Switch to Android
You can move your data to a new Android phone from another kind of phone, or start fresh with your new Android phone.
Get ready to switch
- Charge both your phones.
- Make sure that you have a Wi-Fi connection.
Tip: You can move some data with a computer and USB data cable, but Wi-Fi is usually faster and easier. - On your old phone, sign in to your Google Account and sync your data.
- To check whether you have a Google Account, enter your email address.
- If you don't have a Google Account, create a Google Account.
- On your Android phone, follow the on-screen steps and sign in to your Google Account. If your phone is a:
- Pixel: Use our Pixel setup guide.
- Nexus: Use our Nexus setup guide.
- Other Android: If your data doesn't automatically copy, pick one of the manual transfer options below.
Copy your data
You can back up your iPhone and iCloud account to Google Drive, which can then sync with your phone. Learn how to back up iPhone data with Google Drive.
- Turn on your phone.
- Tap Start.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
If you don't see "Start," follow the steps below to copy from any phone.
Tip: If you're on a Nexus phone, open the Settings app. At the top, tap Finish setup.
Copy contacts
If you already use contacts in your Google Account:
- Make sure you are signed in on your Android phone.
- Open the Contacts app
. Your contacts will show up automatically.
Tip: If your contacts are on a SIM card, learn how to import contacts from a SIM card.
Copy music
- Back up your music from your current phone to your computer.
- Use your Chrome browser to drag songs into your Google Play library. Learn how to add music using Google Play Music for Chrome.
Tip: Music you buy from Google Play will automatically show on your phone after you sign in.
Copy photos, videos, files & folders
- Connected to the internet
Upload content from your current phone or computer to your Google Account. Content in your Google Account shows on your Android phone. Learn how to upload to Google Drive and back up to Google Photos. - Can't connect to the internet
Transfer content to your Android phone with a USB cable. Learn how to transfer files between your computer and phone.
Copy calendar events
If you already use Google Calendar, you'll see your calendar events when you open the Calendar app .
Start using Android
Continue using Gmail
Set up Gmail for the first time
Learn how to sign in to Gmail and manage your Gmail account.
Use a different email app
If you'd like to use a different email app, download one through the Play Store app . Learn how to change your default apps.
Use Messages
Your phone likely came with the Messages app . Learn how to send and receive messages with Messages.
Use a different messaging app
If you'd like to use a different messaging app, download one through the Play Store app . Learn how to change your default apps.
Switch texting from iMessage to Android
Make sure to turn off iMessage. Otherwise, SMS/MMS messages sent to you may continue to be directed to your old iPhone instead of to your new Android phone. Learn how to turn off iMessage.
You can download many of the apps that you had on your old phone through the Play Store app .
You may have to pay for the Android versions of some apps. To transfer subscription services to your phone for free, sign in after you download the app. Learn how to get started with Android apps and games.
Customize your phone
Set a screen lock
- Screen lock: To help secure your phone, set a screen lock with a PIN, password, or pattern. Learn how to set screen lock.
- Smart Lock: You can also set a screen lock with your fingerprint or another “Smart Lock for Android” option. Learn how to set up Smart Lock.
Be ready to find your phone
To be prepared in case you lose your phone or tablet or Wear OS watch, check that Find My Device can find it. Your phone must be signed into a Google Account, turned on, and connected to the internet to remotely use Find My Device. Learn how to check that Find My Device can find your phone.
Tip: You can also link your phone to Google so you can find or ring it by searching for find my phone
on www.google.com.
You can get notifications for things like new messages, calendar events, and alarms. Learn how to control your notifications.
To limit interruptions, you can silence your phone with Do Not Disturb. Learn how to silence your phone with Do Not Disturb.
- Change how your Home screens look:
- Change what sounds your phone plays: