How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Switching from Android to iPhone is common in 2025, but data transfer is where most users get stuck. This guide explains exactly how to transfer data from Android to iPhone, step by step, using Apple’s Move to iOS, manual transfers, and cloud-based methods.
You’ll learn which data transfers automatically, what does not, and which method works best depending on your situation — without vague advice or skipped steps.
Key Takeaways (Read This First)
- Move to iOS is the easiest and safest method for most users
- Not all data transfers automatically (apps and app data behave differently)
- Manual transfer is better for photos, music, and documents
- Planning prevents data loss and duplicate files
What You Can and Cannot Transfer (Important Before You Start)
Before transferring anything, you must understand what moves cleanly and what doesn’t.
Data Transfer Compatibility Table
| Data Type | Transfers Automatically | Requires Manual Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Messages (SMS) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Photos & Videos | ✅ Yes | ⚠ Sometimes |
| Google Account Emails | ⚠ Optional | ✅ Often |
| WhatsApp Chats | ⚠ Partial | ⚠ Setup Required |
| Apps | ❌ No (re-download) | ❌ No |
| App Data | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Music Files | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Why this matters:
Many users assume apps and app data transfer automatically — they don’t. Planning avoids frustration later.
Method 1: Transfer Data Using “Move to iOS” (Recommended)
This is the official Apple method and works best for new or factory-reset iPhones.
What You Need Before Starting
- Android phone running Android 5 or newer
- New or reset iPhone at the setup screen
- Both phones connected to Wi-Fi
- Battery charged above 50%
Step-by-Step: Move to iOS Transfer
- Turn on your new iPhone
- Proceed until you reach “Apps & Data”
- Select “Move Data from Android”
- On your Android phone
- Install Move to iOS
- Open the app and accept permissions
- Pair the devices
- iPhone displays a 6-digit code
- Enter the code on Android
- Select data to transfer
- Contacts
- Messages
- Photos & videos
- Google account
- Accessibility settings
- Wait for transfer to complete
- Do not use either phone
- Transfer time depends on data size
- Finish iPhone setup
- Sign in with Apple ID
- Download suggested app equivalents
Common Issues (and Fixes)
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer stalls | Wi-Fi drop | Restart both phones |
| Messages missing | Android SMS permission denied | Re-enable permissions |
| Photos incomplete | Cloud syncing conflict | Use manual transfer |
Method 2: Manual Transfer (Best for Photos, Music, and Files)
Manual transfer is ideal if:
- You already set up your iPhone
- You want full control over files
- You use a computer regularly
Manual Photo & Video Transfer
Steps:
- Connect Android phone to a computer
- Copy DCIM and media folders
- Connect iPhone
- Sync photos using file manager or system sync
Best for:
Large photo libraries, original quality images, older devices
Manual Music Transfer
Music does not transfer automatically.
Options:
- Re-download from streaming apps
- Upload files to iPhone via computer
- Use cloud storage (if already used)
Method 3: Cloud-Based Transfer (Google Account Method)
If you already use Google services, this method is efficient.
What Syncs Automatically
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Notes (Google Keep)
How to Set It Up
- On iPhone, go to Settings → Mail → Accounts
- Add your Google account
- Enable syncing for contacts and calendar
Limitation:
Photos and app data still require manual handling.
WhatsApp Transfer from Android to iPhone (Special Case)
WhatsApp requires extra steps.
WhatsApp Transfer Rules
- Phone number must stay the same
- iPhone must be new or reset
- Move to iOS must be used
WhatsApp Transfer Table
| Requirement | Mandatory |
|---|---|
| Same phone number | ✅ |
| Factory-reset iPhone | ✅ |
| Latest WhatsApp version | ✅ |
| iCloud enabled | ✅ |
Comparing Transfer Methods (Which Should You Use?)
| Method | Best For | Ease | Completeness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move to iOS | New iPhone users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Manual Transfer | Photos, music | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Google Sync | Contacts, email | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Combined Approach | Most users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Real-world recommendation:
Most users succeed by combining Move to iOS + manual photo cleanup.
After Transfer: Essential Checks (Don’t Skip)
Once data transfer finishes:
- Verify contacts count
- Open Messages and check threads
- Confirm photo library completeness
- Re-download essential apps
- Enable iCloud backup
Cause → Effect → Outcome
- Skipping verification → Missing data later → Harder recovery
- Immediate checking → Catch errors early → Easy fixes
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Restart both phones
- Disable VPNs
- Use stable Wi-Fi
- Keep screens on
- Retry transfer if interrupted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer data after setting up my iPhone?
Yes, but Move to iOS requires a reset. Otherwise, use manual methods.
Do apps transfer automatically?
No. Apps must be re-downloaded from the App Store.
Will I lose Android data?
No. Transfer copies data — it does not delete Android files.
How long does transfer take?
Anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on data size.
Conclusion
Transferring data from Android to iPhone in 2025 is straightforward if you choose the right method. Move to iOS handles most core data automatically, while manual transfer ensures nothing important is missed. By understanding limitations upfront and following the steps exactly, you can switch devices without losing photos, messages, or contacts.
