be able to’t legally copy films or TV exhibits out of your iTunes to your Android smartphone as a result of you would need to take away the DRM safety first. Sadly, that applies to e-books bought by means of iTunes as effectively.

Transferring your textual content messages

It is a lot trickier than something we’ve mentioned to this point, however some individuals will need to maintain these treasured textual content conversations and switch them to their new Android smartphones. Fortunately, it’s potential.

One of many best strategies is to make use of the free iSMS2droid app, however it might not work for everybody. It additionally requires you to again up your SMS to iTunes after which go digging round to seek out the appropriate file to transform.

You may also use Samsung Good Swap or Kies software program to revive an iPhone backup (together with textual content messages) to a Samsung Android smartphone. You’ll additionally discover fairly a number of premium software program choices on-line that purport to let you copy textual content messages, contacts, pictures, and even name logs, however we are able to’t vouch for his or her effectiveness. Many Android producers have some sort of knowledge switch app you’ll be able to attempt to use as effectively.

No matter what methodology you utilize, don’t neglect to show Messages off earlier than making the swap. Leaving it on may lead to SMS and MMS messages nonetheless going to your previous iPhone. It’s because Apple sends an iMessage as an alternative of an SMS or MMS when it detects you’re each utilizing iOS. To show it off, do the next:

Step 1: Faucet to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Scroll down and faucet Messages.

Step 3: Faucet the toggle subsequent to iMessage.

Step 4: Flip off FaceTime by tapping settings. Scroll down and faucet FaceTime. Faucet the toggle subsequent to FaceTime.

In the event you not have the telephone, you’ll be able to request Apple to deregister your iPhone with iMessage right here.

Discovering your method on Android

Welcome to Android! At first, it might appear unusual and unnerving, however you’ll quickly get used to it. Listed here are some suggestions and options that will help you get your toes below the desk and begin to really feel at house.

Navigation is a bit of totally different on Android. Google added a gesture system with Android 10, which makes use of gestures to navigate, like iOS 13. Nevertheless, customers nonetheless have entry to conventional Android navigational buttons, which we cowl in a separate how-to information. Third-party producers might have conventional buttons toggled on by default whereas making full gesture management an possibility.

Right here is the three-button navigation setup:

• House: As of Android 11, this icon is a white ball that sits on the backside heart. It is going to at all times take you to the house display screen. Nevertheless, long-press on this button, and Google Assistant will activate.
• Again: As of Android 11, this icon is a white triangle that sits on the backside left. Faucet it, and you’ll be returned to the earlier web page, stage, display screen, and so forth. You may also use it to again out of apps.
• Recents/Overview: As of Android 11, this icon is a white block that sits on the backside proper. Faucet it, and also you’ll see a tiled record of the latest apps used. Simply faucet the app-preview window to leap again into that app. You’ll be able to shut down apps from this menu by swiping them away, or contact the app shortcut icon to enter Break up Display mode.

Android additionally offers a two-button navigation system:

• House line: Changing the house button is a “house line” of types. Faucet it, and also you’re returned to the house display screen. To modify apps, swipe up from the house line. To see all apps within the App Drawer, swipe up from the road once more.
• Again: This icon is a small “lower than” image that solely seems as wanted. Faucet it to return to the earlier web page, display screen, and so forth.

Meet the App Drawer

With Android, all apps are saved in an App Drawer. What you see on the house and different screens are app shortcuts. Apple launched an analogous function in iOS 14, which locations all apps in a stationary App Library display screen. On Android, nonetheless, the Drawer is accessible by swiping up from the underside — consider it as an App Library display screen tucked beneath the house button.

Like iPhones, you’ll be able to have a number of screens for all of the app shortcuts you need, widgets, and so forth. Apple’s At present View resides to the left of the house display screen in iOS, and the Google Feed web page is in the identical spot in Android. To modify between all screens, simply swipe left or proper with a finger.

If something, Android and iOS have gotten extra alike than in recent times, making the transition from one to the opposite simpler than ever. You’ll be able to even take away app shortcuts from an iPhone’s house display screen!

One distinction within the house display screen format is that iOS has a visual dock the place you’ll usually have entry to the Telephone, Safari, Messages, and Digital camera apps. This dock stays stationary as you swipe between screens. Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI have an analogous setup, solely the dock isn’t seen. Android 11 locations this dock above the Google Search widget, whereas One UI shoves it to the very backside.

On older Android telephones, you might even see an apps icon on the invisible dock for accessing the App Drawer. Newer variations of Android do not need this icon — simply swipe up from the underside to entry all of your put in apps. Need to add a shortcut to a display screen? Lengthy-press on an app and drag it onto a display screen, making a shortcut.

Every little thing vital that occurs in your telephone will spark a notification. To entry these notifications, swipe down from the highest to increase the Notification Shade. You’ll be able to faucet on these notifications to open their mother or father app, faucet the Down Arrow on every to increase, or swipe them left to dismiss.

Customization and widgets

One of many large points of interest of Android is the power to customise your smartphone. To customise the look, you’ll be able to simply long-press on an empty part of any display screen to get a pop-up menu permitting you to set the wallpaper (together with animated “dwell” wallpaper for those who like).

On a number of Android units, you’ll additionally see the choice so as to add widgets, app shortcuts, net shortcuts, and folders. You’ll be able to drop one app icon on high of one other to create a folder. You may also change the wallpaper in your lock display screen or house display screen through Settings > Show > Wallpaper.

Widgets are small home windows into particular person apps that may replace mechanically to convey you new info. This implies you’ll be able to see the newest climate, sports activities scores, or tweets with out having to enter the precise app. Not each app has a widget, however you’ll be able to long-press on an empty portion of any display screen and choose widgets to assessment your choices, or go into the Apps Drawer and scroll over on most newer telephones.

In the event you’re eager on personalizing the aesthetic of your smartphone, then you need to discover the world of launchers. There are all types of various seems and kinds accessible, typically fully free. A few well-liked launchers to get you began are Nova Launcher and GO Launcher EX. Nevertheless, launches don’t absolutely customise Android — they solely change fonts, icons, the App Drawer format, and so forth. In the event you’re trying to convert Samsung’s construct into one which resembles inventory Android 11, that received’t occur and not using a launcher.

Apps

Despite the fact that the Play Retailer has overtaken Apple’s App Retailer in the case of sheer numbers, there’s no denying that there are extra high-quality, polished apps, and video games on iOS. That’s as a result of it’s simpler to develop an app for a particular variety of iPhones and iPads versus the multitude of various Android units. Meaning most new apps and video games will launch on iPhone first.

The excellent news is that the hole is closing, and the overwhelming majority of the massive apps and video games that you simply knew and liked in your iPhone shall be accessible for Android. You’ll additionally discover that apps and video games are typically cheaper and the next proportion of them are free on the Android platform.

To get you began, take a look at our record of the perfect Android apps and our roundup of the perfect Android video games. With Android, you’re not pressured to make use of a set of default apps. In reality, you’ll usually discover duplicated performance in pre-installed Google apps and producer or provider apps. You’ll be able to merely choose the one you want finest, or set up one other third-party choice to do the job. When you may have multiple app able to performing a process, you’ll get a pop-up window asking you which of them one you’d like to make use of (you’ll be able to tick At all times to make it the default).

If you need to test your full app record, you’ll be able to go to Settings > Apps. You’ll be able to select to uninstall apps, Clear Cache or Clear Cata, and assessment the apps’ permissions on this display screen (you too can disable bloatware that you simply don’t use). You’ll discover app updates will seem in your notifications bar every now and then, or you’ll be able to enter the Play Retailer, faucet Menu, and select My Apps to replace the whole lot directly. In the event you discover you’re getting too many annoying notifications from particular apps or video games, you’ll be able to at all times take a look at our information on find out how to flip notifications off.

Assuaging your worries

Each criticism of Android refers back to the similar potential issues. Some issues may make you reticent to depart Apple’s walled backyard, however these points are typically exaggerated. There are additionally methods to dispel these considerations.

Fragmentation

An ideal deal is manufactured from the fragmentation concern, however it’s unlikely to impression your Android expertise. There’s a enormous alternative of Android units working totally different variations of the platform, and the primary downside is updates.

In contrast to Apple, Google can’t simply push an replace out for each Android gadget. The producer and the provider have a say, and typically they maintain issues up. There may also be points with producer UIs like Samsung’s One UI and HTC’s Sense UI.

In follow, a lot of the high telephones get updates pretty rapidly. If you need assured quick updates, then go for a Google gadget, just like the Pixel 5. If you need the newest model of Android, Pixel telephones are nonetheless the best way to go.

When it comes to apps, the Play Retailer doesn’t let you set up incompatible apps.

Malware

Each day, there’s a brand new article elevating the specter of malware on Android. As the preferred cell platform, Android will inevitably be focused, however it’s comparatively straightforward to remain secure.

Think about putting in one of many high Android safety apps and don’t set up apps from exterior of the Play Retailer. Sideloading from sketchy Android markets can lead you to a life stuffed with malware-ridden woes.

Stability

Early Android variations have been susceptible to crashing and lag, however occasions have modified. From software program updates to new units full of options, Android is now a frontrunner within the smartphone OS race.

Sadly, the platform’s historical past hasn’t earned it an amazing fame. The truth that you should purchase Android smartphones with comparatively low specs at a fraction of the value of an iPhone has additionally impacted model notion. For a good comparability, you need to equate apples to apples. Or, on this case, examine a top-line, comparably priced Android smartphone with the iPhone.

The newest variations of Android are quick and clean, and the latest Android smartphones can match, and even sometimes finest, the iPhone in the case of efficiency. Google has additionally labored tirelessly to enhance stability and efficiency on lower-end {hardware} with Android One and Android Go.

Additional choices: Rooting and different suggestions

If you root your telephone, you’ll be able to customise the whole lot, which generally is a enjoyable function for those who wish to make customized icons and keyboards, and even for those who simply need to have the ability to management the interior workings of your gadget. It’s not with out dangers, although, so most individuals would possibly need to keep away from it. Our find out how to root your Android telephone information goes into the professionals and cons and find out how to do it. We’ve a high 10 apps for rooted Android telephones roundup to assist information you, too.

In case you are uncertain what gadget to purchase in your transition, take a look at our greatest Android smartphones roundup. For these fully new to Android, our newbie’s information will enable you get additional acquainted. We even have a variety of different Android guides, together with the whole lot from find out how to block calls in your Android telephone to find out how to wipe your Android gadget to find out how to use darkish mode. In the event you want different perception into Android life, search the time period on Digital Tendencies to seek out much more sources, together with device-specific info.

A few of you thought there was no probability you’d surrender your iPhone. Perhaps you’re starting to see a number of the positives of proudly owning an Android, such because the number of telephones to select from, image high quality, or simply having normal connectors as an alternative of Apple chargers. There’s at all times a studying curve with any new digital gadget, so deal with the swap to Android with enthusiasm relating to the distinctive options you’ll be capable of harness.

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