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iPhone to Android: A Clear Guide on How to Switch from iPhone to Android


January 11, 2022

After many nights of friendly banter among friends, you’re ready to leave your iPhone for fresher, greener pastures — specifically, the green hues of Google’s Android system. Beneath the surface-level differences, Android and iOS may have a lot in common. 

You can make that transition with the proper steps without losing anything significant (including your sanity). Here is a guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android!

Back Up to Google Drive

Say goodbye to iCloud and hello to Google Drive. You’ll be surprised to know that Google Drive makes it easy to migrate your contacts, calendar and your photo gallery. That’s three things you don’t have to worry about.

Simply install the Google Drive app onto your iPhone and sign in to your Google account (if you don’t have one, you’ll be able to create a new Google account too). On your iPhone, tap Settings, then Backup. Then, choose what you want to back up and select Start Backup.

Once you’re done, you can sign in to your Google account on your Android device. And voila, your calendar, contacts, as well as photos and videos should be in the Google Calendar, Contacts and Photo apps, respectively.

File Transfer

But what about your other files and documents in iCloud? An express method to move your data from Apple’s cloud storage to Google’s is to install the desktop apps for iCloud Drive and Google Drive on your Mac or Windows PC.

Next, open Finder or File Explorer windows for both locations. Select what you want to transfer from the iCloud Drive window and drag it over to the Google Drive window. After a short wait for the transfer to be completed, you’re done!

Convenient Switching Tools 

Like some of Samsung’s Galaxy phones and Google’s Pixel products, some Android devices ship with their all-in-one iPhone to Android switching systems. Convenient by design, these Android devices may come with special adapters, cables or software, such as Samsung Galaxy’s Smart Switch.

Using the built-in systems, you can quickly and easily switch from iPhone to Android using a shared WiFi connection or via a lightning to USB-C cable (or, more likely, a USB to USB-C adapter). Unfortunately, not all Android phones have this feature, and they don’t always work flawlessly.

So, we’ll go into the details of how you can migrate some important data from iPhone to Android manually without all the hassle.

iMessage Deactivation

As you switch over from iPhone to Android, it comes as no surprise that Apple’s iMessage system is incompatible with non-Apple devices. So, before you leave your iOS device behind, remember to turn off iMessage, or you might run into trouble receiving text messages on your Android phone.

Here’s how you can do it. Go to Settings on your iPhone, scroll until you see Messages and FaceTime. Tap into both submenus, then toggle the iMessage and FaceTime options off.

Even if you have already traded your iPhone, there’s still hope for you yet. You will need to go into Apple’s Deregister iMessage page and enter your phone number under the No longer have your iPhone? section. Once you’ve received a 6-digit confirmation code, enter the code and tap Submit.

Email Transfer 

For those using Apple Mail, you can add the account in the Gmail app on your Android device. First, tap Add Account within the Gmail app settings, then select the option, Other.

Next, enter your email address and choose Personal (IMAP). You’ll then be prompted to manually enter the server settings to use your iCloud email account, which can be found on the Apple support page.

If you are sticking to your Gmail account, you can access your email on your Android phone as usual. Remember to sign in with the same Google account as your Gmail address. Once you’re done, all your mail should appear in your Android device’s Gmail app.

Final Thoughts 

With many different factors to consider, the war on the Android and iPhone debate is long from over. Each device brings innovation to the table, time and time again without fail. Since you’re here, one can already assume which side you are on! Come and visit PriceShop to finalise your transition from iPhone to Android now!