Switching from iPhone to Android (or back): messages, photos and apps

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Moving between iPhone and Android is much easier than it used to be, with official tools on both sides. Even so, a few things do not move automatically, and one of them can stop you receiving text messages. This guide covers both directions and the checklist to work through before you hand over the old phone.

iPhone to Android

Before you start

Turn off iMessage and FaceTime on the iPhone, in the Messages and FaceTime settings. If you skip this, texts from iPhone users can keep going to iMessage instead of your new phone. If you no longer have the iPhone, Apple offers an online tool to deregister your phone number from iMessage.
Update the iPhone and check your photos are fully on the phone or backed up.
Make a list of the apps you use, especially banking and authenticator apps.

Copying your data

Many Android phones, including Pixel and Samsung models, offer to copy from an iPhone during first setup, often with a cable between the two phones. Samsung's Smart Switch also supports iPhones, and Google's Switch to Android app on the iPhone can move contacts, calendars, photos and videos.

Photos stored only in iCloud may not come across directly. Apple lets you request a transfer of a copy of your iCloud Photos to Google Photos from its data and privacy site, or you can install Google Photos on the iPhone and let it back up first.
Contacts and calendars in iCloud can be exported or synced to a Google account.
WhatsApp chats can be moved from iPhone to Android during setup on supported phones; follow WhatsApp's own instructions, as the steps change from time to time.

Android to iPhone

Apple's Move to iOS app on Android does most of the work. During the iPhone's setup, choose to move data from Android, then enter the code shown on the iPhone into the Android app. Apple says it can move contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, mail accounts, calendars and more.

The iPhone must be new or freshly reset for Move to iOS to work, because it runs during setup.
WhatsApp history can be included through Move to iOS, then you sign in on the iPhone with the same number. Some details, such as call history, may not transfer.
Photos in hidden folders or apps may be missed, so copy anything important to a computer first.

Messaging between the two

Since iOS 18, iPhones support RCS messaging with Android phones where the network operator supports it, giving typing indicators, read receipts and better quality photos instead of old-style picture messages. Group chats that mixed iPhone and Android users may need to be started again after you switch.

Apps and purchases

Apps do not cross over. The transfer tools may suggest matching apps, but paid apps generally need buying again on the other platform.
Cancel or move subscriptions. A subscription bought through the App Store is billed by Apple and one bought through Google Play is billed by Google, so cancel it on the old platform and resubscribe if needed. Subscriptions bought directly from a service, such as a streaming site, usually carry on.
Streaming and cloud services you sign in to, like music, video, email and note apps, come with you as soon as you sign in.
Banking and authenticator apps need setting up again, so do this while you still have the old phone.

Accessories and the ecosystem

Apple Watch only works with an iPhone. An Android phone needs a different smartwatch.
AirPods work as ordinary Bluetooth earbuds on Android but lose some automatic features.
Home and car systems need re-pairing, and a few smart home devices are tied to one platform.
Shared family features such as Apple Family Sharing or Google Family Link need setting up again.

Final checklist

Check messages from both iPhone and Android contacts arrive.
Confirm photos, contacts and calendars are all present.
Sign in to every important app and move two-factor codes.
Sign out of your account on the old phone, then factory reset it.

Did you switch and stay, or switch back? Tell us what surprised you in the comments.