You cannot move apps directly from Android to iPhone, but you can reinstall them on your new device
Android and iPhone use different app stores and operating systems, so there is no tool that copies apps from one phone to the other. Instead, you will find and reinstall the same apps on your iPhone using the Apple App Store. Most apps you paid for on Android are free to download again on iPhone, though a small number of paid apps require you to buy them twice. Your app data — login information, saved games, photos, settings — may or may not transfer depending on whether the app developer syncs it to the cloud.
The process takes time but is straightforward: you identify which apps you want, download them on your iPhone, and sign back into each one. Some apps transfer your data automatically when you log in. Others require you to restore from a backup or manually reconfigure your settings.
Key Takeaways
- Apps do not transfer between Android and iPhone because the two systems use different app stores and code; you must reinstall each app on your iPhone.
- Most apps are free on both stores even if you paid for them on Android, but a small number of paid apps must be purchased again on iPhone.
- Your app data transfers automatically if the app developer uses cloud sync, but you may need to log in again or restore from a backup for some apps.
- Before switching phones, make a list of the apps you use regularly so you do not forget to reinstall them on your iPhone.
How to identify which apps you actually use
Open your Android phone's Settings app and go to Apps or Application Manager. Scroll through the list and note the apps you open regularly — messaging apps, email, banking, social media, games, fitness trackers, and any work or productivity tools. You do not need to transfer every app; focus on the ones you actually use.
Take a screenshot or write down the names of these apps. If you have a lot of apps, open the Google Play Store and go to your profile, then tap "Manage my apps and device." The "Manage" tab shows all apps you have ever installed, which can help you remember ones you use less often but still want on your iPhone.
Finding your apps in the Apple App Store
On your new iPhone, open the App Store app and use the search tab at the bottom. Type the name of each app you want and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow to download it. The cloud icon means the app is free to download; if you see a price, the app costs money on iPhone (this is rare for apps that were free on Android, but it happens).
If you cannot find an app by name, search for the developer's name instead. Some apps have different names on iOS than they do on Android. For example, the Android app "Google Photos" is called "Google Photos" on iPhone too, but smaller apps sometimes have slightly different titles. The developer's name on the app listing will confirm you have the right one.
As you download each app, sign in with your account. If the app uses cloud sync — which most major apps do — your data will appear automatically once you log in. This includes saved games, photos, messages, and settings.
What happens to your app data and settings
Large apps from major companies — Gmail, Slack, Spotify, Instagram, banking apps — almost always sync your data to their servers. When you sign in on your iPhone, your messages, playlists, account settings, and saved information appear automatically. You do not need to do anything except log in.
Smaller or older apps may not use cloud sync. If an app does not automatically show your data after you log in, check whether the app has a backup or restore option in its settings menu. Some apps let you export your data from Android and import it on iPhone. Others require you to start fresh. Read the app's help section or contact the developer if you are unsure whether your data will transfer.
Games are the most common apps that do not sync automatically. If a game does not use cloud save, your progress will not transfer. Some games let you link your account to Facebook or Google Play Games so your progress is saved, but you will need to set this up on Android before you switch phones.
Paid apps and in-app purchases
If you paid for an app on Android, it is almost always free on iPhone. Apple and Google maintain separate app stores, so a paid app purchase on one does not carry over to the other. You will not be charged again for the vast majority of apps.
In-app purchases — like coins in a game or a subscription within an app — do not transfer between platforms. If you bought a year of premium features in an app on Android, you will need to buy that subscription again on iPhone. However, if the app uses a service like Google Play Pass or Apple One, check whether your subscription covers the app on both platforms.
A very small number of apps are paid on both stores but have different prices. Before downloading, check the price listed in the App Store. If it shows a dollar amount instead of "Get," the app costs money on iPhone.
Using Google's data transfer tool for contacts and photos
Google provides a tool called "Switch to iPhone" that transfers contacts, calendar events, and photos from your Android phone to your iPhone. This is separate from app transfer — it moves your personal data, not your apps. You can download the "Switch to iPhone" app from the Google Play Store on your Android phone and follow the on-screen steps to send your data to your new iPhone.
This tool is useful because it saves you from manually entering contacts or re-uploading photos. However, it does not transfer apps or app data. You still need to reinstall your apps separately using the App Store.
Apps that may not have an iPhone version
A small number of Android apps do not have an iPhone version. This is usually because the developer chose not to build for iOS, or the app is region-specific and not available in your country's App Store. Search the App Store for the app name to confirm whether it exists on iPhone.
If an app you rely on is not available on iPhone, look for an alternative. Search the App Store for the app's main function — for example, if your Android note-taking app is not on iPhone, search "note app" and read reviews to find a replacement. Many categories have multiple good options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my data if I switch to iPhone?
Not if the app uses cloud sync, which most major apps do. Your data appears automatically when you sign in on iPhone. For apps that do not sync automatically, check whether they have a backup or restore feature. Games are most likely to require manual setup or to start fresh.
Will I have to pay for apps twice?
Almost never. Paid apps on Android are almost always free on iPhone because the app stores are separate. In-app purchases and subscriptions do not transfer, so you may need to buy those again if you want them on iPhone.
Can I transfer my game progress?
Only if the game uses cloud save or lets you link your account to Facebook or Google Play Games. If the game does not offer this, your progress will not transfer. Check the game's settings on Android before you switch to see if you can enable cloud save.
What if I cannot find an app on the iPhone App Store?
The app may not have an iOS version, or it may be unavailable in your region. Search by the developer's name to confirm. If it truly does not exist on iPhone, search the App Store for similar apps that do the same thing.
How long does it take to reinstall all my apps?
Downloading and installing apps takes a few minutes per app depending on file size and your internet speed. Signing in and waiting for data to sync can add time. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour reinstalling your most-used apps, longer if you have many apps or a slow connection.