1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Switching from iOS to an Android phone just got way more convenient

By

Google is expanding support for its “Switch to Android” app on iOS — making it easier for iPhone users to bring their data over to any modern Android phone. Until now, the app was limited to Google’s own Pixel handsets. But that changes with this new update. Starting today, the Switch to Android app will be compatible with all phones running Android 12.

The app makes it much easier to transfer data from iOS to Android. While the move is much appreciated, we would have liked to see more Android versions covered under this update. There are a lot of Android phones still running Android 11 and older. However, Google’s app is locked to APIs introduced in Android 12.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Switch to Android app is Google’s equivalent of Apple’s “Move to iOS” app. Google quietly launched Switch to Android this April with little fanfare. As the name of the app implies, its purpose is pretty straightforward. Switch to Android allows you to transfer apps, contacts, photos, videos, and messages from your iPhone to a new Android device.

Recommended Videos

There are two methods to perform this transfer, including the wired route or wireless road. In order to transfer via a cable, connect your iPhone to the Android phone and head over to the Switch to Android app. Select the data that is supposed to be transferred (contacts, messages, photos, etc.) and then tap the transfer button. For wireless transfer, you need to select the no cable option and then use your iOS device to scan a QR code displayed on your Android phone. Once the devices are connected, you can choose what to transfer. After this, you will be prompted to allow access to all the locations that you’ve selected. While both the methods would work fine, we recommend transferring data via Lightning to a USB-C cable. This way you will be less prone to potential mishaps during the process.

Despite the Android 12 limitation, it’s still great to see Google expanding Switch to Android beyond the Pixel lineup. Now, if someone wants to ditch their iPhone for a recent Samsung, OnePlus, or another Android handset, that process should be much easier than before this update.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ayush Chourasia
Mobile Writer
Ayush works as an independent tech journalist. He has been writing since 2018 and has worked with publications like India…
This Android phone is so bad I couldn’t review it

I can’t review the Punkt MC02. I went into it quite excited, as I liked the Punkt MP02’s unique style. I expected to treat the MC02 like any other smartphone by putting my SIM card inside and using it every day to assess whether it was a device worth buying. But this privacy-first phone does not make life easy, and although I’d be happy to put in the effort with the software if the hardware was really cool and enticing, unfortunately, it is a serious letdown at every turn.

There’s a chance I’m not quite as security-focused as the MC02’s intended audience, but if that also describes you, then you should approach this phone with a very open mind, a great deal of patience, and very low expectations. This is why.
What is the Punkt MC02?

Read more
The 7 biggest features we expect to see in iOS 18

Apple revealed that its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place on June 10. This is when we expect to see the next iteration of software across all of Apple’s products, including iOS 18.

From the sounds of it, we’re in for a big update with iOS 18, rumored to be one of the “biggest updates” yet. Here’s what we expect from Apple's next major iPhone update with iOS 18.
A more customizable home screen

Read more
This could be our first look at iOS 18’s huge redesign

While iOS 17 fell short on a visual overhaul, Apple is rumored to be working on an updated identity for its next iOS version. Previous reports have claimed that the upcoming iOS 18 will feature visionOS-like elements introduced on the Apple Vision Pro. A new report confirms this with a leaked image of the iOS 18 Camera app.

According to a report from MacRumors, the next version of the Camera app could feature visionOS-style design elements. It is based on an iPhone frame template that the publication received from an anonymous source who claimed to have received it from an iOS engineer. It is said to have been included as part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18.

Read more