You may have been thinking about making the switch for a long time, or you may have once said you’d never leave Android – but none of that matters now that you’ve now got an iPhone in your hand. Switching from Android to iOS isn’t overly difficult, but when you first stare down at the welcome screen of your new iPhone, you are likely trying to decide what you should do first. What follows are the best tips for switching from Android to an iPhone.
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Which iPhone should I choose for the switch?
Before we get into the specifics of switching from Android to iOS, we first want to share a few phone recommendations. The iPhone 11 and the second-generation iPhone SE are the best models to consider if you’re still shopping for your first iPhone.
Each of these phones runs the latest version of iOS, and they are each expected to continue receiving software updates for at least a few years moving forward. And, perhaps more important for someone unsure of the switch, and not wanting to spend lots of money – they are both very affordable.
Switching from Android to iPhone
Our first piece of advice for switching is the same as what we would offer if you were upgrading from one Android smartphone to another Android smartphone, or from one iPhone to another iPhone – is for you to consider how you want to start. Are you trying to recreate your current smartphone set up on your new smartphone? Or, are you looking for a new beginning?
Recreating your current smartphone setup
- Pro: You will retain some familiarity with the apps and services you use, as well as with the general layout of your home screen.
- Con: You will be moving to the iPhone, but will likely miss out on some of the benefits of being in the Apple ecosystem.
Choosing a new beginning
- Pro: You will end up with a user experience that matches your current needs and use cases, and be able to truly experience the Apple ecosystem.
- Con: You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed due to the number of decisions you have to make, or frustrated if you find yourself looking for something you haven’t yet brought over to your new phone.
The bottom line is that while it may feel more difficult to choose the new beginning option – this is the path we recommend because it is the path that will allow you to better experience the Apple ecosystem.
Should I keep the Google experience or go all-in with Apple?
Android is Google’s mobile operating system, so it is pretty safe to assume you’re currently using more than a few of Google’s services, such as Gmail, Google Calendar and Contacts, Google Photos, and Google Maps (just to name a few).
The good news is that switching from Android to iOS doesn’t mean you have to leave Google. In fact, Google offers iOS apps for just about every one of their services, and some, such as Google Photos – are actually quite nice on an iPhone. Just keep in mind that you are moving from Android to the iPhone, so trying to retain the full Google experience may not provide the best experience in the long term. After all, Apple’s services are designed to take advantage of Apple’s hardware and software.
Keeping the Google experience
On some level, trying to decide between keeping the Google experience or going all-in with Apple feels like another way of deciding whether you should recreate your current experience or start fresh. But while there is some crossover between these two options, using your current Google account setup actually provides a great way to bring your data over to your new iPhone.
If you decide to keep the Google experience, either temporarily or permanently, your initial switch from Android to iOS will feel a bit quicker and easier. You can quickly add your Google account credentials to your iPhone and be up and running with all of your favorite (and familiar) Google services. You can get started by opening the Settings app on your iPhone and navigating to Mail -> Accounts – Add Account.
From there you can move to other Google services such as Google Drive, Google Photos, and Google Maps by simply downloading the apps from the iOS App Store and then logging in with your Google credentials.
Similarly, if you are a Microsoft user, you can take advantage of a simpler move from Android to iPhone. For example, you can quickly download the Microsoft Outlook app for your iPhone and have your email, calendar, and other files ready to go. Microsoft also offers a OneDrive app, as well as OneNote and Office if you prefer to stick with Microsoft options instead of immediately moving to Apple’s iCloud Drive, Notes, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
Going all-in with Apple
Ultimately, whether you do it immediately, or slowly over time – you should try using Apple services because going all-in with Apple can make for a better overall experience with your iPhone. A good place to start is by using the default Apple Mail app and the Messages app (even if for no other reason than so you will no longer be viewed as a blue bubble by your iPhone using friends). Apple also offers the Apple One subscription, which lets you combine Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+ into one monthly subscription.
Make the switch with Apple’s Move to iOS app
A slow switch that allows you to take note of the apps and data you have on your current phone, and really consider whether they are needed on your new phone, is ideal. But this kind of switch also takes time, and not everyone wants to consider each and every thing they have on their smartphone. Plenty of people just want to start using their new phone. For this reason, we also recommend checking out the Move to iOS app, which can be found in the Play Store on your Android smartphone.
The Move to iOS app guides you through the process of switching from Android to the iPhone, and getting started with the process is pretty simple. You’ll want to make sure your Android device is connected to WiFi, that both phones are connected to power, and that the data you intend to move from your Android smartphone will fit on your iPhone.
The app is able to move contacts, calendar, message history, camera photos and videos, photo albums, files and folders, display settings, accessibility settings, browser bookmarks, and email accounts. Some free apps will also transfer, provided they are available in the Play Store and the App Store. Otherwise, it is important to note that music files, books, and PDF files need to be moved manually.
Now that you’ve successfully completed the move from Android to the iPhone – you should sell your Android smartphone. Selling your current Android smartphone on Swappa is quick, easy, and safe.
