Transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy S25

Switching from iPhone to Galaxy S25 is straightforward with Smart Switch, but the transfer goes smoother when you prepare iCloud, iMessage, and storage first. This guide walks through the full process so you move the right data on the first try.

Before you transfer from iPhone

• Charge both phones (ideally 50%+).
• Make sure Galaxy S25 has enough free storage.
• On iPhone, sync latest data to iCloud.
• Keep Apple ID password ready.
• Keep both phones unlocked during migration.

Important prep on iPhone (don’t skip)

1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and confirm key items are synced (Contacts, Photos, Notes, etc.).
2. If you want all SMS history to move cleanly, turn off iMessage before transfer.
3. If Photos is set to Optimize iPhone Storage, switch to Download and Keep Originals and wait for full download.
4. If moving WhatsApp chats, back up WhatsApp to iCloud first.

Option A: Transfer with cable (best for large moves)

1. On Galaxy S25, open Smart Switch and tap Receive data.
2. Select iPhone/iPad as source.
3. Choose Cable.
4. Connect iPhone and Galaxy S25 with Lightning-to-USB-C cable (or compatible adapter setup).
5. When iPhone shows “Trust This Computer/Device?”, tap Trust.
6. On Galaxy S25, tap Next, let Smart Switch scan iPhone content.
7. Select what to import, then tap Transfer.
8. Keep cable connected until transfer fully completes.

Option B: Transfer wirelessly via iCloud/Smart Switch

1. Open Smart Switch on Galaxy S25 and choose Receive data > iPhone/iPad.
2. Select Get data from iCloud (or iCloud import path shown by your setup flow).
3. Sign in with Apple ID.
4. Select data categories to import.
5. Start import and wait until complete.

Wireless is convenient, but cable is usually faster and more consistent for very large libraries.

What transfers and what usually needs manual setup

Usually transfers: contacts, photos, videos, calendars, notes, call history, many messages, and selected settings.

Often needs manual follow-up: app logins, Apple Keychain passwords, some app-specific encrypted data, and certain paid media restrictions.

You should expect to sign into banking, work, and secure apps again on Galaxy.

After transfer: complete these checks

1. Verify contacts count and recent call log.
2. Check Photos/Gallery for missing albums.
3. Open Messages and inspect recent threads.
4. Install Android equivalents for iOS-only apps if needed.
5. Sign in to Google and Samsung accounts if not already done.
6. Run system updates on Galaxy S25.
7. Set lock screen security and backup preferences.

If transfer is incomplete or fails

• Retry only missing categories instead of full migration.
• Switch from wireless to cable.
• Recheck iCloud sync completion on iPhone.
• Free up additional storage on Galaxy S25.
• Restart both devices and run Smart Switch again.

Once done, keep your iPhone for a few days as a safety backup before factory resetting it.