How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone: 3 Easy Methods

To transfer contacts from Android to iPhone, move your contacts to Google on your Android, then sign into the same Google account on your iPhone and enable contact syncing. This free method works instantly without apps or cables. Here’s how to transfer contacts from android to iPhone:

  1. On Android: Open Contacts → Tap ☰ → "Manage Contacts" → "Move Contacts" → Select Google.
  2. On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Add Google account → Toggle Contacts ON.
    Your contacts will sync automatically.

Now, let’s break down every method step by step.

Why Transfer Contacts When Switching to iPhone?

Moving contacts keeps your friends, family, and coworkers just a tap away on your new iPhone. If you skip this, you’ll waste time manually saving numbers or lose important connections. All methods below are free (unless you choose the optional third-party tool) and take under 10 minutes.

How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone

Method 1: Transfer Contacts Using Google Account (Easiest)

This uses your Gmail to "carry" contacts between phones. Works for 20 or 20,000 contacts.

On Your Android Phone:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Tap the ☰ menu (top-left corner).
  3. Select "Manage Contacts" → "Move Contacts".
  4. Choose "Phone" as the source.
  5. Select ALL contacts (or pick specific ones).
  6. Tap "Move" → Select your Google account.

Wait 1 minute for contacts to sync to Google.

On Your iPhone:

  1. Open Settings → Scroll to Mail → Tap Accounts.
  2. Tap Add Account → Google → Sign in.
  3. Toggle "Contacts" to ON (green).
  4. Tap "Keep on My iPhone" → Save.

Check if contacts appear:

  • Open the Contacts app.
  • Tap Groups (top-left) → Ensure "All Gmail" is selected.

Tip: Need to add your Google account first? Follow our guide How to Add Email to iPhone.

Method 2: Transfer Contacts Using a SIM Card (No Internet Needed)

Use this if you can’t access Wi-Fi or Google. Warning: SIMs store limited contacts (usually 500 max).

On Your Android:

  1. Insert your SIM card.
  2. Open Contacts → Tap ☰ → Manage Contacts → Export.
  3. Select "SIM Card" → Choose contacts → Export.

On Your iPhone:

  1. Move the SIM card to your iPhone.
  2. Go to Settings → Contacts → Import SIM Contacts.

Contacts will instantly appear in your iPhone’s Contacts app.

Method 3: Transfer Contacts Using a Computer (For Large Transfers)

Tools like iCareFone iTransGo move contacts, photos, and messages without syncing. Use this if Methods 1–2 fail.

  1. Download iTransGo on a computer (Windows/Mac).
  2. Connect both phones via USB cables.
  3. Select "Android to iOS" → "Contacts" → Start Transfer.
  4. Wait 3 minutes. Contacts will appear on iPhone.

Note: Free trials often transfer 50–100 contacts. Full transfers cost ~$20.

Comparison of Contact Transfer Methods

Method Speed Cost Works Offline? Best For
Google Account 5 minutes Free Most users
SIM Card 3 minutes Free Small contact lists
Computer Tool 10 minutes Paid Bulk data transfers

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Contacts not showing on iPhone.
Fix:

  • On iPhone, go to Settings → Mail → Accounts → Tap your Google account → Toggle Contacts off/on.
  • Ensure you selected "Keep on My iPhone" during setup.

Problem: "No contacts found" on SIM.
Fix:

  • Export fewer contacts (SIMs can’t store 1,000+).
  • Clean your SIM first (delete old contacts in Settings).

Problem: Google sync stuck.
Fix:

  • On Android, force a sync: Settings → Accounts → Google → Tap "Sync Now".

More help? Our Ultimate iPhone User Guide covers contact fixes.

What to Do After Transferring Contacts

  1. Merge duplicates: Open Contacts → Tap Groups → Hide duplicate accounts (e.g., "iCloud" or "Gmail").
  2. Back up contacts: Enable iCloud sync in Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Toggle Contacts ON.
  3. Block spam calls: Use our guide How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will transferring contacts delete them from my Android phone?
No, contacts remain on your Android unless you delete them manually. Moving them to Google simply creates a synced copy.

2. Why can’t I see my contacts after adding Google to my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts, tap your Google account, and ensure Contacts is toggled ON. Then open the Contacts app, tap Groups (top-left), and select All Gmail.

3. Can I use a non-Gmail account (like Outlook)?
Yes! On Android, move contacts to any email account (e.g., Outlook). On iPhone, add the same account in Settings > Mail > Accounts and toggle Contacts on.

4. What if my SIM card says “Storage Full”?
SIMs hold ~500 contacts max. Either:

5. Are computer tools like iTransGo safe?
Reputable tools like Tenorshare’s iTransGo are safe, but always download from official websites. Avoid "free" unknown software that may contain malware.

Conclusion

Transferring contacts from Android to iPhone is simple and free with Google Sync or a SIM card. For most users, Method 1 (Google Account) is the fastest, most reliable option—taking under 5 minutes. If you encounter issues, force a sync by toggling contacts off/on in your iPhone’s Google account settings.

Remember: Your contacts are the lifeline to your world. Keep them secure by enabling Find My iPhone and regularly backing up to iCloud.

Need to move more than contacts?
Check our full guide:
→ How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone
→ Transfer WhatsApp chats to iPhone

New iPhone user? Master the basics:
→ Ultimate iPhone Settings Guide
→ Block Spam Calls