How to transfer data from iPhone to Samsung

The best way to transfer your iPhone content to a Samsung Galaxy phone is by using the Smart Switch app. This allows you to do a cable or wireless transfer, or use iCloud. The best method depends on what you are transferring, but cable transfer is recommended because it supports the most types of data. We also recommend first transferring your iCloud media to Google Photos to save time and space on your device.
Galaxy S25 Ultra showing the Transfer your data screen with options to send or receive data in the Smart Switch app, with an iPhone placed in the background.
Galaxy S25 Ultra showing the Transfer your data screen with options to send or receive data in the Smart Switch app, with an iPhone placed in the background.

How to transfer data from iPhone to Samsung

Note
If you have a large amount of photos and videos to transfer, you'll need to first make sure you have enough free space on your phone to store them. If not, or if you'd prefer to have a cloud-based storage solution, we recommend you first transfer your photos and videos to Google Photos. You can find steps for that here.

Smart Switch transfer: Cable (Recommended)

Complete a cable transfer in Smart Switch:

  1. On your Samsung phone, open the Smart Switch app.
  2. Tap Receive on this phone, then tap iPhone/iPad.
  3. Tap Cable, and then tap Next.
    Screen shot of Smart Switch displaying the Cable transfer option
  4. Insert one end of a USB-C cable into your Samsung Galaxy phone, and then insert the other end into your iPhone. Depending on your iPhone model, you may need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable adapter to make it fit.
  5. Once connected, tap Trust on your iPhone, and then enter your PIN or password as requested.
  6. On your Samsung phone, tap Next.
  7. Select the types of compatible data you want to move, and then tap Transfer
  8. Smart Switch will search for compatible apps. Select the ones you want to install on your Samsung phone, and then tap Install. 

    Note: Some apps, like WhatsApp, may have further steps for specific app-data transferring. If so, follow the on-screen prompts for those.
  9. When the transfer is complete, it may take some time to finish organizing. You can disconnect the USB cable and tap the Home button on your Samsung phone to go back to using your phone. Smart Switch will notify you when it's finished.

What type of content can I transfer with a wired connection?

A wired connection currently supports the most types of data transfers. Using a USB-C cable from your Samsung phone to your iPhone, you can transfer:

  • Contacts, including contact photos
  • Photos and videos
  • Calendar schedule
  • Reminder pre-notifications
  • Files and documents
  • Notes and dates
  • iMessages, SMS/MMS

    Note: iMessage special effects are not supported.
  • Alarms, including on/off status and world clock
  • Voice memos
  • Bookmarks and reading lists from the Safari browser
  • DRM-Free music content
  • Home screen, including installed apps, home layout and folders,  and Home/Lock settings image
  • Phone's block list
  • Bluetooth settings
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Smart Switch transfer: Wireless

Complete a wireless transfer in Smart Switch:

  1. First, make sure Samsung Smart Switch Mobile is installed on your iPhone. Once installed, open it.
  2. Tap Continue, and then grant all the necessary permissions in order to move the data.
  3. Once you've granted all the permissions, tap Let's go on your iPhone.
  4. Tap Wireless, and then tap Next.
  5. Now, open Smart Switch on your Galaxy phone. Tap Receive on this phone, then tap iPhone/iPad.
  6. Tap Wireless, and then tap Next.
    Screen shot of Smart Switch displaying the Wireless transfer option
  7. Using your iPhone, scan the QR code now displayed on your Galaxy phone.
  8. Tap Join on your iPhone.
  9. On your Galaxy phone, select the types of compatible data you want to move, and then tap Transfer.
  10. When the transfer is complete, tap Next twice, and then tap Done to exit Smart Switch.

What type of content can I transfer with a wireless connection?

A wireless connection currently supports a minimum amount of data transfer, including:

  • Contacts, including contact photos
  • Photos and videos
  • Calendar schedule (attachments not supported)
  • Reminder pre-notifications (Repeat rule not supported)
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Smart Switch transfer: iCloud

Complete an iCloud transfer in Smart Switch:

  1. On your Galaxy phone, swipe up to open apps, tap the Samsung folder, and then tap the Smart Switch app.
  2. Tap Continue, then scroll to review the permissions. Tap Allow to proceed.
  3. Tap Receive on this phone, and then tap iPhone/iPad.
  4. Tap Get data from iCloud
    Screen shot of Smart Switch highlighting the Get data from iCloud option
  5. Log in to your Apple account using your account email or phone number and password.
  6. You may be asked to agree to the iCloud terms and conditions. Follow the onscreen prompts to do so. When finished, navigate back to the Smart Switch app.
  7. On your iPhone, you'll receive an alert. Tap Allow to get the Apple ID verification code needed. Enter that code on your Samsung phone.
  8. Select the types of compatible data you want to transfer, and tap Transfer.
  9. Your phone will begin to download your iCloud data. You can tap Keep screen on if you want to keep an eye on the percentage completed.
  10. When finished, you can review the transfer. Tap Next twice, and then tap Done to exit Smart Switch.

What type of content can I transfer via iCloud?

Smart Switch lets you transfer the following data from iCloud:

  • Contacts, including contact photos
  • Photos and videos
  • Calendar schedule
  • Reminder pre-notifications
  • Files and documents
  • Notes and dates (Font, formatting, tables, etc. are not supported)
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Turn off iMessage

After transferring from iPhone to Android, you may need to deregister from iMessages to avoid any issues with receiving text messages. 

Smart Switch will remind you to do this and provide a link. If you've closed the app without clicking the link, you can deregister here

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Other cloud storage options

While using Google Photos and Smart Switch are the most convenient options, you can use other methods.

To use OneDrive, Amazon Photos, Dropbox, or another cloud-storage option, you will need to log into iCloud onto your phone, computer, or tablet, download your photos and videos onto the device, and then upload them to your preferred cloud storage account. 

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