How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone

Whether you’re considering making the switch from Android to iPhone or you’ve already taken the leap, you’ll want to make sure you don’t lose anything in the process. But it’s not exactly easy to ask an Android user for help switching sides. Enter Navi with this easy step-by-step guide explaining how to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone. 

In this article, we'll explain three methods for transferring contacts from Android to iPhone. And if you're in the market for a new phone but don't know where to start, we can assist you there too. 

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Method 1: Using Your Google Account (Recommended) 

Arguably the best approach, this method requires a Google Account and is highly recommended for all you Gmail account users. What makes this the preferred method? Cloud storage ensures your contacts are backed up. Plus, Google contacts integrate across any device, no matter its age and whether it has a physical SIM card or an eSIM.

On Your Android

Before you can transfer Android contacts to your iPhone, you'll need to ensure your Android contacts are up-to-date and synced with your Google Account:

1. On your Android phone, go to "Settings." 
2. Select "Accounts." 
3. Tap "Google" then "Settings for Google apps."  
4. Click the "Google Contacts Sync" Option. 

From there, your Android contact data will get synchronized and backed up as Google Contacts. You can also keep Android contacts auto-synced by selecting "Automatically back up & sync device contacts" from Google Settings.    

On Your iPhone

Now you can finish the transfer from Android to your new iPhone:

1. Open "Settings." 
2. Select the "Contacts" button.
3. Hit "Accounts" then "Add Account."
4. Tap "Google" and sign into your Google account.
5. From the prompt, toggle "Contacts" on and hit "Save,” and the data will sync to your iPhone. 

Method 2: Move to iOS App (During iPhone Setup) 

During iPhone setup, you can use this method when both devices are within close proximity. 

During iPhone Setup

Connect to WiFi and start the new iPhone setup process:

1. Wait for the "Apps & Data" screen to pop up
2. Once there, select the "Move Data from Android" option.  
3. A security code will pop up; keep it on hand for the next steps.

Now, from your nearby Android device, download the "Move to iOS App" from the Google Play Store. 

Using the Move to iOS App

Open the "Move to iOS App" on your Android phone and enter the security code from your iPhone. Select the data you want to transfer to the new device. You can move all Android content types to your iPhone, including contacts, apps, photos, videos, and more. From there, your data awaits on your new iPhone! 

Method 3: Transfer via SIM Card (Limited Use)

A more "old school" method, transferring contact data via SIM card, has limitations. It only works if both phones have compatible SIM cards AND Android contacts are saved on the original SIM. Only iPhone 13 series phone and previous generations have physical SIM cards. Starting with the iPhone 14 series, Apple began using eSIMs. But if you’re transferring contacts from an Android device with a physical SIM card to an iPhone with a physical SIM card, here's how to it works:

On Your Android 

We first must export Android contacts stored in the SIM card: 

1. Go to the "Contacts app.”
2. Click "Settings."
3. Tap "Import/export contacts." 
4. Hit the "Export" option. 
5. Tap "SIM card." 
6. Select all the contacts you want exported, then hit "Done."  

Your Android SIM card is now ready to transfer contact data to your new iPhone. 

On Your iPhone

Take out the SIM card from your Android and open your new iPhone device. Insert the SIM card into your iPhone to begin the import process:

1. Go to the iPhone "Settings." 
2. Select "Contacts." 
3. Hit the "Import SIM Contacts" option. 
4. Wait for the import to be complete, then check the "Contacts" app to ensure it works. 

The Bottom Line 

Switching from an Android device to an iPhone is a big change. But transferring contacts from an Android phone to an iPhone isn’t cause for pause, especially with the contact transfer methods clearly spelled out above. And the best part: no more being that person who turns group messages green. Not to mention, now you can FaceTime! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import my contacts from Google to my iPhone?

Yes, you can easily sync your Google Contacts to your iPhone. Once synced, your updates will automatically reflect on your iPhone and any device signed into your Google Account.

How do I export contacts from Android?

To export contacts from your Android device, open the Contacts app, go to the menu, and select Settings. Tap "Export" and choose the account(s) you want to export. Then, save your contacts as a VCF file.

How do I export contacts to my iPhone?

To export contacts from your iPhone, open the Contacts app and tap "Lists" in the top left corner. You can either create a new list or select an existing one. Press and hold the list, tap "Export," choose the details you want to include, and tap "Done." Finally, pick how you'd like to send or save your contacts, such as through Messages or Mail.