How to transfer your data from an Apple iPhone to your new Samsung Galaxy phone

Samsung Galaxy phones are incredibly versatile and feature-rich. Beyond capable hardware, they offer a wide array of features, extensive customization options, and deep integration within the Samsung ecosystem.

If you are thinking of switching from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy phone or if you've already bought a new Galaxy phone and plan on transferring data from your iPhone to your new Galaxy phone, this detailed guide will help you navigate the process and choose the right options.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to transfer all your important personal data—such as call logs, messages, apps, photos, videos, and documents—from your iPhone to your new Galaxy phone.

Note: This guide is based on a Galaxy phone running One UI 9.0 and an iPhone running iOS 27. Available transfer options and the screens you see may differ depending on your devices and software.

Transferring personal data from an iPhone is quite straightforward. The transfer screen lets you choose which supported data to copy. The available categories depend on your devices and the transfer method.

Here is the list of all the data can be transferred from an iPhone to your Galaxy phone running One UI 9.0:

Certain data cannot be transferred, as listed below. Also, app data transfers only where the app’s developer supports the transfer process. Installing an app does not necessarily bring all its data with it.

Before starting, make sure that both your phones have fully charged batteries, as this process can take some time and the phones will use a significant amount of battery power.

1. When you turn on your new Galaxy phone for the first time, a Welcome screen will appear. Select your preferred language from the drop-down list and tap Start. Check the End User License Agreement and Privacy Policy boxes, then tap Agree at the bottom of the screen.

Note: If you already went through the initial setup on your Galaxy phone, you can manually open the Smart Switch app and then continue following the steps below.

2. When asked if you want to set up the phone using another device or manually, choose iPhone or iPad. Tap OK if the phone suggests you to update your iPhone or iPad to the latest available software version.

3. Now, you will see a QR code on your Galaxy phone's screen. Open the Camera app on your iPhone and scan the QR code. Now, tap on Transfer to Android and then, on the next screen, tap Transfer to Android once again. Both devices will now connect to each other.

4. Your Galaxy phone will now gather the data that can be copied from your iPhone. Tap the Next button on the ‘Continue to copy on iOS' screen.

5. On your iPhone, select all the items that you want to transfer to your new Galaxy phone.

6. On your Galaxy phone, tap the Agree button on the ‘Copy your data' screen. Then, tap the Allow button to give your phone the permission to transfer data from your iPhone. The Galaxy phone will now gather all the apps and other data that can be transferred.

7. Now, make sure to select all the apps appearing in the list on your Galaxy phone's screen. Then, scroll towards the bottom of the list and click the Install button. Wait until all that data is transferred.

8. If the “Transfer SIM from iPhone” option appears, follow the instructions to move your eSIM. Availability depends on your devices and carrier. Check Samsung’s list of carriers supporting eSIM transfer from an iPhone. If your carrier doesn’t support it, contact the carrier for help activating the eSIM on your Galaxy phone.

9. Then, on the ‘Protect your phone' screen, tap the PIN option, choose a four-digit or six-digit PIN code option of your choice (make sure you remember it), enable the Confirm PIN without tapping OK option, and then tap Use anyway on the pop-up menu that appears on the bottom of the screen.

10. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on the Accept button. You can disable the ‘Send usage and diagnostic data toggle before clicking the Accept button.

11. Now, enable Photos and videos and Other device data options and then click on the Turn on backup button. It is your choice, though, and you can tap the Don't back up option if you don't want your data backed up to your Google account.

12. Click on the Next button on the ‘Choose your search engine' screen. Then, choose Google or any other internet search engine option. We recommend choosing Google for the best possible experience of using an Android phone.

13. On the next screen, click on the Turn on button to enable hands-free access to Google's AI-powered voice assistant, Gemini, which is similar to Apple's Siri. You can summon Gemini by saying the “Hey Google” phrase.

14. When the Galaxy AI introduction screen is displayed, scroll down to the bottom of the list and tap the Next button. Make sure to enable the option Get more Personal data intelligence toggle for the best possible experience of using Galaxy AI features.

15. Now, the phone will ask your permission to use camera, calendar, contacts and accounts, location, microphone, and other things so that you can use Samsung's own AI-powered digital assistant, Bixby. Scroll down to the bottom of the list and click the Next button.

16. On the next screen, Auto Blocker, Customization Service, and Personal data intelligence options should be enabled. Tap on the Agree button. Then, tap on the Next button.

17. Now, click the Home button, and your Galaxy phone will be ready to use with all the data from your iPhone.

No. Copying your data and choosing how to use the new phone are separate parts of setup. The screens for backups, assistants, diagnostics, and personalization are not all requirements for transferring your iPhone data.

Read what each option does and choose which services and permissions you want to use. Set up a screen lock, but treat optional assistants and personalization features as choices rather than a checklist of things you must enable.

Wait for the transfer to finish, then check the items you selected on your Galaxy phone before erasing, selling, or trading in your iPhone.

Open Gallery to check your photos and videos, look through your contacts and messages, and try the apps you rely on. The apps installed on your Galaxy phone are Android versions, so check their contents rather than assuming that having an app means all its data was transferred.

If you keep photos only in iCloud or use WhatsApp, check those separately. Media stored only in iCloud may need another transfer method, and WhatsApp chat history has its own transfer steps. Also check that calls and new messages reach your Galaxy phone once your number is active on it.