Here's the best and easiest way to switch from an Android device to an iPhone (AAPL, GOOG)

Switching from Android to iOS can be daunting — you're not just switching to a new device, you're switching to an entirely new operating system.

But it turns out that the switch itself actually might be the easiest part.

Back in 2015, Apple introduced an Android app called Move to iOS — one of only two apps that Apple has made for Android, with Apple Music as the other.

The Move to iOS app is intended to help Android users seamlessly swap to an iPhone without losing their important data, like contacts, photos, calendars, and more.

The app is a key part of making the switch, but there are a few other steps along the way before you can get started with your new iPhone.

Here's everything you need to do to switch from an Android device to an iPhone:

Step 1: Back up all your data.

Step 1: Back up all your data. BusinessInsider

Before making the permanent switch to a new device, make sure all your data is backed up.

On your Android device, go to your settings and look for "Backup & reset" (on some devices, this option may be under "Cloud and Accounts"). Then, check to make sure you have a working email address listed under "Backup account" and ensure "Back up my data" is set to "On."

Step 2: Download the Google Photos app.

Step 2: Download the Google Photos app. BusinessInsider

For many people, preserving their photos is a major concern when switching to a new device.

There are ways to transfer your photos in one batch along with all the rest of your data (more on that in a minute), but using Google Photos is a smart precautionary measure.

The Google Photos app works on both Android and iOS devices. The app also offers unlimited storage and automatic backups, so it's a good idea to use it all the time, not just when switching to a new phone.

Before you start the switch, download the app if you don't have it already. Then, allow it to backup all the photos in your camera roll. When you set up your new iPhone, just add the Google Photos app, sign in, and you should see all your photos.

Step 3: On your new iPhone, begin the setup process until you get to the screen that says "Apps & Data."

Step 3: On your new iPhone, begin the setup process until you get to the screen that says "Apps & Data." BusinessInsider

And while you're at it, plug both of your phones (old Android, new iPhone) into a power source.

Step 4: On your Android phone, download Apple's Move to iOS app.

Step 4: On your Android phone, download Apple's Move to iOS app. BusinessInsider

Move to iOS is available to anyone with a phone or tablet running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or later.

Move to iOS transfers much of your existing Android data to an iOS device without you having to manually transfer it or back it up on a computer. The app can transfer your c

Step 5: Start the transfer. This may take a while ...

Step 5: Start the transfer. This may take a while ... BusinessInsider

After the process is over, you'll see a prompt on your old device that encourages you to take it to an Apple Store to be recycled.

You should also see an option on your iPhone to finish setting up the device.

Step 6: Download all your favorite apps onto your iPhone.

Step 6: Download all your favorite apps onto your iPhone. BusinessInsider

Unfortunately, apps don't transfer from Android to iOS — you'll have to manually download each app to your new device.

Plus, if you paid for any apps on the Google Play Store, you'll likely have to purchase them all over again.

Otherwise, all the rest of your relevant data should now be loaded onto your new device.

Just make sure to hang on to your Android phone until you're sure everything transferred over. When you're ready to sell or donate it — or even just let it gather dust in a drawer — make sure you restore the old device to its factory settings.

Here's the best and easiest way to switch from an Android device to an iPhone (AAPL, GOOG)

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