How to transfer data from Android to iPhone (even after setup)
Apple’s free Move to iOS app copies most of your data in one go. If your iPhone is already set up, you still have free options.
Before you start
- Plug both phones into power and keep them close together.
- Connect the Android phone to Wi-Fi.
- Make sure the iPhone has more free space than the data you are moving.
- Update Chrome and WhatsApp on the Android phone if you want to move them.
The fix
Method 1: Move to iOS during setup (best)
- 1
Turn on the new iPhone and follow setup until Transfer Your Apps & Data.
- 2
Tap From Android.
- 3
On the Android phone, install Move to iOS from the Google Play Store.
You can scan the QR code shown on the iPhone to find it.
- 4
Open Move to iOS, tap Continue and agree to the terms.
- 5
Enter the code shown on the iPhone into the Android phone.
- 6
Join the temporary Wi-Fi network the iPhone creates, if asked.
- 7
Choose what to transfer and tap Continue.
You can move contacts, messages, photos and videos, mail accounts, calendars, WhatsApp and some free apps.
- 8
Leave both phones alone until the bar finishes on the iPhone.
Using the Android phone or taking a call can stop the transfer.
The fix
Method 2: after setup, without erasing the iPhone
- 1
Contacts, calendar and Gmail.
On the iPhone go to Settings › Apps › Contacts › Contacts Accounts › Add Account › Google and sign in. Turn on Contacts, Calendars and Mail.
- 2
Photos and videos.
Back up with Google Photos on Android, then install Google Photos on the iPhone and sign in. To keep copies on the iPhone, download them or use Google Takeout.
- 3
Files.
Upload files to Google Drive on Android and open them with the Google Drive app on the iPhone.
- 4
Messages and WhatsApp.
Text messages and WhatsApp chats can only move with Move to iOS. If you need them, erase the iPhone and use Method 1.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Move to iOS after setting up my iPhone?
Not directly. Move to iOS only runs during setup. You can erase the iPhone and start setup again, or move data manually with your Google account and Google Photos.
Does Move to iOS transfer WhatsApp?
Yes. During the transfer you can choose WhatsApp, and your chats move to WhatsApp on the iPhone. You must use the same phone number.
Do my apps transfer from Android to iPhone?
Free apps that also exist on the App Store are suggested for download. Paid apps must be bought again, and app data usually does not move unless the app has its own cloud sign-in.
What to try next
Related guides
Convert photos to PDF on iPhone
Convert one or several photos to a PDF on iPhone for free with the Files app or the Print menu, combine pages in order, and save or share the PDF.
Change Auto-Lock on iPhone
Change how long your iPhone screen stays on before it locks, choose Never, and fix Auto-Lock when it is greyed out or stuck at 30 seconds by Low Power Mode.