How To Switch From The iPhone To The Pixel 2

How To Switch From The iPhone To The Pixel 2

Anyone using an iPhone might think it’s difficult to switch to an Android device. But Google’s latest smartphone, the Pixel 2, alleviates the anxiety of switching by taking care of all the annoying parts, such as copying your photos or contacts. You’ll need to change some settings before you can transfer from one operating system to the next, but the entire process is a lot less stressful than importing and exporting data you might have trouble properly identifying or moving (everyone hates VCF files).

Image credit: Tinh tế Photo

What You’ll Need

To seamlessly transfer your data from iOS to Android, you’ll need to get your equipment in order. That means the computer that manages your iTunes backups, your iPhone, a USB to Lightning cable, and your Pixel 2 equipment.

Bundled with the Pixel 2 (and 2 XL) is a Quick Switch Adaptor, a USB-C to USB-A adaptor that lets you connect your Pixel 2, with its USB-C port, to an iOS device using a traditional USB-A to Lightning cable. You’ll need that. Inside the box is a SIM card ejector tool. You’ll need that, too.

First, Disable iMessage

Before you switch from one phone to another, you’ll need to turn off iMessage. This will ensure your texts won’t end up in message purgatory, where texts sent by Android users switching from iOS end up undelivered. Visit Settings, tap Messages, and toggle off iMessage. Simple!

Decrypt Your iPhone

The amount of data transferred to your Pixel 2 will be affected if you’ve enabled backup encryption for your iOS device. To alleviate the issue, you’ll need to disable backup encryption by connecting your iOS device to a computer running iTunes. Uncheck “Encrypt iPhone Backup” on Summary page, and give iTunes a few minutes to backup your iPhone without encryption.

Switch Your SIM, Charge Your Phones

You should switch out your iPhone’s SIM after disabling iMessage and decrypting your iPhone to avoid any complications. You can use the Pixel 2’s included SIM removal tool to pop open your iPhone’s SIM and insert it into your Pixel 2. You are now free to turn on both of your devices. Ensure both have been charged to at least 50 per cent, or else you won’t be able to initiate the transfer process. Connect your Pixel 2 to your preferred Wi-Fi network. Then follow the Pixel 2’s on-screen prompts.

Make a Google Account, Select Your Data

If you’re switching to Android, you’re going to want to create a Google account to store all that transferred data. After you create one (or sign in with your current Google account) you can pick and choose which bits of data to transfer, such as photos, messages, calendars and contacts. Or just copy it all and say goodbye to your walled garden. Behold: Your new, Android-based walled garden, complete with AirDrop and Bluetooth-powered headphone-pairing alternatives!


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