The easiest way to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone is to use Apple’s Move to iOS app during setup. But even if you’ve already set up your iPhone, you can still transfer contacts using Google sync, SIM card import, or manual export methods. Whether you’re switching devices or just need your contacts synced, there’s a method that fits your situation.
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How to Transfer Contacts From Android to iPhone
Here are the most reliable ways to transfer contacts from Android to iPhone, step by step.
1. Use Move to iOS During iPhone Setup (Recommended)
This is Apple’s official method for switching from Android to iPhone.
- On your Android phone, install the Move to iOS app from Google Play.
- On your iPhone, begin the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
- Tap Move Data from Android.
- On Android, open Move to iOS, agree to the terms, and tap Continue.
- Enter the code displayed on the iPhone into the Android app.
- Select Contacts (and other data you want to move).
- Wait for the transfer to complete, then finish setting up your iPhone.
NOTE
2. Sync Contacts via Google Account
Ideal for users who already have their contacts synced to Google and want an ongoing sync.
- On Android, go to Settings > Accounts > Google > [your account] > Sync.
- Make sure Contacts is toggled on.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Add Account > Google.
- Sign in with your Google credentials.
- Enable Contacts and tap Save.
- Open the Contacts app on iPhone and wait for sync to complete.
This method keeps your contacts synced across both Android and iOS devices.
3. Export Contacts to a vCard File (Manual Transfer)
A good backup option if you’re not using Google Sync.
- On Android, open the Contacts app.
- Tap Menu (☰) or Settings > Export.
- Export your contacts to a .vcf (vCard) file.
- Save the file to Google Drive, email it to yourself, or transfer via AirDrop or USB.
- On your iPhone, open the file from Mail, Files, or Safari.
- Tap the file and choose Add All Contacts.
Works on both new and already-set-up iPhones.
4. Import Contacts from a SIM Card
This method works if your contacts were saved to your SIM card, which is not very common with newer Android phones.
- Insert the SIM card from your Android phone into your iPhone
- Go to Settings > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts
- Choose to import to your iCloud or local iPhone account
- Wait for the contacts to import
You can remove the SIM afterward if you’re using a different one on iPhone.
Tips for Moving Contacts Between Devices
- Use Move to iOS for the smoothest full-data transfer.
- Enable Google sync if you want contacts to stay updated between Android and iPhone.
- Export a vCard backup before switching for added security.
- Check for duplicates after importing to avoid clutter.
- Turn on iCloud Contacts on your iPhone: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Contacts and toggle it on.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can sync your Google account, import a vCard, or use a SIM card if contacts are saved to it.
Open the Contacts app > Settings > Export and save them as a .vcf (vCard) file.
Only if you use Move to iOS during setup. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually sync or import them.
Yes. Use Google account sync, vCard import, or SIM transfer if Move to iOS isn’t available.
Summary
- Use Move to iOS for a full contact transfer during iPhone setup.
- Use Google sync to keep contacts updated between devices.
- Export and import a vCard file for manual control.
- SIM import works only if contacts are stored on the SIM.
- Turn on iCloud Contacts to keep them backed up and synced on iPhone.
Conclusion
Switching from Android to iPhone doesn’t mean starting over with your contacts. Whether you’re using Apple’s Move to iOS app during setup or syncing manually through your Google account or vCard file, there’s a method for everyone. The key is to choose the method that works best for your setup and ensure your contacts are safely backed up before making the switch.
Once transferred, keep iCloud Contacts enabled to stay organized and synced across all your Apple devices.
New iPhone 16e purchased FROM TracFone. In order to activate ANY TracFone, you must SKIP ALL options and continue to follow TracFone instructions. Setting up this iPhone at the Tracfone website FAILED. Android phone setup NEVER fails at Tracfone. I had to call for assistance; (good luck getting past AI on the phone). If I must now RESET my iPhone to transfer contacts, many Tracfone activation required settings (within the “settings” app) will be reset. The representative at TracFone had me on hold for a very long time because I insisted that my new yearly plan should not go into effect until my old plan expires in May. She put me on hold a LONG time, but successfully did that for me, but it was not something you could do yourself, EVEN with a successful website setup, and NOW my previous phone doesn’t even exist in their system any longer. So, even RISKING trashing my TracFone activation installation by resetting the iPhone is NOT an acceptable option. By the way, it’s been years since I’ve had an Apple product in my possession and I forgot my Apple Account password. The phone number registered to Apple no longer exists (so I cannot receive texted codes from an Apple registered phone number on record). So, I had to use email, which initiates a required investigation and approval process which they freely admit will take “many days” and may even involve “further delays.” Eventually the Apple account will be restored, but there is no escaping the reality that I will have to MANUALLY add dozens of contacts, which include alternate cell numbers, birthdays, etc, etc, etc…. // Ps… I never set up Google Drive, nor would I ever wish to, so vcard is also not an option. Keeping your data in “the cloud” is insane. Practically every day I receive an official ALERT in the mail about this that and the other BREACH OF DATA.