Switching from iPhone to Android

 

Let’s be honest; we’ve all pondered switching phone manufacturers at some point. Even the most ardent Apple fanatics have. Maybe you’ve always used iOS and now feel like a change is in order, or perhaps you switched and don’t like the user experience. Either way, there are good reasons to move from Apple to Android — the Pixel 6 being one!

Need some persuading Check out our rundown of what Android does well.

 

Customisation

Customisation is Android’s ‘thing’. While the tech wizards at Apple buy into the philosophy of less is more, it’s a very different story over at Android. Unlike the restricted iOS design, Android lets you show your personality through themes and widgets. Don’t like your home screen layout? Use a launcher to transform it. Unsure about your app icons? Switch them for a new pack. Colour schemes, fonts, keyboards, wallpapers— there’s so much freedom to choose with Android.  

 

Personalisation

We all interact with Google. You’re probably doing it from your iPhone right now. As a result, the tech behemoth has tons of data on your search habits, what you like to do, and where you like to go. Whether that scares you or not, Android indeed has a level of personalisation that Apple just can’t match.

 

Choice of handsets

Apple has branched out in recent years with its Pro and Max editions, but their handsets typically follow the same line as their predecessors. Things are different with Android. Whether it’s the Google Pixel, Samsung’s Z Flip foldable phone, or a Huawei handset, there’s far more diversity in design on offer. With so many models on the market, you’ll have the freedom to refine your search and tailor specs to your tastes.  

 

Google apps

Okay, so there’s nothing wrong with Apple Mail, Safari, and Notes per se. In fact, Apple’s suite of apps is no doubt second nature to you by now. But we’ll hazard a guess you also use Chrome, Gmail, or Google Maps? Thought so. When you switch to Android, Google’s much-loved and widely-used tools are default, with plenty of extra built-in functionality.

 

Why stick with iPhone?

What will I miss switching from iPhone to Android, you ask? Well, there are a few things. For one, Apple tends to keep your data locked away on your device rather than analysing it in the cloud. That gives Android phones the edge for personalisation, but it could be an uncomfortable reality for the security conscious.

Maybe you’re already well invested in the Apple ecosystem, using Apple TV or Apple HomePod. However, one obvious downside of moving to Android is losing that immediate cross-connectivity between your iPhone and other devices.

One other advantage of sticking with Apple is that software updates tend to happen more frequently. That’s partly because there are so many Android handsets on offer.

 

How to transfer data from iPhone to Android?

Has a Google or Sony handset caught your eye? If so, it’s time to anticipate the moving process. After all, you won’t want to part with all your precious contacts, photos, and files once you wave goodbye to your iPhone.

Thankfully, this isn’t too complicated at all. Let us talk you through it.

 

Transferring contacts and calendars

There’s little point in owning a smartphone if you can’t call the right people. So, your first port of call is transferring contacts and any calendars across to your new device.

To get started, you’ll need a Google account and Gmail address. You probably already have one, but it only takes a minute to get set up if not. It’s this account that makes syncing your contacts a doddle.

Once you’ve set an account up, download the Gmail app on your iPhone and log in. Head to the device’s Settings, then tap Mail, followed by Accounts. Select the account, and you’ll see switch options listed for your mail, contacts, and calendars. Ensure these are on. Once you log into Gmail on your new Android handset, it’ll simply sync everything from the cloud.  

 

Transferring data and files

The easiest way to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android is via the Google Drive app. You can download the iOS edition on your iPhone, then log upload any files you want to carry over. This keeps everything safely tucked away in the cloud, ready for you to redownload to your Android.

 

Safely transferring photos

Our camera roll is like a modern-day memory box—a stream of group selfies and holiday snaps that remind us of good times. As such, you’ll want to keep these memories safe when switching from iPhone to Android.

The good news is, it’s super easy when using the Google Photos app. Simply download it to your iPhone, sign in with your Gmail account, and choose to switch on Back Up & Sync for all your device’s snaps. From there, you can download Google Photos, and you’ll find your much-loved camera roll waiting ready to browse.

 

Transfer music

Do you use streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music? Then you’re in luck. All you’ll need to do is download the app to your new Android device and input your login details. Please be mindful, though, that you may need to prompt the platform to redownload any saved files to your new smartphone in the app’s settings.

If you’re a bit old school and keep your tunes on file, you’ll want to transfer music from iPhone to Android. After all, you may well have spent a small fortune on the iTunes Store over the years. No matter how vast your collection is, the best way to get the job done is via a PC. First, make sure your iPhone is backed up to iTunes, then connect your Android phone to the PC via USB. You should then have the option to copy any music files in the Library section of the iTunes app and paste them into the Music folder of your new device via File Explorer.

 

Transferring notes from iPhone to Android

Practising speeches, pulling together shopping lists, writing memos. Apple’s Notes application is a lifesaver. If you regularly use this neat feature as a digital notepad, you’ll probably want to transfer any critical information to your new device.

Thankfully, it’s a straightforward affair. You can sync your notes to Gmail following the very same steps as explained for contacts and calendars. Then, once you get set up on your Android, just redownload the notes via Gmail.

 

Where can I get an Android phone?

Convinced that you’re better off with Android? Your search starts with Envirofone.

As the UK’s leading mobile recycler, we’ve got thousands of Android devices ready for shipment to your front door. Sometimes as quick as the next day. The best part? Because we stock refurbished Samsung phones and refurbished Google handsets, our price tags are a snip of what you’ll find elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean we sacrifice quality—on the contrary, our boffins meticulously check all phones before popping them into a free, padded postal bag.

Why not sell us your iPhone at the same time and put the money towards an upgrade? Check out our Apple trade page to find out how much we’re willing to send you.