How to Move Your Data from iPhone to Samsung

The fastest way to transfer your iPhone data to Samsung

Samsung phones come with a built-in tool called Smart Switch that moves your contacts, messages, photos, videos, calendar events, and apps directly from your iPhone to your new Samsung device. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much data you have, and you can start it the moment you turn on your new phone.

You have two routes: wireless transfer (if both phones are in the same room) or a wired connection using a USB cable and adapter. Wireless is simpler if your iPhone battery is charged above 20 percent. Wired transfer is more reliable if you have a large photo library or weak Wi-Fi.

Before you start, back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer. This protects your data in case something interrupts the transfer, and it gives you a second copy if you need to restore anything later.

Key Takeaways

Samsung's Smart Switch tool transfers contacts, photos, messages, calendar events, and most apps without needing a computer.
Wireless transfer works best when both phones are near each other and plugged in, and takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on data size.
Wired transfer using a USB cable is more stable for large libraries but requires a USB-C to Lightning adapter.
Some apps (like banking apps with security locks) may not transfer and will need to be reinstalled from the Samsung Galaxy Store.
Your iPhone stays unchanged during the transfer — nothing is deleted from it.

Wireless transfer using Smart Switch

Turn on your new Samsung phone and follow the setup screens until you see the option to transfer data. Tap Transfer data or Restore from iPhone (the exact wording varies by Samsung model). The phone will ask you to read the Smart Switch app on your iPhone if you don't already have it.

On your iPhone, open the App Store, search for "Smart Switch," and install it. Open Smart Switch on your iPhone and tap Send data. Your iPhone will display a code — enter this code on your Samsung phone to connect them. Both phones must stay connected to the same Wi-Fi network and remain plugged in during the transfer.

The transfer begins automatically once the phones are paired. You'll see a progress bar on both devices. Do not unplug either phone or close the app until the transfer shows complete on your Samsung screen. If the connection drops, you can restart from the beginning — Smart Switch will pick up where it left off for most data types.

Wired transfer with a USB cable

If wireless transfer fails or you have a very large photo library, use a wired connection. You'll need a USB-C to Lightning adapter (the small cable that connects iPhone charging ports to USB-C ports). These cost $15 to $25 and are sold at most electronics retailers.

Connect your iPhone to your Samsung phone using the USB-C to Lightning adapter and a standard USB cable. On your Samsung phone, tap Transfer data during setup, then select Wired connection. Your Samsung will recognize the iPhone automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts to select which data types to transfer — contacts, messages, photos, videos, and calendar events are all available.

Wired transfer is slower than wireless (often 30 to 60 minutes for large libraries) but more stable. Keep both phones plugged into power during the process. The transfer will continue even if the screen locks, so you don't need to touch either phone once it starts.

What transfers and what doesn't

Smart Switch moves your contacts, text messages, photos, videos, calendar events, voice memos, and most downloaded apps. It also transfers your home screen layout, so your apps appear in roughly the same places on your Samsung phone.

Apps that require special security clearance — like banking apps, password managers, and some work apps — usually do not transfer. These apps need to be reinstalled from the Samsung Galaxy Store and will ask you to log in again. This is intentional: the app makers want to verify your identity before giving you access on a new device.

iCloud-synced data like Notes, Reminders, and some email accounts may not transfer through Smart Switch. Instead, you can add these accounts directly on your Samsung phone by going to Settings > Accounts and signing in with your Apple ID. Your Samsung phone will then read that data from iCloud.

Handling email and cloud accounts

If you use iCloud Mail, Gmail, or another email service, Smart Switch does not transfer the account itself — it only transfers downloaded messages. After the transfer is complete, add your email account to your Samsung phone manually. Go to Settings > Accounts > Add account, select your email provider, and sign in.

For iCloud-connected services (Photos, Drive, Notes), sign in to your Apple ID on your Samsung phone through Settings > Accounts. Your Samsung will then sync those services in the background. This means your iCloud photos will appear in the Samsung Gallery app, and your iCloud Drive files will show up in the Samsung Files app.

Google accounts transfer more smoothly because Samsung phones are built to work with Google services. If you use Google Photos, Gmail, or Google Drive, those accounts will sync automatically once you sign in on your Samsung phone.

Troubleshooting a failed or stuck transfer

If the transfer stops halfway, restart both phones and try again. Smart Switch remembers what it already transferred and will skip those items the second time. Make sure both phones have at least 20 percent battery and are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (or plugged in via USB for wired transfer).

If Smart Switch crashes on your iPhone, force-close the app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding on the Smart Switch card until it disappears. Then reopen it and select Send data again. Your Samsung phone will show a new code to enter.

If your Samsung phone doesn't recognize your iPhone during wired transfer, try a different USB cable or adapter — some cables are damaged or incompatible. Restart both phones and try the wireless method instead. Wireless transfer works even if the wired connection fails.

After the transfer is complete

Once Smart Switch shows "Transfer complete," your new Samsung phone has all your data. Check your contacts, photos, and messages to confirm everything arrived. Open the Galaxy Store (Samsung's app store) and reinstall any security apps that didn't transfer, like your banking app or password manager.

Sign in to any cloud services you use — iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox — so your Samsung phone can sync new files and photos going forward. Your iPhone remains unchanged and still has all its data; the transfer only copies information to your Samsung phone.

If you plan to sell or give away your iPhone, back it up to iCloud first, then erase it by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes all your personal data from the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my iPhone apps to Samsung?

Most apps transfer, but not all. Free apps like Instagram, Spotify, and Gmail transfer automatically. Paid apps and apps with security locks (banking, work apps) do not transfer — you'll need to reinstall them from the Samsung Galaxy Store and log in again. Some apps you paid for on iPhone may need to be purchased again on Samsung.

What if I don't have a USB-C to Lightning adapter?

Use wireless transfer instead — it doesn't require any adapter. Wireless transfer is just as reliable as wired transfer for most data. If you prefer wired transfer, you can order a USB-C to Lightning adapter online or buy one at an electronics store for $15 to $25.

Will my iPhone be erased during the transfer?

No. The transfer only copies your data to your Samsung phone. Your iPhone keeps all its data and works exactly as before. If you want to erase your iPhone later, you can do that manually through Settings.

How long does the transfer take?

Wireless transfer usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how many photos and videos you have. Wired transfer is slower, often 30 to 60 minutes. Large photo libraries (over 10,000 photos) may take longer. Both phones must stay plugged in and connected during the entire process.

Can I transfer my text messages and iMessage conversations?

Yes. Smart Switch transfers all text messages and iMessage conversations to your Samsung phone. They'll appear in the Samsung Messages app. Note that iMessage is Apple-only, so those conversations will show as regular text messages on your Samsung phone.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.