How to easily transfer data from iPhone to Android

When you make the big leap from an iPhone to an Android phone, you’ll find yourself with quite a long checklist of things to do. Whether you switch to Google’s Pixel 7 or a new Samsung phone as Galaxy Z Flip 4switching operating systems can quickly become a problem if you don’t know the most efficient way to move your data.

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The secret to an easy transfer process lies in the small plastic adapter that Google and Samsung (sometimes) include in the box. It’s like hiring professional movers to move your things, unpack them, and decorate your new house just like your old one! The adapter has a USB-A connector on one end and a USB-C connector on the other that allows you to connect your new phone to your old iPhone. You can also use a USB-C to Lightning cable for newer phones like the iPhone 11.

With the adapter you can transfer photos, videos, files, music and wallpapers. You can even use it to automatically download all Android versions of free iOS apps you had on your old Apple phone. And as for iMessage, while Apple’s messaging service won’t work on an Android phone, you can even move your message history and threads to the new phone.

Switch from iPhone to a Google Pixel phone

If you’re specifically switching from an iPhone to a Google Pixel, the first thing you want to do is charge both phones. Next, turn off iMessage on all your Apple devices—all devices that use your Apple ID. Go to Settingsthereafter Messages and then turn off iMessage.

If your new Pixel came with a SIM cardinstall it, turn on your phone and press Start button. Then connect to a Wi-Fi network and then select Copy your data. Unlock your old iPhone and put the power cable for the light in the bottom. Then you plug the other end into the “magic adapter” that Google calls a Quick Switch Adapter (QSA). Finally, connect the QSA to the Pixel. You can also use a USB-C to light cable.

Press when prompted Trust on your iPhone. Then sign in to your Google Account on your Pixel. Then select exactly what you want to copy (photos, music, messages, etc.) and then tap Copy.

Now it’s time for the Pixel to actually transfer everything. Depending on how much stuff you are moving, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. While the transfer is taking place, you can continue to set up your phone, such as adding a PIN code or setting up Google Assistant and Google Pay. Once the transfer is complete, you’re done. Check that everything you wanted to migrate actually did and enjoy your new Google life.

Switch from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy phone

If you have a new Samsung Galaxy phone, it also comes with an adapter, but you can also move your data over Wi-Fi. I recommend using the adapter because it is faster. You can also use a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect the two. Just like the Pixel transfer, the first thing you need to do is make sure both phones are charged and turn off iMessage on your iPhone.

However, unlike the Pixel, you have the option to set up your Galaxy phone as new and then transfer the data, meaning you can start using the phone straight away instead of waiting. To start the transfer, open the Smart Switch app on your Samsung phone. It may take a minute to download the app to your phone.

Once you open it, you may be prompted to send or receive data. Press Receive. Then choose how you want to transfer: Wi-Fi or cable. Then connect both phones with the adapter and iPhone’s lightning cable—if you’re transferring via Wi-Fi, there’s no need to connect the phones with a cable.

On your iPhone, tap Trust and on the Samsung phone you will see a message that reads Connects to your iPhone. If your iPhone uses encryption for backups, you may be prompted to enter your passcode. It should be your Apple ID password.

Then the Samsung phone will scan your iPhone for data. This may take a few minutes, after which you can choose exactly what kind of data you want to transfer. Then press on transfer arrow. The actual transfer can take a few minutes to an hour. Once that’s done, go through your new Samsung phone and check your data. If you can’t find your photos and videos in the Gallery app, check the Google Photos app.