Copy data from old phone

Copy data from iPhone

You can migrate photos, contacts, and more from an iPhone (or iPad) with iOS 12.

You can copy data from your iPhone any time. You won’t lose recent data on your current phone. The data you copy is merged with the data on your Android phone. If you changed settings, those settings won’t be overwritten.

Before you start

Tips for a smooth migration:

  • Before starting, ensure that both phones have more than 30% battery
  • Make sure both phones stay unlocked during data transfer
  • Have your iPhone cable ready
  • Motorola uses Google apps as our native Calendar, Gallery and Files apps. Make sure to be logged in to your Google account and have those apps updated on your Motorola phone.
  • While data is being copied, you can continue using your phone for other tasks

About migrating photos and videos:

  • Only photos and videos that are physically on the phone will be migrated via cable
  • If your iPhone photos are backed up to iCloud, migrate them to Google Photos
  • If your iPhone photos are backed up to Google Photos you don’t have to migrate them. They will sync automatically to your Moto phone when you login with your account.

What won't transfer to your phone:

  • FaceTime calls and voice call history
  • iMessage effects (messages will be transferred without the effects)
  • Emergency alert messages
  • Locked notes in Notes app
  • Default wallpaper
  • Live photos created on iPhone will be transferred as static photos

Copy data

Using a cable speeds up content transfer, but if the cable doesn't fit you can copy data from iCloud.

  1. On your Motorola phone, open Moto Migrate app or go to Settings > System > Get iOS data.
  2. Use a cable to connect your Moto phone to your iPhone.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

After migration, merge any duplicate contacts.

Copy apps

Transfer apps you skipped during phone setup.

  1. Tap Settings > Back up or copy data.
  2. Tap Copy data using Android Switch, then tap Next.
  3. Tap iPhone or iPad.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to copy apps and other data.

Copy data from iCloud

Copy contacts, calendar events, documents and media from iCloud to your Motorola phone.

Before you start

  • If your iPhone has iOS 16.2 or later, open the Settings app, tap your name, tap iCloud, then turn on Access iCloud Data on the Web.
  • On your iPhone, sync Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, and Notes to iCloud. If your photos are not backed up to Google Photos, also sync Photos to iCloud. Check synced data at icloud.com.
  • Charge your Motorola phone to 25% or more, or keep it plugged into a charger.
  • Keep your Motorola phone near a strong Wi-Fi connection.
  • On your Motorola phone, log into your Google account and check that your Google Calendar, Photos, and Files apps are updated to the latest versions.

Copy data

  1. On your Motorola phone, go to Settings > System > Get iOS data, then log into your iCloud account.
  2. Enter the verification code sent to your iPhone, then tap Enter code.

  3. Choose the data types to migrate, then tap Start migration.

    If photos are backed up to Google Photos then you don’t need to migrate them. Simply log in to Google Photos on your Motorola phone to access your photos.

    If photos are backed up to iCloud, photos from iCloud are downloaded to your phone. Later you can use Google Photos to backup the photos to Google Drive, then free up space from your phone. Live photos created on iPhone are transferred as static photos.

    If migrating a large number of files, you can migrate different types at different times. For example, migrate photos overnight and other files while you wait.

Where to find migrated data:

iPhone data Location on Motorola phone
Contacts Google Contacts
Calendar events Google Calendar
Photos, videos Google Photos > iCloud tab
Other files Google Files > iCloud tab

Copy data from Android phone

During setup, you can copy your apps, music, contacts, messages, and more.

If you no longer have your old phone or can’t turn it on, you can copy files using a backup from the cloud with your Google account.

Copy data

  1. Charge both phones and turn them on.

  2. On your new phone:

    1. If this is the first time you’ve turned it on, select your language on the setup screen.
    2. If you skipped copying files during setup, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Android Setup notification to finish setting up your phone.
  3. Tap Start.
  4. Insert your SIM to connect to the mobile network, or tap Skip.
  5. Connect to a Wi-Fi network and tap Next.

  6. Follow the onscreen instructions to select the old phone or backup associated with your Google account, and to choose which apps and data to copy.

    TipBe sure to leave Back up to Google Drive turned on.

After migration, merge any duplicate contacts.

What gets copied

Here's what gets copied from the old phone:

  • Apps and app data
  • Music, photos, and videos
  • Google accounts
  • Contacts stored on your phone or SIM card
  • Text messages
  • Multimedia attachments in messages
  • Most phone settings
  • Wallpaper
  • Call history

You’ll see these when you sign in to your Google account on your new phone.

What doesn't get copied

These items aren't transferred from your old phone:

  • Downloads, like PDF files
  • Apps that aren’t from Play Store
  • Accounts other than Google accounts
  • Contacts and calendars for services other than Google (such as WhatsApp)
  • Ringtones

Import contacts from SIM

If you have a SIM card with contacts saved on it, you can import them into your Google account.

  1. Insert the SIM in your phone.

    Or, if your old phone is an Android phone and can connect to Wi-Fi, turn it on.

  2. Open the Contacts app .
  3. At the bottom, tap Organize > Manage SIM.
  4. If your phone has two SIMs, select the SIM.

  5. Select where to save the contacts. Tap down arrow and then:

    • Choose a Google the account
    • Or, to save them to your phone, tap Device
  6. Select the contacts to import and tap Import.