AndroidAnswers

How do I switch from an iPhone to an Android phone?

By the AndroidAnswers Editorial Team · Updated

About 6 minutes · Basics & setup

Steps written for Android 16 and 17, including Samsung One UI 8 and 9, Google Pixel, and Motorola. Menu names can vary a little by model and carrier.

Illustration of a phone showing two arrows in a circle, with a second phone on one side and a check badge on the other

First, turn off iMessage and FaceTime on your iPhone so your texts follow you. Then turn on the new Android phone, choose to copy data from an iPhone, and follow the prompts: scan a QR code with the iPhone, or connect the two phones with a cable. Photos kept only in iCloud need a separate transfer.

Steps to check

Show steps for:

  1. Turn off iMessage and FaceTime on the iPhone

    Do this before you move your SIM card. Otherwise, texts from iPhone users can keep going to your old iPhone instead of your new phone. On the iPhone, open Settings → Apps → Messages and turn off iMessage. Then go to Settings → Apps → FaceTime and turn off FaceTime. On older iPhones, Messages and FaceTime are listed directly in Settings.

  2. Optional: start moving iCloud photos

    Photos that live only in iCloud do not come across in the normal copy. Apple can send a copy to Google Photos for you: sign in at privacy.apple.com, choose Request to transfer a copy of your data, sign in with your Google Account, and follow the prompts. Google says this takes 3 to 7 days and does not remove anything from iCloud, so it is fine to start early.

  3. Turn on the new phone and choose iPhone

    Turn on the Android phone and tap through the first few screens. When it asks whether to copy data from another device, choose iPhone or iPad.

  4. Copy with a QR code or a cable

    If a QR code appears, scan it with the iPhone's camera and follow the steps on both phones. The iPhone may ask you to install Google's free Android Switch app. If there is no QR code, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to Google, and put in your SIM card, then connect the two phones with the iPhone's cable. Tap Trust on the iPhone, choose what to copy on the new phone, and tap Copy. Keep both phones close and connected until it finishes.

    • Samsung Samsung uses its Smart Switch app instead of Android Switch. During setup, choose iPhone or iPad. Later, open Smart Switch → Receive on this phone → iPhone/iPad → Cable, connect the phones, tap Trust on the iPhone, pick your data, and tap Transfer. Samsung recommends the cable because it moves the most kinds of data.
    • Motorola During setup, tap iPhone or iPad, connect the cable, tap Trust on the iPhone, pick your content, and tap Copy. Keep the iPhone unlocked. If you skipped it, go to Settings → Back up or copy data → Bring data from another device.
    • Pixel Pixel 8 and newer on Android 17 may offer an upgraded transfer right after you choose iPhone, shown as a QR code. It can also bring over your eSIM, Wi-Fi networks, and passwords.

  5. Know what may not come across

    Google lists a few things that do not transfer: photos stored only in iCloud, paid apps and in-app purchases (contact the app maker), Safari bookmarks, and Health data. The wireless Android Switch app moves only photos, videos, contacts, and calendars. A cable copies more, including texts, free apps, notes, and alarms. Samsung's Smart Switch cable transfer can also bring Safari bookmarks.

  6. Check your texts and restart group chats

    Open the Messages app on the new phone and send a test text to an iPhone user. Google says that for group chats with iPhone users, someone needs to start a new group chat so you keep getting their messages. If group texts still go missing, see why you might not get group texts from iPhone users. If you use WhatsApp, look for a notification after setup to copy your chat history.

  7. Already moved the SIM? Deregister online

    If you no longer have the iPhone, or you moved the SIM card before turning off iMessage, use Apple's free Deregister iMessage page at selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage. Enter your phone number, type in the code Apple texts to your new phone, and submit. Apple says texts should start arriving right away, though some iPhones may take a few hours to notice.

Normal vs. not

Usually normal

The copy still running in the background after you finish setup. Google says you can keep setting up the phone while data transfers, as long as the two phones stay connected until it is done.

Worth a closer look

Texts from iPhone users never arriving days after the switch. Make sure iMessage is off or deregistered with Apple's page, then try the steps in our guide on texts not sending (linked below).

What people are saying

Common questions

Can I copy my iPhone data after I have already set up the Android phone?
Often, yes. On Samsung, open Smart Switch any time. On Motorola, go to Settings → Back up or copy data. Google says Android 17 phones such as Pixel 9 and newer can copy later from Settings → Accounts and backup.
Will my contacts and photos still be on the iPhone?
Yes. Copying leaves everything on the iPhone. Erase it only after you have checked that your photos, contacts, and messages are on the new phone.
Do I lose my apps?
Free apps that are on Google Play can be installed for you during a cable transfer. Paid apps and subscriptions do not carry over between Apple and Google, so check with the app maker.
Does my phone number change?
No. Your number stays with your SIM card or eSIM. Move the SIM to the new phone, or ask your carrier to move your eSIM if the phone does not offer to do it.

Sources we checked

Menu names can differ by phone brand and Android version. See our editorial policy for how we check steps.