Here’s how to transfer data from Android to iPhone

Users can easily use Apple app called Move to iOS, if you’re sharing files between both devices, Google Drive or Google Photos are great options

Tech Desk - Feb 24, 2025

An undated image of Android and iPhone. — iStock/Canva

Whether you’re switching to a new iPhone and need to transfer all your data from Android or if you want to use both devices side by side and share files between them.

Users can easily use an Apple app called Move to iOS; if you’re sharing files between both devices, Google Drive or Google Photos are great options.

Moreover, you can use other apps, such as Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive, but the process's underlying principles are the same.

How to transfer data from Android to iPhone

Gadinsider has compiled a guide, which will walk you through the process and introduce a method similar to AirDrop (which is handy to know if you're not already familiar with it).

Go to Google Play on your Android device, then search for and install the Move to iOS app.
Now open Move to iOS and agree to the terms and conditions. You should also decide if you want to share app data with Apple and if you’d like it to access the device’s location.
Next, enable your new iPhone and follow the setup instructions until you reach the Quick Start screen. Tap Set Up Without Another Device, and on the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, tap From Android.
Either connect your iPhone and Android via a USB cable, or tap continue with Wi-Fi and ensure both devices are on the same network.
On the Android device, select the data you would like to transfer to the iPhone and select Continue. Sit back and allow the process to complete. Don’t touch the screen or buttons on either device during this time.

How to manually transfer data from Android to iPhone

Open Google Drive on your Android device to see what you have stored. You can add new files by tapping +New.
Next, install Google Drive on your iPhone and log in using the exact same details as on your Android device. The files you have saved in Drive via Android will be available on your iPhone.
You can now use the Files app on your iPhone. Launch Files and tap the Browse tab, then select Drive from the list of Locations.
If you want to move a file from Google Drive to another location on your iPhone, tap and hold a single file.
If you tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the screen and tap Select, you can choose multiple files; when done, again tap and hold. Then select Move and decide where you want to put the files(s).