How to Migrate from iOS to Android (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Switching from an iPhone to an Android phone can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re worried about losing contacts, photos, or important data.

The good news? Migrating from iOS to Android is easier than ever, as long as you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through the entire process, from backing up your iPhone to setting up your new Android device, so nothing important gets left behind.

Whether you’re switching for better customization, more device choices, or just a change of pace, this guide will help you move smoothly and confidently.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Make sure you have the following ready:

• Your iPhone and new Android phone
• A stable Wi-Fi connection
• Your Apple ID login details
• Your Google account login details
• Google Drive installed on your iPhone
• Enough free storage on your Android device

Tip: Fully charge both devices before you begin to avoid interruptions.

Step 1: Back Up Your iPhone to iCloud

Before moving anything, make sure your iPhone data is backed up.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone
2. Tap your Apple ID name at the top
3. Select iCloud
4. Make sure important data (Contacts, Photos, Calendar, etc.) is turned on
5. Tap iCloud Backup → Back Up Now

Wait until the backup completes before moving on.

Step 2: Transfer Contacts, Calendar, and Photos Using Google Drive

Google Drive is the easiest way to move core data from iOS to Android.

1. Download Google Drive from the App Store on your iPhone
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account
3. Tap the menu (☰) → Settings
4. Select Backup
5. Choose what to back up:
   • Contacts
   • Calendar events
   • Photos & videos
6. Tap Start Backup and wait for it to finish

Note: This may take some time depending on how much data you have.

Step 3: Set Up Your New Android Phone

Now it’s time to bring everything onto your Android device.

1. Turn on your Android phone
2. Follow the on-screen setup instructions
3. Sign in using the same Google account you used for the backup
4. When prompted, choose to restore data from a backup
5. Select the most recent Google Drive backup

Once completed, your contacts, calendar, and photos should appear automatically.

Migration Methods Compared

Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Google Drive backup	Most users	Easy, reliable	Needs strong internet
Manual transfer	Advanced users	Full control	Time-consuming

For most people, Google Drive is the fastest and safest option.

What Doesn’t Transfer Automatically (Important)

Some things won’t move over directly:

• Paid iOS apps (you’ll need Android versions)
• iMessage history
• Apple-exclusive apps (FaceTime, Safari, Notes)
• App data for certain apps

You’ll need to reinstall apps from the Google Play Store and sign in again.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Contacts didn’t transfer
→ Make sure contacts are stored in iCloud and included in the Google Drive backup.

Photos missing on Android
→ Check that Google Photos is installed and syncing on your Android device.

Apps not available on Android
→ Search for Android alternatives in the Play Store.

Calendar events not syncing
→ Confirm calendar syncing is enabled in both your Google account and Android settings.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Use Wi-Fi, not mobile data
• Give backups time to finish completely
• Explore Android settings—customization is one of its biggest strengths
• Disable iMessage on your iPhone before switching to avoid missing texts

Final Thoughts

Migrating from iOS to Android is a big change, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper backups and the right tools, you can move your essential data and start enjoying Android’s flexibility almost immediately.

Take some time to explore your new device—you’ll likely discover features and customization options that simply aren’t possible on iOS.

FAQs