Swapping Your iPhone for Android? Here Are Easy Ways to Transfer Your Data

We walk you through how to export iMessages and more.

If you make the big leap from an iPhone to an Android phone, you'll find yourself with a pretty long checklist of to-dos. Whether you're transitioning to Google's Pixel 6 or a new Samsung phone like the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 4, switching operating systems can quickly become a hassle if you don't know the most efficient way to move your data.

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The secret to an easy-peasy transfer process lies with the tiny plastic adapter that Google and Samsung (sometimes) include in the box. It's like hiring professional movers to move your stuff, unpack it and decorate your new house just like your old one! The adapter has a USB-A connector on one end and a USB-C connector on the other that allows you to connect your new phone to your old iPhone. You can also use an USB-C to lighting cable for newer phones like the iPhone 11.

With the adapter, you can transfer your photos, videos, files, music and wallpaper. You can even use it to automatically download any Android versions of free iOS apps you had on your old Apple phone. And as far as iMessage, while Apple's messaging service won't work on an Android phone, you can even move your message history and threads to your new phone.

Switch from iPhone to a Google Pixel phone
If you're switching specifically from an iPhone to a Google Pixel, the first thing you want to do is to charge up both phones. Next, you're going to turn off iMessage across all of your Apple devices -- any device that uses your AppleID. Go to Settings, then Messages and then toggle off iMessage.

If your new Pixel came with a SIM card, install it, turn the phone on and tap the Start button. Next, connect to a Wi-Fi network and then select Copy your data. Now unlock your old iPhone, and put your lighting power cable into the bottom. Then, plug the other end into the "magic adapter" which Google calls a Quick Switch Adapter (QSA). Finally, plug in the QSA into the Pixel. You can also use a USB-C to Lighting cable.