You can transfer many SMS, MMS, and supported iMessage conversations from an iPhone to a new Android phone, but the most reliable method is usually during the Android setup process.
For Samsung Galaxy phones, Smart Switch with a cable is the clearest supported option for moving Messages from an iPhone.
The exact result depends on the Android phone, software version, and message type.
Before You Start
Prepare both phones before beginning.
You will need:
- your iPhone;
- your new Android phone;
- a compatible cable or adapter if using a wired transfer;
- enough free storage on the Android phone;
- both phones charged;
- access to your Apple and Google accounts.
Keep the iPhone unlocked during the transfer.
Do not erase the iPhone until you confirm that the important messages arrived on Android.
1. Use the Android Setup Transfer
For most Android phones, start the transfer while setting up the new device.
Google’s current Android setup process supports copying Messages from an iPhone.
On the Android phone:
- Turn on the new phone.
- Start the normal setup process.
- Choose the option to copy apps and data.
- Select iPhone or iPad as the source.
- Follow the instructions to connect the two phones.
- Unlock the iPhone.
- Tap Trust if prompted.
- Choose Messages when Android asks what to copy.
- Start the transfer.
- Keep both phones connected until it finishes.
Google says a wired transfer can copy Messages, including encrypted messages and messages stored in iCloud, on supported devices.
Wireless transfer support varies by Android device and software version.
If Android offers the Android Switch app during setup, follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Samsung Galaxy: Use Smart Switch With a Cable
Samsung Smart Switch is the preferred method when moving messages from an iPhone to a Galaxy phone.
For Messages, use the wired transfer.
On the Galaxy phone:
- Open Smart Switch.
- Tap Receive on this phone.
- Choose iPhone/iPad.
- Select Cable.
- Connect the iPhone and Galaxy with a compatible cable.
- Tap Trust on the iPhone if prompted.
- Enter the iPhone passcode if required.
- Select Messages and any other data you want.
- Tap Transfer.
- Wait until Smart Switch finishes.
Samsung currently lists Messages as supported content when transferring from iPhone by USB cable.
Do Not Rely on iCloud-Only Smart Switch Transfer for Messages
Samsung also allows some iPhone data to be imported from iCloud.
However, Samsung’s current supported-content list for iCloud transfer includes items such as:
- contacts;
- calendar;
- notes;
- call history;
- photos;
- videos;
- documents;
- voice memos.
Messages are not listed in the current iCloud-only transfer list.
For text-message migration to Galaxy, use the wired Smart Switch method instead.
Turn Off iMessage Before Moving the SIM
This step affects future messages, not the old conversations you are copying.
Before removing the SIM from the iPhone:
- Open Settings on the iPhone.
- Open Messages.
- Turn iMessage off.
Google recommends turning off iMessage before moving to Android so new SMS and MMS messages are not still routed through Apple’s iMessage system.
If you already moved the SIM and no longer have the iPhone, use Apple’s iMessage deregistration process.
Do You Need to Turn Off FaceTime?
Turning off FaceTime is not what transfers your text-message history.
The critical messaging step is turning off iMessage so your phone number no longer remains tied to iMessage delivery.
You can also disable FaceTime when leaving the Apple ecosystem, but it is separate from transferring Messages.
Can iMessages Be Transferred to Android?
Many iMessage conversations can be copied during a supported iPhone-to-Android migration.
Google’s current setup documentation says a wired transfer can move encrypted messages and messages stored in iCloud on supported Android devices.
However, Apple-specific features may not carry over exactly.
You may lose or see differences in:
- message effects;
- stickers;
- reactions;
- some Apple-specific formatting;
- certain attachment behavior.
The text content of supported conversations is the main part that matters during migration.
Can You Transfer Messages Wirelessly?
Sometimes.
Google supports wireless iPhone-to-Android transfer on compatible devices using the Android Switch process.
Samsung also supports wireless iPhone-to-Galaxy transfer on current software.
However, supported data differs between wired and wireless methods.
If your priority is transferring old text messages and your phone offers a cable option, wired transfer is the safer choice.
For Samsung specifically, the current support documentation clearly lists Messages under the USB cable transfer method.
What if the Android Phone Is Already Set Up?
Options become more limited after setup.
Some Android phones let you reopen the transfer tool after setup.
For example, Google notes that some data transfers can be retried from:
Settings > Accounts & Backup
The exact path depends on the phone.
Samsung Smart Switch can also be opened after initial setup.
If the phone’s transfer tool does not offer Messages after setup, you may need to:
- use Samsung Smart Switch if you have a Galaxy;
- retry the manufacturer’s migration tool;
- reset the new Android phone and repeat the initial setup transfer.
Do not reset the Android phone until you have backed up anything already stored on it.
Why Did Some Messages Not Transfer?
Missing conversations can happen for several reasons.
The iPhone Was Not Unlocked
The transfer process may need the iPhone unlocked and trusted before Android can access data.
The Transfer Was Interrupted
Do not disconnect the cable or move the phones apart during transfer.
Restart the migration if it failed halfway through.
The Android Phone Ran Out of Storage
Check free storage before trying again.
If your Android phone is already low on space, see How to Free Up Storage Space on Android.
The Message Type Is Not Fully Supported
Apple-specific message effects, stickers, and some attachments may not migrate exactly.
You Used the Wrong Samsung Transfer Method
For Galaxy, do not assume the iCloud-only Smart Switch route will move Messages.
Use the cable transfer when Messages are your priority.
What if New Texts Still Go to the iPhone?
That is usually an iMessage registration problem rather than a failed message transfer.
Check that iMessage is off on the old iPhone.
If the iPhone is no longer available, deregister the phone number from iMessage using Apple’s official process.
If the Android phone still cannot receive SMS after iMessage is disabled, see Not Receiving Text Messages on Android.
WhatsApp Messages Are Separate
WhatsApp does not use the same transfer process as normal SMS, MMS, and iMessage history.
It has its own official migration process.
If you also need to move WhatsApp conversations, use How to Transfer WhatsApp From Android to Android only for Android-to-Android moves.
For iPhone-to-Android WhatsApp migration, follow the prompts provided during the Android or Samsung transfer process.
Move Contacts Separately if Needed
If your contacts do not arrive with the main transfer, use How to Copy Contacts From iPhone to Android.
That page covers Android setup, iCloud VCF export, Google Contacts, and Samsung Smart Switch.
Which Method Should You Use?
Use the normal Android setup transfer when moving from iPhone to most new Android phones.
Use wired Samsung Smart Switch when moving to a Galaxy phone and Messages are important.
Use wireless transfer only when the phone explicitly supports it and the data list includes what you need.
Do not depend on Samsung’s iCloud-only Smart Switch import for Messages.
The most reliable approach is to transfer before erasing the iPhone, confirm the conversations on Android, then turn off iMessage so future texts arrive on the new phone.
