How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone: A Simple Guide

Switching from an Android phone to an iPhone is a common process, as many users seek to explore the iOS platform. Although Android still holds the majority of the smartphone market, Apple’s iOS has its own advantages that may appeal to you. When making the switch, transferring your data, especially contacts, is a top priority. Moving between these two distinct platforms might require a bit more effort, but it’s far from impossible. This guide will walk you through how to easily transfer your contacts from Android to iOS, ensuring a smooth transition.

Using the Move to iOS App

Apple has developed a solution for users switching from Android to iPhone, the Move to iOS app. This app is available on the Google Play Store and, while it has mixed reviews, it is designed to make the process of moving your data from Android to iPhone as simple as possible. Apple’s priority is to provide a smooth and straightforward user experience, and this app reflects that philosophy by helping transfer your data, including contacts, seamlessly.

Move to iOS allows users to transfer not just contacts but also messages, photos, videos, bookmarks, email accounts, and calendars from an Android device to an iPhone. However, results may vary depending on device compatibility and app performance. When the app works as intended, it’s a highly effective solution for moving your data.

How to Use Move to iOS to Transfer Contacts:

1. Download and Install the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Open the App and follow the on-screen instructions. You will need to agree to the terms and grant certain permissions.
3. When prompted to enter a code, set your Android device aside and proceed to your iPhone.
4. On your iPhone, during setup, you will reach a “Quick Start” page. Here, choose the option to Set Up Manually.
5. Select Move Data from Android on your iPhone.
6. Your iPhone will display a code, which you should enter into the Move to iOS app on your Android phone.
7. Your iPhone will create a temporary Wi-Fi network. From your Android device, tap Connect to link the two devices.
8. Choose the data you want to transfer. In this case, make sure to select Contacts, though you can also opt to transfer other items such as photos, videos, files, display settings, and web bookmarks.
9. Tap Continue to begin the transfer process.

Once the transfer is complete, your iPhone will also download the free apps you had on your Android device, as long as they are available in the App Store.

Turning on Google Sync for Contacts on Android

Before transferring your contacts, it’s essential to ensure that your Android device is properly syncing contacts with your Google account. This way, you’ll have a backup of all your contacts stored in the cloud, making it easier to retrieve them when needed.

How to Turn on Google Sync for Contacts:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and select Google.
3. Navigate to the All Services tab and choose Backup. Follow the steps to enable Google One Backup if you haven’t set it up already.
4. Tap on Google Account Data.
5. Make sure the Contacts option is toggled on.
6. Additionally, verify that syncing is enabled in the Contacts app. Open the Contacts app on your Android phone.
7. Tap your profile image and select Contacts Settings.
8. Go to Google Contacts Sync Settings.
9. Tap Status and ensure that Google Contacts Sync is switched on.
10. Finally, return to the Google Contacts sync settings and select Also Sync Device Contacts. Toggle on Automatically Back Up & Sync Device Contacts.