It’s been almost two years since I made the switch from iPhone to Android.
As a hard-core Mac user, I was a bit hesitant – switching my smartphone seemed like a counter-intuitive thing to do. After all, our family calendar and photos were all shared on the iOS platform and Android seemed like it might hinder productivity, not help it. But after hearing friends espouse the virtues of Android, I knew I had to try.
The big tipping point was the realization that my clients were increasingly using Google; they were sending meeting requests via Google calendar, sharing documents via Google drive, etc. In turn, I was defaulting more and more to my Gmail account and using iCal less.
So, if this sounds like you and you’re thinking of switching, it’s not as scary as it seems. (Really!)
Why switch?
The iPhone (and iOS in general) has a lot of great features, but a few things were causing me grief.
- Attachments ended up in cyberspace
Whenever I opened an email attachment on my iPhone, I couldn’t figure out where it went. If I wanted to access it again, I had to download it again. With Android, I simply look in my “Downloads” folder. - Syncing with my other devices was becoming annoying. I realize this is a desirable feature for most people, but I hated how syncing through iTunes could cause me to lose data between devices if I had my settings wrong. (One device could overwrite another, etc.)
- iOS is almost too secure. Yes, I said that.
Case in point: my daughter forgot the password on her iPhone and, when I went to do a backup restore, it required me to turn off Find My iPhone first.
Um… can’t do that because I don’t have the password for the phone!
Then, I attempted to wipe her phone (do a factory restore), but because the iPhone was an older model, it was basically bricked when I tried to reinstall the software. (It attempted to install the latest version, which is incompatible with the phone; it didn’t give me the option to choose a previous version of iOS.) - Little control over music files and apps
There’s something to be said for drag-and-drop. Android has it, iOS does not… ’nuff said!
Which Android to Choose?
In 2013, I was thrilled to get the Moto X – referred to as “the mani-friendly phone” because of its awesome hands-free capabilities, courtesy of the Google Now launcher. This was a game-changer for me, especially with two young kids and a business to run. The ability to have messages read to me when I’m on the go and being truly hands-free in the car has been amazing… I love the ease of use and functionality of the Moto X.
It’s now two years old and I’m in need of an upgrade, as space is becoming an issue (the original Moto X does not have an expansion slot). I’ve looked at all the latest smartphones and am dying to get my hands on the new Moto X Play.
iPhone to Android Migration Tips
When I first decided to make the switch, I got a bit scared. I had never used an Android phone before; how would I move over all my contacts, music, etc?
Here’s how I did it…
Contacts
- Install MCBackup on iPhone
- Follow instructions to back up your contacts (I went into preferences and chose vCard format), then email it to yourself.
- Sign into Gmail (on my desktop), then at the top-left corner, click Gmail > Contacts.
- Above the contacts list, click More > Import….
- Click Choose File
- Select the file you just sent yourself (the contacts backup file)
- Click Import
- When it’s done, Gmail will display the number of contacts imported
Music
- Download Android File Transfer and follow instructions for installing it on your Mac
- Use the USB cable that came with your Android device and connect it to your Mac
- Find the iTunes music library on your desktop computer
- Open Android File Transfer app (if it hasn’t opened automatically already) and drag desired music files over from iTunes folder to the โMusicโ folder on your Android phone
Calendars
You’ll need a Google account to import your calendars. Once you’ve created an account (or opened your existing account), follow these steps.
- Start by opening iCal on your computer, then export your individual iCal calendars as .ics files (you may have more than one calendar, i.e. personal, business, home, etc).
- For full instructions how to download your .ics files, click here
- Next, open Google Calendar on your computer and import the .ics files (for full instructions, check out Step 2 of this tutorial)
The information above outlines how I migrated my contacts, calendars and music from iPhone to Android in 2013, but I encourage you to check out android.org for the latest resources and tips.
I’m Glad I Made the Switch
Overall, I’m extremely happy with my switch. Both platforms (iOS and Android) have great features, but when your smartphone is the lifeline of your business (like it is for me), it’s extremely important to use the technology that helps you work most efficiently. The funny thing is, if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone to try something new, I would have never realized how great Android is.
Even my husband – who didn’t like my switch at first (“You’re disrupting our perfectly synced system here!”) – now uses Google Photos and Google Calendar. While it’s true he still loves his iPhone, he now ‘gets’ the allure of the G-suite.
As for me and my love of Android, it just keeps getting stronger. What’s your favorite smartphone?
Randa @ TBK says
These are great tips for those who want to switch. I know a lot of people have questions when it comes to switching.
Suzanne Rudge says
Yo make a lot of valid points here Lisa and I have given thought to switching over the past couple of years as well, but then I remember how much I love my iPhone, LOL. It is like another child! That said, there are a few things here that make me think a conversation is in order with my resident tech master, AKA hubby, for when our plans come up…
fabfrugalmama says
Thanks, Suzanne. It really was a tough decision to switch, but one I don’t regret. Good luck with your tech decisions! ๐
fabfrugalmama says
I appreciate it, Randa – thanks. There’s so much to consider when switching, that often people feel intimidated and simply stay with the product they’re used to. It’s good to go outside one’s comfort zone sometimes…I’m glad I did!
Aeryn Lynne says
I am dancing all over this post hun! <3 I remember when you were initially talking about making the switch a couple years ago, and it still brings a smile to my face, lol! Welcome to the dark-green side. ๐
Totally bookmarking this post and forwarding it to the friends and fam that are thinking of moving over to Android (there's actually a few I just spoke with over Thanksgiving dinner this year.)
fabfrugalmama says
So kind of you to share my post – thanks, Aeryn! I’m glad you like it. There are so many “techie” articles out there about switching, that it seemed like a good idea to post a real-life, lay-person’s view of switching.
paula schuck says
I will save this and pin it and share it too. I still love my easily synched devices. That works for me. But I had an Android and also enjoyed it a lot. It recently moved on to my daughter actually. She likes it and is exploring the features available there. I found Android to be a really fun platform. I find Google Play a bit more challenging than iTunes actually and that’s one factor that holds me back. I actually had two phones for most of last year and that was pretty awesome. I loved my iPhone for being a work horse but the Android was fun and it also had a few things the iPhone did not – some sharing tools I liked better over there. Anyways, this is a very useful and informative post!
fabfrugalmama says
Great points, Paula! I agree… each platform offers something different and it completely depends on your needs. Glad you found what works for you – there’s nothing better than being productive!
Kelly @ City Mom says
This post comes at a great time for me…I’m getting ready to make an upgrade and I have considered switching. Your info makes me feel more open to making the switch. Thank you!
fabfrugalmama says
Glad the post helps, Kelly! As you can see, I’ve had two years to ponder the whole situation. LOL
I figured it made more sense to live with android for awhile and write about my long-term experience. Still no regrets… long live android! ๐ And good luck with your decision. Let me know if you have any questions – happy to help.
Maya Fitzpatrick says
You raised so many great points. I love this post because I always feel like most people switch to an iPhone. It’s nice to get a different perspective.
I love Android too btw… Always used them and no plans to switch over now. But I have to say, I love the camera on hubbies iPhone 6.
fabfrugalmama says
Thanks for your feedback, Maya… I appreciate it. ๐ I agree that the iPhone6 has an awesome phone!
Meg A says
Nokia was my first phone, then Sony Ericsson when Nokia was no longer in the market. It’s now under Windows but, when I got my first smartphone, it was Sony. I’ve always liked Sony’s user interface which worked for me. Akruto syncs my Outlook calendar when my computer is turned on at home. You can also manually sync it. I use the Android email & contacts, which can also be synced by Akruto. I noticed that my social updates & email get synced or downloaded faster than when I’m on the computer.
I love that I can scan, print & fax to my printer using Samsung’s app without turning on my computer. I also transfer by NFC, the webpage of a recipe that I’m following, from my phone to tablet, so that I save on printing it out.
I just drag & drop files when I connect via USB as WiFi takes longer. I can type my texts on the computer & send using Moborobo app. It’s easier than finger texting. I love the functionality and seamless syncing of my files from Android to Windows. I would be very frustrated if my phone was not able to function or need some babysitting. As it is, I fully depend on it, like the app for TTC’s bus times so, I get to the stop on time.
I use my phone so much more than calling but, would love to upgrade to a new Xperia as the older Android OS can’t keep up with the new apps.
fabfrugalmama says
It sounds like you’ve discovered lots of great apps, Meg! I love it when technology makes things easier… the NFC tip you gave is awesome and I will definitely try that. Thanks!