Yes. You can move selected files after setup without erasing your iPhone. To use Move to iOS for a full migration, you must erase the iPhone and restart setup. This guide compares 7 practical options.
Yes, you can transfer data from Android to an iPhone that is already set up. For a full migration with Apple's Move to iOS, you must erase the iPhone and return to the setup screen. If you do not want to reset it, you can move selected photos, videos, music, contacts, and files with FoneTool or other manual methods.
Use the comparison below to choose between a full migration and a no-reset file transfer. Back up any important data on your iPhone before using a method that erases or replaces content.
Comparison Table: 7 Ways to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone After Setup
| Method | Best For | Requires iPhone Reset? | Transfer Speed | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Move to iOS | Initial setup transfer | ⚠ Yes | Medium | Requires full iPhone reset |
| FoneTool | Complete transfer without data loss | ❌ No | Fastest | Requires app installation |
| iTunes | Apple ecosystem users | ⚠ Yes | Fast | Erases existing iPhone data |
| Small files & contacts | ❌ No | Slow | Very small file size limits | |
| SHAREit | Wireless file sharing | ❌ No | Medium | Intrusive advertisements |
| Send Anywhere | Cross-platform transfers | ❌ No | Fast | 10GB free storage limit |
| Cloud Services | Existing cloud users | ❌ No | Medium | Slow upload/download speeds |
When it comes to how to move data from Android to iPhone, the Move to iOS app is probably the first choice for many people. So here we list out a tutorial on "how do I use Move to iOS app after setup?". Besides, we also share 6 other methods to transfer from Android to iPhone after setup quickly when Move to iOS not working.
Move to iOS is a great Android-to-iOS transfer app developed by Apple, dedicated to helping users seamlessly transfer data from Android to a new iPhone. It allows you to transfer contacts, photos, videos, message history, email accounts, calendars, and other data to a new iPhone.
⚠️ Important: Move to iOS works during iPhone setup. If setup is complete, back up anything you want to keep, then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. If you do not want to erase the iPhone, use one of the no-reset methods below.
Step 1. Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi and continue setup to the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen. Tap From Android, then choose Transfer with App.
Step 2. Download Move to iOS app > Open app > Tap Continue > Agree.
Step 3. On iPhone, tap Continue > Wait for 6-digit code to appear.
Step 4. Enter code on Android > Select data to transfer > Tap Next.
Step 5. Wait for completion > Tap Done on Android > Continue on iPhone
If you're looking for ways on how to transfer data without resetting, FoneTool for Android provides the perfect solution. This no-reset iOS setup assistant lets you transfer photos, videos, and songs from Android to iPhone after setup without erasing existing data.
Step 1. Download FoneTool Android and iOS client > Open both apps.ownload.
Step 2. On both devices, go to Connect Device screen > Android: Select Connect to iOS > iPhone: Scan QR code.
Step 3. On the iPhone, scan the QR code shown on the Android phone and tap Join.
step 4. On Android, open File Transfer, select the files, and tap Send. Keep both apps open and both screens unlocked until the transfer finishes.
💡 Desktop Method Tip: FoneTool desktop also works as iPhone backup tool. Use Full Backup or Selective Backup to backup iPhone without iTunes.
Here, we show you how to import data from PC to iPhone:
Step 1. Transfer Android data to PC > Install FoneTool desktop.
Step 2. Connect iPhone to computer > Open FoneTool > Click Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone > Get Started.
Step 3. Click the + icon to browse and select the data you need.
Step 4. Click Start Transfer to achieve Windows to iOS data transfer after setup.
On Windows, iTunes or the Apple Devices app can sync files copied from Android to an iPhone. Syncing may replace content of the same type that was added from another computer, so back up the iPhone first.
Step 1. Connect Android to computer > Export data to PC.
Step 2. Download and run the latest iTunes > Connect iPhone to PC
Step 3. Click device icon > Choose data type (Music, Photos, etc.).
Step 4. Check Sync Photos > Select folder > Apply.
Use email to transfer contacts and calendars from Android to iPhone using vCard format. Here we take how to transfer contacts from android to iPhone after setup as an example.
Step 1. On Android: Contacts app > Settings > Import/Export > Share > Select contacts > Email them.
Step 2. On iPhone: Open email > Open VCF file > Create New Contact > Done.
SHAREit can send supported files wirelessly between Android and iPhone. It does not move Android apps to iOS; install iPhone versions separately from the App Store when available.
Step 1. Download SHAREit on your Android phone and iPhone.
Step 2. On Android: Tap SEND > Choose files > Send > Connect to hotspot.
Step 3. On iPhone: Connect to same hotspot > Tap RECEIVE.
⚠️ Note: Many users report excessive ads in SHAREit, which can be intrusive during use.
Send Anywhere provides cross-platform file transfer via codes, QR codes, or share links. Follow these steps to use Send Anywhere to transfer data to new phone after setup.
Step 1. Download and install the Send Anywhere app on both devices.
Step 2. On Android: Tap SEND > Choose files > Get 6-digit code.
Step 3. On iPhone: Tap RECEIVE > Enter code or scan QR.
Note:
• 6-digit codes expire in 10 minutes.
• Free plan includes 10GB storage; extra space costs $5.99/month.
Use cloud services like Google Drive to upload from Android and download to iPhone. As long as the device is connected to the Internet, you can access the files stored in the cloud anytime.
⚠️ Note: Uploading numerous files to cloud may take considerable time.
Step 1. On Android: Download Google Drive > Log in > Upload files to the cloud.
Step 2. On iPhone: Download Google Drive> Login same account > Find the files you want > Send a copy > Save to iPhone.
💡Tip: Prefer a wireless way to move Android data to iPhone? Following this post: How to Transfer Files from Android to iPhone via Bluetooth.
This article shows 7 workable methods to help you step-by-step transfer data from Android to iPhone after setup. However, as you can see some methods may delete original iPhone data and some are time-consuming. Therefore, FoneTool is recommended as it avoids these disadvantages and enables faster, safer data transfer without resetting your device.
Yes, but you must erase the iPhone and restart setup before Move to iOS becomes available. Back up any data already on the iPhone first. If you do not want to erase it, use a manual or third-party method to transfer selected files.
Yes. You can transfer selected photos, videos, music, contacts, and files with apps such as FoneTool, Send Anywhere, or a cloud service. These methods do not reproduce a full setup migration, so some data types and settings may not transfer.
You cannot copy Android apps directly to iOS. Search the App Store for iPhone versions of the apps, install them, and sign in to restore any data the app stores in your account or cloud service.
Use FoneTool when you want to select and send supported photos, videos, music, or contacts between the phones. For a small number of files, email, Send Anywhere, or Google Drive may be sufficient.