3 ways to transfer messages from Android to iPhone

This article explains three ways to transfer text messages from Android to iPhone, with the pros and cons for each.

How to transfer text messages from Android to iPhone

Transferring data from Android to iPhone is quite easy for most types of data. There are multiple ways to move photos and videos, music, contacts and even apps, making for a flexible and more or less simple process. It is not so easy when you transfer text messages from Android to iPhone. In that scenario, you have three main options (or maybe just two, depending on the text messaging app you’re using).

Go to iOS app

The best option for transferring text messages from Android to iPhone is also the best option for transferring data from Android to iPhone: Move to Apple’s iOS app. Apple makes this free Android app that collects all your Android data and transfers it wirelessly to the appropriate apps on your iPhone.

When setting up your new iPhone, choose Move to iOS when asked if you have any data to transfer. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the data you want to move, then sit back and wait for the wireless data transfer. When it’s done, all your Android data including text messages will be ready on your iPhone.

Third party software

Move to iOS is the best tool to transfer text messages from Android to iOS, but in some cases, not all the data you have will be moved. In those cases, you need to look for third-party software. There are so many third-party tools that do this – from programs for Windows and Mac to apps you install on your smartphone, both free and paid – that we don’t have a specific recommendation.

Spending some time on your favorite search engine looking for something like “transfer data from Android to iPhone” will give you a ton of options. Some programs are limited to transferring data only. Others do that and then also add tools for backing up your smartphone, finding hidden files, and much more.

WhatsApp and other SMS apps

If you’re using a third-party SMS platform like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, you have another option. Depending on which one you use, you may be able to install it on your iPhone, log into your account, and automatically download all your messages. In other cases, you need a tool to transfer your text messages to your iPhone (for example, for WhatsApp, you need a transfer app).

In most cases, the ways you transfer your texts are free. But be aware, if you use more than one communication app, you may need more than one tool to transfer everything.

If you use these apps, try logging into your iPhone first. If your messages appear, you’re done. If not, look for a transfer tool specific to your app.