Fairphone

Fairphone

My account

How can we help you?

  1. Support
  2. How to use your product
  3. First-time setup

Transferring data from iPhone to your new Fairphone

Welcome to the Fairphone family! Moving your data from an iPhone to your new Fairphone is easier than you might think. Before diving into the written steps, check out this short video guide to see exactly how to securely transfer your photos, messages, and apps using a charging cable.

Moving from an iPhone to an Android device like the Fairphone is a common process, but it requires a few specific steps to ensure your data comes along. While not all data transfers automatically, most of your essential information can be moved easily.

In this article:

Preparation

  • Have both your old iPhone and your new Fairphone on hand and fully charged.
  • Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile data network.
  • Have your Google Account login details ready. (Without a Google account, you won't be able to transfer apps, calendar events, notes, or WhatsApp data).
  • Have your iPhone charging cable ready. Using a cable is the best and most comprehensive way to transfer your data.

 

How to transfer data using a cable (recommended for most data)

This method uses a direct cable connection to move a wide range of data securely from your iPhone to your Fairphone.

  1. Turn on your new Fairphone and tap Start.
  2. Connect to a network: Insert a SIM card, tap Download a new eSIM, or tap your Wi-Fi network name to connect.
  3. Set up with iPhone: When prompted, choose to set up your device with an iPhone.
  4. Sign in: Log in to your Google Account.
  5. Connect the devices: Continue through the on-screen instructions until asked to connect a cable. Insert the cable into your old iPhone, tap Next, and insert the other end into your new Fairphone.
  6. Confirm connection: On your old iPhone, confirm it is OK to connect.
  7. Select your data: Choose which apps and data you want to transfer. If you select WhatsApp, you may see a few extra on-screen instructions to follow.
  8. Wait for the transfer: Allow the secure transfer to run until the completion screen confirms you are all set.
  9. Disable iMessage: To ensure you don't miss any text messages from other Apple users, go into your old iPhone's Settings, tap Apps, select Messages, and switch iMessage off.

 

How to transfer data without a cable (wireless via Google Services)

If a cable isn't an option, you can transfer much of your data wirelessly. To do this, you will need to download the Android Switch app on your iPhone.

  1. Turn on your new Fairphone and tap Start.
  2. Connect to a network: Insert a SIM card, tap Download a new eSIM, or connect to Wi-Fi.
  3. Skip the cable: To Copy apps & data, tap Next until you're asked to find a cable. Tap No cable → Copy without cable → Switching from iPhone or iPad. (Tip: Copying your data without a cable may take longer).
  4. Follow the setup process: The on-screen prompts will guide you to use the Android Switch app on your iPhone to move your data.

Manual cloud sync (optional fallback):
If you prefer to sync manually without the app, ensure these are set up on your old iPhone:

  • Contacts: Sync contacts to your Google Account (Settings > Contacts > Accounts > Add Account > Google).
  • Photos & Videos: Download the Google Photos app, sign in, and enable "Backup & Sync." Allow time for uploads.
  • Calendar: Sync your calendar to Google (Settings > Calendar > Accounts > Add Account > Google).

 

What doesn't transfer automatically?

  • iMessages: Apple's iMessages do not transfer to Android. As mentioned in the steps above, you must turn off iMessage on your iPhone (Settings > Apps > Messages) to avoid missing future texts.
  • Some App-specific data: While WhatsApp can transfer via the cable method, data within many other third-party apps (like game progress) often
Give feedback →