Switching from an Android device to a brand-new iPhone is an exciting experience that opens the door to Apple’s ecosystem, from the powerful A-series chips to the simplicity of iOS. However, one common hurdle many users face is migrating their entire digital life—including years of photos, contacts, messages, and files—from the open Android system to the tightly secured iOS platform. Given the differences between the two operating systems, a direct file drag-and-drop approach simply won’t work for all data types.

Fortunately, both Apple and third-party developers have created tools to simplify this complex migration. While Apple’s official method, Move to iOS, is designed for a one-time transfer during initial setup, it has limitations, particularly if you have already set up your new iPhone or want more control over the files. This guide will explore three robust methods, ranging from a powerful third-party software solution that offers complete control and flexibility to Apple’s official tools, ensuring you can make the switch smoothly and keep every piece of important data.

Part 2. How to Transfer Files from Android to iPhone with AnyTrans

For users who have already set up their new iPhone, want to transfer selective data, or simply prefer a more comprehensive and flexible tool, third-party software is the ideal solution. AnyTrans is a professional Android to iPhone transfer tool that provides a seamless, cable-based or wireless method for migrating virtually all data types from Android to iOS.

AnyTrans Data Transfer Features

  • Comprehensive Data Support: Transfer all types of data from Android to iPhone/iPad, like photos, videos, call logs, contacts, WhatsApp data, text messages, calendars, and more.
  • Selective Transfer: Freely select and transfer specific items you want manually, giving you complete control over the migration process.
  • Universal Compatibility: Works well with all iPhone and Android models, including the latest iPhone 17 series and a wide range of Android OS versions.
  • Data Integrity Guaranteed: Won’t erase anything on your iPhone, ensuring all existing data on your new device will be kept 100% secure.

Steps to Use AnyTrans:

1. Download and Connect Devices

  • Download and install the AnyTrans software on your Mac or Windows PC.
  • Launch AnyTrans and click the “Phone Switcher” tab on the left sidebar.
  • Select the “Phone to iPhone” mode.

2. Establish Connection

  • Connect both your old Android device and your new iPhone to the computer using their respective USB cables.
  • In the AnyTrans interface, ensure your Android phone is set as the Source device and your iPhone is the Target device. If they are in the wrong position, click the “Flip” button to switch them.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to enable USB Debugging on your Android device so AnyTrans can access its data.

3. Select and Start Transfer

  • Once both devices are connected and recognized, a list of transferrable data categories will appear, such as Photos, Videos, Contacts, Messages, Call Logs, etc.
  • You can either select “Select All” to transfer everything or check the boxes next to the specific categories you wish to move.
  • Click the “Next” button to start the migration.

4. Wait for Completion

  • AnyTrans will now begin securely transferring the selected data from your Android to your iPhone.
  • Keep both devices connected and stable until you see the “Transfer Complete” message.
  • Your transferred photos, contacts, and other data will now be integrated into the respective apps on your new iPhone.

Part 3. Transfer Data from Android to iPhone with Move to iOS

Apple’s official solution, the Move to iOS app, is the simplest, most direct, and completely wireless method—but it has a significant limitation: it only works during the initial setup of a new or factory-reset iPhone. If your iPhone is already set up, you must erase it and start over to use this app.

Steps to Use Move to iOS:

  1. Prepare Your iPhone: If your iPhone is new, proceed to setup. If it’s already set up, you must go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings to reset it.
  2. Reach the Apps & Data Screen: During the iPhone setup process, stop when you reach the Apps & Data screen and select “Move Data from Android.”
  3. Install and Launch Move to iOS: On your Android phone, download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store and open it. Tap “Continue,” read and agree to the terms, and grant the necessary permissions.
  4. Get the Code: On your iPhone, tap “Continue” on the “Move from Android” screen. A six- or ten-digit code will appear.
  5. Enter the Code: Enter this code on your Android device. This will establish a secure, temporary Wi-Fi connection between the two phones.
  6. Select Data: On your Android device, the “Transfer Data” screen will appear. Select the content you want to move (Messages, Contacts, Camera Photos/Videos, etc.) and tap “Continue.”
  7. Complete Transfer: Leave both devices alone until the loading bar on the iPhone finishes. After the transfer, tap “Done” on your Android and “Continue Setting Up iPhone” on your iPhone.

Part 4. Transfer Data from Android to iPhone with iTunes/Finder

This manual method is best suited for transferring media files (Music, Photos, and Videos) but requires a computer and is more cumbersome than the dedicated apps. For Contacts and Mail, you will rely on your Google Account’s cloud sync.

Steps to Use iTunes/Finder

1. Transfer from Android to Computer:

  • Connect your Android phone to your computer (PC or Mac) via USB.
  • Locate the folders containing your music, photos, and videos (usually found in DCIM for photos/videos and Music for songs).
  • Copy the desired files into a new, organized folder on your computer.

2. Sync Photos and Videos via iTunes/Finder:

  • On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder and connect your iPhone. Select your iPhone, go to the Photos tab, check “Sync Photos,” choose the folder you created, and click “Apply.”
  • On a PC or Older Mac (with iTunes): Open iTunes and connect your iPhone. Select your device, go to the Photos tab, check “Sync Photos,” choose the folder you created, and click “Apply.”

3. Sync Music via iTunes/Finder:

  • In iTunes or the Music app (on Mac), go to File > Add Folder to Library and select the music folder from your computer to import your songs.
  • Connect your iPhone, select the device, go to the Music tab, check “Sync Music,” and click “Apply.”

4. Transfer Contacts and Mail (Cloud Sync):

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account and select “Google.”
  • Enter your Gmail login credentials and ensure the toggle for Contacts and Mail is turned on. The data will sync automatically from Google’s cloud to your new iPhone.

Conclusion

The transition from Android to iPhone is made considerably easier today thanks to these robust transfer options. The Move to iOS app is fast and wireless but requires a factory-reset iPhone, making it inconvenient if you have already started using your new device. The iTunes/Finder method is slow, only ideal for media, and requires manual cloud configuration for essential data like contacts.

For a streamlined, comprehensive, and flexible migration process, especially if you want to selectively transfer data or have already set up your new iPhone, a dedicated tool like AnyTrans offers significant benefits. AnyTrans is the recommended solution because it bypasses the need for a factory reset, grants granular control over data types, including transfer WhatsApp to new phone, and ensures your data is transferred securely and completely without affecting your existing iPhone setup.