Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps
Home
Android

How to Easily Transfer Everything from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy

Sep 19, 2015 12:19 AM
Nov 25, 2015 11:13 PM
Two smartphones side by side on gravel: a Samsung Galaxy Note and an iPhone, displaying home screens.

Thanks to Smart Switch, it's easier than ever now to ditch your iPhone for a brand new Samsung device, like the Galaxy S6 Edge+ or Galaxy Note 5.

Alleviating one of our biggest fears when switching over from iOS to Android, Samsung has made transferring data like contacts, messages, pictures, and videos a simple and painless process that even your grandma could comprehend.

With Smart Switch, there are several easy methods to get your iOS data over to your new Galaxy device. Although we're talking iPhone to Android, Smart Switch also works for those already on Android wanting to transfer data to a new Samsung device.

Use Your Computer

With your computer, iPhone, and new Samsung device ready to go, all you need to get started is the Smart Switch application, which is available for both Mac and Windows.

As you can see in the video by Samsung, the process is quick and requires very little effort. Before you do start, though, make sure you've recently backed up your iPhone to your computer using iTunes. Additionally, make sure the "Encrypt iPhone backup" option is not enabled, otherwise Smart Switch will not be able to access the contents within the backup file.

iPhone backup settings screen with options for automatic and manual backups.

Once you have your backup, it's as simple as plugging in and following the prompts. Definitely check out the video for a useful demonstration.

Welcome screen for Samsung Smart Switch software.

When it's time to start backing up, choose iTunes backup data and check the items you wish to transfer over. The entire process took me less than five minutes, but that time may vary depending on all the stuff you have on your iPhone.

Backup data interface for an iPhone showing selected items and options.

Connect Your Two Devices Together

If you're not as computer-savvy as you'd wish, then ditch it. With the Smart Switch Android app, there's no need for a computer. You can just connect your iPhone and Galaxy device together and transfer your content that way.

Once you launch the app, select the device you'll be switching from, then choose a transfer method. With the "Import from iOS Device" option, you'll need both devices and an OTG cable to connect them together. The video above from VVC shows the whole process.

Smart Switch Mobile app interface for transferring data from an old device to a new mobile device.
Importing data from iCloud and iOS devices to Galaxy smartphones.
Smart Switch Mobile app interface for transferring data from an old device to a new mobile device.
Importing data from iCloud and iOS devices to Galaxy smartphones.

Use Your iCloud Credentials

If you don't have a OTG cable, or don't want to buy one, you can still use the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app to transfer content without one. Using the "Import from iCloud" option, all you'll need is your new Galaxy device and your Apple ID and password.

Simply sign in and select your backup file.

iCloud sign-in screen with fields for Apple ID and password, and options to show password and remember ID.
iCloud device selection menu with iPhone and iPad listed.
iCloud sign-in screen with fields for Apple ID and password, and options to show password and remember ID.
iCloud device selection menu with iPhone and iPad listed.

Once chosen, select the content you want to transfer over. Once it's done, you'll have additional options made available, including automatically downloading similar apps you have on your iPhone that are available on Android.

iCloud import options with checkboxes for syncing contacts, calendars, notes, app list, and bookmarks.
Transfer complete screen with options for downloading apps and additional settings.
iCloud import options with checkboxes for syncing contacts, calendars, notes, app list, and bookmarks.
Transfer complete screen with options for downloading apps and additional settings.

After trying all of these methods out, I'd have to say they were all very easy, but using your iCloud backup is the simplest. What I also liked was that my contact pictures were also included and present in the messaging app. The only issue I had, which is nitpicking at this point, was that a small collection of pictures and videos were out of order.

Which method did you use, and was it as painful as Samsung claims it to be? Sound off in the comments below.

Follow Android Hacks over on Facebook and Twitter, or Gadget Hacks over on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter, for more Android tips.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!