How to Transfer Photos, Videos and Files from Android to iPhone: Move to iOS, Google Photos, Google Drive, With a Computer and After Setup

Photos are what people worry about most when they switch. Searches like “transfer photos from Android to iPhone wirelessly”, “after setup” and “without computer” show there is more than one situation. Pick the method that matches yours.

During setup: Move to iOS

If the iPhone is new or freshly erased, Apple's Move to iOS app on the Android phone moves photos, videos, contacts, messages, WhatsApp and more over Wi-Fi. Keep both phones charged and on the same Wi-Fi. Full steps: switching from Samsung to iPhone.

After setup, wirelessly: Google Photos

Already using the iPhone? On Android, open Google Photos and make sure Backup is on. On the iPhone, install Google Photos, sign in with the same Google account, and your whole library appears. To save copies into the iPhone's own Photos app, select the photos and tap Download. Large libraries need good Wi-Fi.

Documents and other files: Google Drive or Files

Upload PDFs, Word documents and other files to Google Drive on Android, then open the Google Drive app on the iPhone, or add Drive as a location in the iPhone's Files app.

With a computer and cable

Connect the Android to a computer, copy the DCIM folder (your camera photos) to the computer, then import them to the iPhone through iCloud Photos (icloud.com) on Windows or the Photos app on a Mac. It's the most reliable way to move tens of thousands of photos.

Tips

Free up space first: an iPhone with 128GB fills quickly if you bring years of WhatsApp media. Check your storage choice in things to know before buying an iPhone. For contacts, see moving contacts from Android to iPhone.

Get help at Gadget Hub, Norwich Union House, 4th Floor

Gadget Hub is at Norwich Union House, opposite the Hilton Hotel, 4th Floor, Suite 15, Nairobi CBD (Mon–Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 10am–8pm). Bring both phones and we'll move your photos and files for you. The set-up fee, where one applies, is confirmed before we start. WhatsApp or call 0729 585 471.