Technologies

Make the Switch From iPhone to Android: Easy Tips for Changing Your Phone

A switch from an Apple iPhone to an Android one may sound scary, but a few essential steps can make the move easier to do.

With so many excellent Android phones on the market, iPhone owners have plenty of reasons to consider making the switch to Google’s mobile operating system. Seeing as you can use many of the same apps, make calls, watch videos and take photos whether you are using an iPhone or an Android phone, your options expand greatly by being open to swapping to the other phone operating system. You could even try out a different type of phone that isn’t currently made by Apple, such as one with a foldable screen or a 200-megapixel camera.

Yet, making the switch can be pretty intimidating if you’ve never done so before, especially if you’ve spent many years with an iPhone. Making the switch from iPhone to Android isn’t just switching phones; it’s switching ecosystems too. But the process is a lot easier than you think! Whether you’re switching to a Pixel, a Samsung or another Android handheld, we’ve got you covered.

But first: Back up and prep

Before you do anything, we highly recommend backing up your existing iPhone. Not only do you want to make sure that all of your precious data is stored away in case something goes awry, but this also makes it a lot easier if you just want to transfer specific data like photos and videos. You can backup to iCloud, though you might have an easier time later on if you use Google One.

In addition to backing up, we also recommend checking the transfer process of any authenticator apps and password managers. You don’t want to get locked out of any important apps or services on your new phone.

Next, turn off FaceTime and iMessage on your iPhone so you don’t miss any incoming calls or messages. To disable FaceTime, head to Settings, FaceTime and then select Turn off FaceTime. To disable iMessage, head to Settings, then Messages and then select Turn off iMessage. Alternatively, you can also deregister iMessage by heading to this Apple support page.

You should also sign up for a Google account if you don’t already have one. You don’t necessarily need one to use an Android phone, but it does significantly improve the experience since it allows you to use Google services like Gmail and Google Photos.

Lastly, ensure both the iPhone and your new Android handheld are powered on and charged to at least 80% battery life, and you’re ready to start.

Transferring your data with a cable

There are a few ways to transfer data from your iPhone to your new Android handset. The easiest and fastest way to do so is with a cable. If you have an iPhone 15 or newer you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable, but if you have an older iPhone you’ll have to either get a USB-C to Lightning cable or a USB-C adapter.

Different Android handsets might have slightly different procedures, but generally speaking, you follow the on-screen instructions when setting up your phone. If you’re switching to a Pixel, you should see Set up using another device, at which point select iPhone or iPad.

When prompted, activate your SIM (be it physical or eSIM) and set up your biometrics as well — most Android phones use a fingerprint sensor. You would then select Copy data from your iPhone. You will also be prompted to connect both devices using a cable.

After connecting the two phones, you will then be asked to select the data types you want to transfer, such as Contacts, Photos, Messages and more. Obviously, the more data types you select, the longer the transfer process will take. You can also choose to copy Apps, which will essentially bring up a list of matching apps over on Google Play that you can then download.

While most of your data should be able to transition over to your Android phone, keep in mind that some specific services might not be available. For instance, CNET Video Producer Carly Marsh tried to make the switch from iPhone to a Motorola Razr, but found that her Apple notes could not naturally transition without manually moving them to Google Keep first.

Transferring your data wirelessly or with an app

Certain Android handsets offer a way to transfer data wirelessly with the help of an app. If you’re switching from an iPhone to a Pixel, you can download the Android Switch App. If you’re switching to a Samsung device, you can get the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app instead.

You would do the same exact setup on your Android phone — signing up on the Google account, activating the SIM card, etc. — but when it comes time to connect the two devices, you can select Copy without cable or Transfer wirelessly depending on the app. You might be prompted to enter your Apple ID password if your iPhone uses encryption for backup.

Transferring data from the cloud

If you don’t have too much data to transfer, or you’d rather just set up your Android phone as new, you can also choose to transfer your data from the cloud. This applies only to select data, however. If you use Google One, you can sync only photos, videos, contacts and calendars. To do so, simply backup your iPhone’s data with Google One and then open the Google One app on your Android phone.

If you use Samsung’s Smart Switch app, you have the option to transfer your iCloud data to your new Samsung phone. You would select Get data from iCloud and then login when prompted.

Set up your wallet, chat apps and other services

Much like the authenticator apps mentioned earlier, there are some services that can be used on only one phone at a time. All the cards in your Apple Wallet, for example, will have to be transferred to Google Wallet. Certain transit cards, like San Francisco’s Clipper card, for example, will need to be deleted from your old phone before it can be transferred to your new one. If you’re using the Clipper app instead, you’ll need to set up a new card on your Android device.

Popular chat apps like WhatsApp and Signal have specific instructions (here and here) for moving to new phones. For both of these, you’ll have to backup existing conversations in order to avoid losing them. Backing up WhatsApp chats is free. Signal’s Secure Backup allows you to store and transfer your texts and 45 days of media attachments for free, and charges $2 per month to store up to 100GB of media.

Technologies

Amazon’s Alexa Plus Confounds Chris Hemsworth in Super Bowl Ad as the AI Tool Launches

Alexa Plus is aiming higher with a new superhero Super Bowl spot and a US-wide launch, including a free version for any app user.

The Alexa Plus AI has been in early access for over a year, but this week all that changes, starting with a Thursday preview at Amazon’s upcoming Super Bowl ad featuring Chris Hemsworth. Let’s look at how our phones and smart speakers are getting this smart voice assistant upgrade.

I’ve been reviewing beta Alexa Plus over the past year and found the AI upgrade to be highly conversational and more capable than the old Alexa, bringing new ties to third-party apps like Uber and Ticketmaster. Starting on Tuesday, Amazon has completed its rollout and made Alexa Plus available to anyone who wants to try it in the US.

It’s no wonder Hemsworth got worried at just how responsive the voice assistant could be. The rogue AI scenarios in the Super Bowl ad playfully acknowledge people’s fears over inviting generative artificial intelligence into their private lives as the Australian actor gets hacked by a garage door, drowned in his pool and mauled by an Alexa-ordered bear.

Amazon makes it clear that no damage was ultimately done.

«By casting Chris Hemsworth, the last guy on the planet you’d expect to be scared of anything, we were able to lean into the conversation and put people at ease through humor,» said Jo Shoesmith, Amazon’s global chief creative officer.

Alexa Plus arrives with a free version and more

So, what does this new Alexa Plus expansion — available now — include? The most interesting part is several tiers of the AI’s service, starting with a free version that anyone can use as long as they have the Alexa app downloaded or visit the web portal Alexa.com (which we’ve also tried).

You won’t get any advanced Amazon Echo capabilities that way, but you will be able to test out Alexa’s conversational AI and see how similar it is to talking to a human. Alexa Plus errs on the side of chatty, but its ability to summarize answers, stop in mid-conversation and answer follow-up questions is welcome. As I’ve said before, it feels like what voice assistants were always supposed to be like.

«Alexa Plus is built to make customers’ lives meaningfully easier — and that starts with conversation. Because Alexa Plus lives in the middle of everyday life, it has to be natural and trustworthy,» Panos Panay, senior vice president at Amazon Devices & Services, tells CNET. «The Super Bowl is the perfect moment to introduce this evolution at scale.»

Two other Alexa AI tiers exist. The first comes when you subscribe to Amazon Prime for $15 per month. That unlocks not only Prime’s own content but also all Alexa Plus capabilities across all compatible devices. This includes Echo smart speakers and AI video summaries for Ring security cameras, among other tricks. You can try telling your Echo device to «Upgrade to Alexa Plus» to get started.

The final option is paying $20 per month to unlock all Alexa Plus capabilities across all devices, independent of an Amazon Prime subscription. Alexa won’t be able to interact with Prime content like videos or Amazon Music, but it can connect with everything else the AI upgrade offers. Since you need an Amazon account either way, this tier is for specific people who want to avoid Prime content.

Is the new Alexa AI worth your time?

If you’re wondering whether Alexa Plus is worth it compared to alternatives like Gemini for Home or whatever Apple is cooking up with Siri, I found my experience with the voice assistant to be the most positive I’ve had overall. Sometimes a little too positive — as we’ve seen with chatbots, Alexa Plus can be very willing to agree with you and promise to do anything, even if it can’t.

Also, if you use an Echo, it will send your voice recordings to Amazon for automatic analysis; there’s no getting around that privacy concession if you want Alexa on a smart device.

Those issues aside, Alexa Plus as part of Amazon Prime for $15 is an excellent deal, especially if you already use Prime for ordering, catching up on Fallout, etc. If you’re not sure how talking to the new and vivacious Alexa feels like, all you need is an Amazon account to try it out online.

Technologies

Snag a Rare Discount on the Amazing Beats Powerbeats Fit Earbuds With This Limited-Time Deal

Get yourself these amazing earbuds while they’re back down to their lowest-ever price.

The 2025 Beats Powerbeats Fit is on our list of the best workout earbuds and headphones, and right now you can get yourself these powerful Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds for $180. That’s a $20 discount and brings them back down to their all-time low price. They’re worth it at full price, so if you want them, now’s a fantastic chance to pick them up for less. The only issue is that Amazon’s limited-time deals don’t last long, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to secure them at this price.

The upgrades on the Powerbeats Fit are mostly cosmetic and concern ear fit, so they’re a better fit for people who don’t currently own another pair of Beats in the Powerbeats family. In his review, CNET’s audio expert David Carnoy said, «The design upgrades to the wingtips and case do improve the buds, which remain quite appealing for those looking for secure-fitting earbuds for workouts and everyday use.»

The Powerbeats Fit includes ear tips in four sizes, including extra small, so that everyone can find a secure fit. They can last up to 30 hours when carrying around their charging case, and they offer active noise cancellation that comes in handy when you’re getting your reps in. Both the earbuds and the case are IPX4 water and sweatproof, which means your workout won’t get in the way of your music or audiobooks.

Need more ideas for your next pair of earbuds upgrade? We’ve got a list of the best wireless earbuds you can check out so you can make the most of your holiday cash gifts.

HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Black):

$248 (save $152)
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

$170 (save $181)
Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones:

$398 (save $62)
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Twilight Blue):

$179 (save $170)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones (Black):

$200 (save $250)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Like other audio gear from Beats, the Powerbeats Fit earbuds offer excellent sound, a comfortable fit and decent noise cancellation. However, they usually command a price of $200. This modest Amazon discount of $20 brings them down to $180 for a limited time, their best price to date across several colors.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Feb. 5, #970

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Feb. 5 #970.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is kind of tough. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Star-spangled signs.

Green group hint: Smash into.

Blue group hint: Not green or red.

Purple group hint: Same surname.