How to switch from iPhone to Android without using third party apps

Switching from an iPhone to an Android phone is easier than ever. With the release of iOS 26.3, Apple now allows its users to transfer their data from their iPhone to the Android device. The new feature allows you to transfer data like messages, media and more from your iPhone to your new Android device. However, it’s important to prepare both devices properly before you initiate the process so that you can avoid unwanted delays or data loss. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to switch from iPhone to Android using the new Transfer to Android feature.

Pre iPhone to Android transfer checklist

Before you transfer data from your iPhone to your Android device, make sure the below-mentioned conditions are met:

• Ensure that your iPhone is updated to the iOS 26.3 version.
• Your latest Android device should be running on Android 16 (or the latest compatible version from your manufacturer).
• Both iPhone and Android devices should have at least 80% charge. You can also put both devices on charge throughout the transfer process.
• Ensure both phones are on the same Wi-Fi network and have Bluetooth enabled.
• Make sure that your data is backed up on iCloud or local Mac/PC before initiating a platform switch.

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Step-by-step guide to switch iPhone to Android using Transfer to Android feature

Here are the simple steps you need to follow if you want to switch from your old iPhone to your new Android device:

On your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.

2. Head to General, scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

3. Press the Transfer to Android button.

On your Android:

4. Turn on your Android device and do the initial setup.

5. On the setup using another device screen, press iPhone or iPad.

6. Make sure that you’re connected with Wi-Fi.

7. Now you need to scan the QR code displayed on your Android device. Alternatively, you can also tap Other options and connect using Session ID and Pairing code.

8. Now you need to select the data you wish to transfer and press Continue.

9. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transfer process.

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List of things that get transferred

The iOS 26.3 update significantly expands the allow list for data migration:

• Messages: iMessage and SMS threads are converted into a format compatible with Android’s RCS or Google Messages.
• Media: Photos, videos, and even live photos (which now convert to motion photos on Android).
• Security: Your iCloud Keychain passwords can now be securely exported directly into Google Password Manager or your chosen Android vault.
• eSIM: For supported carriers (like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), you can now trigger a direct eSIM transfer during this process, avoiding a trip to the carrier store.

Note: For security reasons, health data, paired Bluetooth devices, and locked notes (encrypted notes) will not transfer automatically and must be handled manually.

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Things you need to do post iPhone to Android transfer

Once your data transfer is completed, follow the steps below to ensure that you don’t miss out on anything:

• Go to Settings > Messages and toggle iMessage OFF. If you don’t do this, texts from other iPhone users may still try to go to your inactive iPhone.
• On your new Android, the Play Store will prompt you to Install your apps. It will automatically find the Android versions of the free apps you had on iOS.
• You will need to manually add your credit cards to Google Wallet, as financial data is not shared between Apple and Google for privacy reasons.