How to Transfer Contacts from Android to iPhone: 2025 Guide

Introduction

Switching from Android to iPhone is exciting, but the thought of losing your contacts can be stressful. Luckily, there are several reliable ways to move your entire contact list safely. The most effective option is Google Account sync, but you can also use Apple’s Move to iOS app, a VCF file export/import, or even a SIM card transfer (with limitations).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each method step by step, explain the pros and cons, and help you choose the best one for your situation.

Method 1: Google Account Sync (Best & Easiest Way)

If you already use Gmail on your Android device, this is the most seamless way to transfer contacts to your iPhone.

On Your Android Phone:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Google > All services > Backup
3. Enable Backup by Google One
4. Make sure Contacts sync is turned on
5. In the Contacts app, check Google Contacts sync and enable Sync device and SIM contacts automatically

On Your iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll to Contacts > Accounts > Add Account
3. Select Google and sign in with the same Gmail account
4. Toggle Contacts ON and tap Save

Your contacts will sync within minutes and appear in the iPhone Contacts app.

Pros: Seamless, works even after iPhone setup.
Cons: Requires Google account.

Method 2: Move to iOS App (During Setup Only)

Apple’s official Move to iOS app can transfer contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and more—but it only works during iPhone setup.

Requirements:

• Android 4.0 or later
• iOS 9.0 or later
• Both devices on the same Wi-Fi
• Fully charged (recommended 60% or higher)

How to Use:

1. On Android, install Move to iOS from Google Play
2. On your new iPhone, start setup until you reach Apps & Data
3. Select Move Data from Android
4. Enter the security code shown on iPhone into your Android device
5. Choose Contacts (and other data you want)
6. Wait for the transfer to finish

Pros: Official Apple solution, transfers multiple data types.
Cons: Only works during iPhone setup, may fail if interrupted.

Method 3: Transfer Contacts via VCF File

If you prefer a manual method or don’t want to use cloud sync, you can export your contacts as a VCF file and import them into iPhone.

On Android:

1. Open Contacts app
2. Tap Menu > Export > Export to .VCF file
3. Save the file locally

On iPhone:

1. Send the VCF file to yourself (email, Google Drive, etc.)
2. Open the file on iPhone and tap Share > Contacts
3. Select Add All Contacts

Pros: Works offline, simple for one-time transfers.
Cons: Limited for frequent updates.

Method 4: SIM Card Transfer (Limited Use)

This old-school method only works if your contacts are stored on the SIM card. It’s not practical for most modern Android users, and won’t work on iPhone 14 or newer (eSIM only).

Steps:

1. On Android: Go to Contacts > Settings > Export to SIM card
2. Insert the SIM card into your iPhone
3. On iPhone: Open Settings > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts

Pros: No internet required.
Cons: Limited SIM storage, doesn’t work with eSIM-only iPhones.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Move to iOS not working? Restart both devices, use stable Wi-Fi, and ensure enough iPhone storage.
• Google sync not updating? Check if Contacts toggle is ON and wait a few minutes for syncing.
• Missing contacts? Try importing via VCF as a backup method.

Final Recommendation

• Use Google Account sync → Best for most users, works anytime
• Use Move to iOS → Best for brand-new iPhones during setup
• Use VCF file → Best for manual/offline transfer
• Use SIM card → Only if nothing else works and you have few contacts

For a smooth, ongoing sync between devices, Google Account is the most reliable method.