ILLUSTRATION - Switching between Android and Apple phones can be a worrisome task, and many a user will worry about losing data in the process. Both platforms have apps to help you tackle the big migration. Photo: Robert Günther/dpa
The smartphone era began with the first iPhone in 2007. Since then Google's Android has overtaken iOS as the most widely used operating system.
Still, many people are put off by the idea of switching between the two. What if photos, music and contacts get lost in the process?
The switch from iOS to Android can be difficult without help, which is why tech reporter Alexander Spier recommends using apps offered by smartphone manufacturers: “These tools should be tried first.”
For example, Samsung offers the Smart Switch tool for people moving to a Samsung phone. You can transfer your data from the old phone (iPhone or Android) to the new phone in three ways: using a cable between the two phones, using a PC or Mac or over iCloud (limited to contacts and calendar).
Transferring your data to a PC or Mac first has the advantage that your data is backed up on the computer. However, connecting the old phone to the new one by cable is easiest.
“Connecting both smartphones directly is more convenient. If it does not work, try it again. Everything else is a lot of manual work,” Spier says.
However, the more manual method can save space as you can decide individually on which photos, videos or music to move over to the new phone.
It's not always possible to transfer everything. For example, WhatsApp chats backed up on iOS are not compatible with Android so you can only transfer conversations with additional software and effort.
“It's enough that you have a backup somewhere which you can dig up if necessary,” Spier says.
Those who completely turn their backs on the Apple world should remember to deactivate iMessage, Spier says. Otherwise these messages might not reach the new phone. Similarly, users should cancel any subscriptions set up on the iPhone.
Of course you might also be going from Android to iOS, in which case the App Store offers an app called Move to iOS. – dpa
