Transferring phone contacts from iPhone to Android

By Anula Wiwatowska

Last updated 14 July 2021

Switching from an iPhone to an Android device (or visa versa) isn’t difficult, but it can be time consuming. Passively time consuming that is. The amount of effort on your behalf to transfer data from your iPhone to your new Android is absolutely minimal but you will need to wait around for a bit while the internet does its thing.

In this guide, we look at the easiest ways to move your data from iOS to Android, and minimise losing anything in the process.

Transfer contacts from iPhone to Android using Google Drive

Google Drive is an easy way to move your contacts across to your new Android, and to move most other data as well. You can backup contacts, calendar events, photos and videos on your Google Drive and simply redownload them straight to your new phone. Or if you're switching to a tablet then you can follow the same steps.

Some other content such as Notes takes a bit more work, but more on that in a minute. Here is how to use Google Drive to move from iPhone to Android.

Download Google Drive to your iPhone
Sign in to your Google account
Go to menu > settings > backup to back up your data
Select the content that you want to back up and click Start Backup
Note that backup can take several hours, so you’ll want to be connected to WiFi and plugged into a charger
On your new device, sign in using the same Google account you used to back up your data
All your data will be available through Google Photos, Google Calendar and your Contacts app

How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Samsung

Samsung devices aren’t necessarily any different from other Android phones, but the manufacturer’s recommended way to transfer data is using Smart Switch.

Smart Switch will transfer all your data including contacts, photos, music, and more. You can use WiFi, a USB directly between both phones, a PC, or from external storage. Just pick one that is the most convenient for you.

If you’re reading this, we can assume that you’ve got a WiFi connection, so here are the steps you need to transfer contacts from your iPhone to your new Samsung using Smart Switch.

Switch off two-step verification on your Apple ID
Open Smart Switch on your Samsung, tap Start, and Agree
Select Wireless > Receive > iOS
Enter your iCloud password and tap Sign In
Make sure everything you want to switch is selected
Tap Import
Your files will then transfer

Switching Notes from iPhone to Android

While you can use Google Drive, or Smart Switch if you’re on Samsung to swap your data over some things just don’t like to budget. Why is it always notes apps?

If you have ongoing lists, or you’re just attached to any late-night ramblings that you’ve jotted down in your Notes then stress less - you can bring these across to Android. The key to this one is using your Gmail account.

If you’re switching over to an Android tablet, chances are that you’re going to be utilising Google apps more anyway, so linking the two together just makes sense.

Open Settings on your iPhone
Scroll down to Notes and open
Tap on Accounts
If your Gmail account is not yet linked, link it to your Notes app.
You should now have a Notes folder in your Gmail account. You can now access these notes from Gmail on any device.