How to switch from Android to iPhone Duo

Switching from Android to iPhone Duo runs through Apple's Move to iOS app, and the catch is timing: Apple says it only works while you set up the new phone. If your iPhone Duo is already set up, Apple's support document says you need to erase it and start over, or move your content by hand.

The steps below follow Apple's and Google's own instructions. Coming from another iPhone instead? Use our guide to transferring from another iPhone.

What moves over, and what doesn't

Apple says Move to iOS carries contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, photo albums, files and folders, web bookmarks, mail accounts, calendars, call history, Voice Memos, and some accessibility and display settings. Some free apps come across too, if they're on both Google Play and the App Store and support the transfer.

Not everything makes the trip. Apple says music, books and PDFs have to be moved manually, and only some free apps carry over, so plan to download the rest from the App Store. Apps you paid for on Android may need to be bought again if they're paid on iPhone too.

Apple also warns that the transfer fails if you take a phone call or switch to another app on the Android phone before it finishes. Put the Android phone down and leave it alone.

Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip owners

A Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip is an Android phone, so the same Move to iOS process should apply, as long as Apple's app supports your device. Apple's support document doesn't list specific Samsung models, and Apple hasn't said anything Fold-specific about the transfer.

If you're still weighing the two foldables, see our iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 comparison.

WhatsApp chats

WhatsApp is the only third-party app Apple names in its transfer list, which includes WhatsApp messages and media. WhatsApp's help page says the iPhone has to be factory new or factory reset, and you need Android 5 or later, iOS 15.5 or later, the latest WhatsApp on both phones and the same phone number. Both phones also need power and the same Wi-Fi network, or the Android phone can join the iPhone's hotspot.

WhatsApp says chats, media and settings move, but call history and your display name don't, and the feature isn't available for WhatsApp Business. After the transfer, install WhatsApp from the App Store and log in with the same number.

That number requirement matters on iPhone Duo, which takes no physical SIM. Plan to move your eSIM during setup so the number is live on the new phone.

Moving your number: iPhone Duo is eSIM-only

Apple's iPhone Duo spec page lists dual eSIM and says the phone isn't compatible with physical SIM cards. Apple's transfer document covers eSIMs only, so if your Android phone uses a physical SIM, ask your carrier to set up an eSIM.

Apple's eSIM transfer document says you can move an eSIM straight from Android during setup or later in Settings, but only with a compatible phone on Android 16 or later and a supported carrier. As of Nov 3, 2026, Apple lists AT&T, Cricket, FirstNet, T-Mobile, Verizon and Xfinity Mobile in the US. Apple also says both phones need to be on the same Wi-Fi network with Bluetooth on. If your phone or carrier isn't supported, Apple says to contact your carrier. Full details are in our eSIM guide.

Google contacts, calendars and photos

Move to iOS copies contacts and calendars once. If you keep using Gmail and Google Calendar, adding your Google Account on the iPhone Duo keeps them syncing. Google's Contacts help page says to do it in Settings, under Contacts, then pick which Google apps to sync.

Photos can go either way. Google's switching help page says Google Photos backs up separately from the rest of the phone and counts against your Google Account storage, so check that it shows "Backup complete" before you wipe or sell the Android phone.

What's different once you're on iPhone Duo

Apple's spec page lists Touch ID in the side button rather than Face ID, plus two screens: a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner folding display. Fold owners will find both familiar, but the apps and gestures are Apple's.

Our iPhone Duo setup guide covers Touch ID and the rest of setup, and our Split View guide covers running two apps on the inner screen.

If you ever switch back

Apple's iMessage deregistration document says that if you move to a non-Apple phone and stop getting texts, you may need to deregister iMessage. Apple says to turn off iMessage and FaceTime in Settings on the iPhone first, or use its online tool if you no longer have the iPhone.

Bottom line

Switching from Android to iPhone Duo is mostly a setup-screen job, not a weekend project, but it rewards a little prep: back up Google Photos, confirm your carrier supports eSIM, and keep both phones plugged in until the bar finishes. Apple's support document also describes moving without the Move to iOS app on a compatible phone running Android 17 or later.