How to Transfer Your Data From iPhone to Android, and Vice Versa

If you decide to replace your old iPhone with a new Android device, or vice versa, that doesn’t mean you have to lose your data.

Transferring your messages, photos and preferences between operating systems is simple - just follow our expert tips on how to get your new phone set up with the data off your old one.

Backup your data

Before you start transferring anythingfrom your old handset to your new device, it’s advisable to backup your data. This process needs to be performed manually, because your data’s going to be transferred onto a handset that uses a different operating system. Having a Google Drive is key in this process for both iPhones and Android devices.

When you’re backing up the data on your iPhone, you'll need to use an alternative to iCloud, as it’s not compatible with your new Android. Download the Google Drive App and, once you’ve signed in, go into Settings > Back up. If you don’t have a Google account, it’s easy to set one up beforehand.

There are two options for backing up your Android smartphone; back up your data directly to your phone, or use the cloud storage service on your Google Drive.

All Android devices can be backed up in the same way.

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Tap System and then Backup or Accounts and backup, depending on the device. If this doesn’t match up with your phone, search Backup in Settings, or contact the manufacturer if you require further assistance.
3. Tap Back up now or Back up data and follow the instructions on screen.

When backing up your Android to Google Drive, the process begins in much the same way, by following System > Backup. You then need to switch on the Back up to Google Drive option.

iPhone to Android

Moving from iOS to Android using a Google Drive is a smooth process. But before you begin your transfer, there’s a couple of things to consider.

If you’re intending to use the same number on your new handset, you’ll want to make sure that you’re able to receive calls and text messages. In order to do this, you’ll have to disable FaceTime and iMessage on your iPhone. This will ensure that calls and texts will no longer be directed by the web, but will use SMS or your network. You can do this for iMessage by opening Settings > Message > Disable, and in order to toggle FaceTime off, return to Settings > FaceTime > Disable.

It’s also important to know that, because iOS and Android apps aren’t compatible, the apps that you have on your iPhone won’t automatically transfer across. Many apps, however, are available on both iOS and Android, so search the Google Play store for your favourites and download them to your new smartphone.

To get started:

1. Make sure that you have the most up-to-date version of Google Drive on your iPhone.
2. Use your iPhone to visit android.com/switch.
3. Continue using your iPhone and open Google Drive. Open the menu on the left of your display and press Settings > Backup, before selecting the data you want to transfer, then tap Backup.
4. Once the backup has finished, follow the instructions on your Android. You’ll need to log into Google on your new phone, using the same account details that you used for Google Drive.
5. Once you’ve logged in, the data you’ve backed up will start to transfer onto your new device.

Android to iPhone

Thanks to Apple’s Move to iOS app, it’s easy to transfer your contacts, messages and even your Google account settings across from your old Android device to an iPhone. So, before you transfer any data across, download the Move to iOS app on your Android first.

1. Plug both of your phones into the mains.
2. Connect your Android device to Wi-Fi and switch the mobile data off on your iPhone, as receiving a call or app activity during the transfer automatically cancels the process.
3. Switch on your new iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the screen titled Apps & Data. At this point select the Move Data from Android option, which will create a direct network between your two smartphones.
4. On your Android device, open up the Move to iOS app. Once you’ve clicked through the opening messages, there should be a Find Your Code screen. Click Next.
5. Return to your iPhone, where your code should have appeared. Type this code into your Move to iOS app and your two devices will connect.
6. Once you’ve synced your smartphones, you’ll be asked what data you’d like to transfer to your new iPhone. When you’ve selected everything that you’d like to migrate across, tap Next.
7. The data will then be transferred. Once the process is complete, the two devices will disconnect from one another.
8. To finalise the process, create an Apple ID (if you haven't already). This will give you access to the App Store, where you can download your apps.

Thankfully, the process of transferring data between different smartphones across from different brands is simple, so you’re free to choose whichever handset you prefer for your next smartphone. Check out the latest deals on iPhones and Android smartphones, including Huawei and Samsung, at e2Save.com.