How to transfer files from iPhone to Android without computer?

ByJael Lawler

As smartphones have become ubiquitous, many people now switch between iOS and Android platforms when purchasing a new device. With data like contacts, photos, videos, and other files typically stored locally on smartphones, transferring this information from an iPhone to a brand new Android device is a common need for switchers.

Thankfully, with wireless connectivity protocols like WiFi and Bluetooth, as well as cloud storage services, there are straightforward ways to transfer files between iPhone and Android without needing a computer as an intermediary device. This guide will walk through the different methods available to directly transfer data from an iPhone to an Android smartphone.

What You’ll Need

To transfer files from an iPhone to an Android device without a computer, there are only a couple things you’ll need:

  • The iPhone and Android devices you want to transfer files between. Both devices will need to be on the same wireless network in order to transfer files.
  • A cloud storage service account like Google Drive or Dropbox. A cloud storage account allows you to upload files from your iPhone which can then be accessed and downloaded onto your Android device.

As long as you have both devices and a cloud storage account, you’ll have everything you need to transfer files from iPhone to Android without a computer.

Enable WiFi and Bluetooth

Getting your devices connected is the first step to transfer files from your iPhone to your Android phone. You’ll need to make sure both devices have their WiFi and Bluetooth turned on. Here’s how:

Turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on both devices

On your iPhone, open the Settings app and toggle on WiFi and Bluetooth. Make sure both switches are green. Then on your Android device, open Settings and enable WiFi and Bluetooth there as well. Having WiFi enabled on both devices allows for faster wireless transfers. And you’ll need Bluetooth to connect directly between the devices.

Once WiFi and Bluetooth are enabled on the iPhone and Android, you’re ready to transfer files using one of the methods below.

Transfer Via Cloud Storage

One of the easiest ways to transfer files between an iPhone and Android without a computer is by using a cloud storage service like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Here’s how it works:

First, on your iPhone, open the cloud storage app and upload the files you want to transfer to your account. For iCloud, open the Files app, select the files, and tap Upload. For Google Drive and Dropbox, open the app, select your files, and upload them to the cloud. According to Apple Support, you can easily upload files to iCloud Drive right from the iCloud website.

Once your files are uploaded, open the cloud storage app on your Android device and login with the same account. You’ll now have access to all the files you uploaded from your iPhone. Tap on a file to download it to your Android. According to MultCloud, you can open the Files app on your Android to access files uploaded to iCloud.

The benefit of using cloud storage is it creates a seamless transfer between devices without needing a computer. Most cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox have apps for both iPhone and Android, making this an easy back-and-forth transfer option.

Transfer Via Email

Emailing files from your iPhone to your Android device is a simple way to transfer documents, photos, videos, and other media. Here’s how to do it:

  1. On your iPhone, open the Mail app and compose a new email message.
  2. Attach the files you want to transfer by tapping the attachment icon in the email composition window.
  3. Enter the email address associated with your Android device as the recipient.
  4. Send the email with the attachments.

Once you’ve sent the email from your iPhone, open the Gmail app on your Android device and look for the email message with the attachments.

  1. Open the email and tap on the attachments to download them to your Android device storage.
  2. You can then access the transferred files in your Android device’s Files app, Photos app, etc.

Emailing attachments provides a quick, cable-free way to get files from your iPhone over to your new Android phone.

Use AirDrop

AirDrop allows you to wirelessly transfer files between Apple devices. Unfortunately, you cannot directly AirDrop files from an iPhone to an Android device. However, there are some workarounds to send files via AirDrop between iOS and Android.

First, make sure AirDrop is enabled on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > AirDrop and setting it to Contacts Only or Everyone. On the Android side, you’ll need to install an app like AirDroid that creates an AirDrop-like functionality.

Next, open the file you want to send on your iPhone and tap the Share button. Scroll down and select AirDrop. The AirDroid app on your Android device should appear – tap it to send the file. Accept the incoming file transfer request on the Android to receive the file via AirDrop.

While not as seamless as true AirDrop between iOS and Android, using a wireless transfer app like AirDroid enables sending files from iPhone in a similar manner. Just make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network for this AirDrop workaround.

Transfer Via Apps

One of the easiest ways to transfer files between an iPhone and Android without a computer is by using a file transfer app. Here are some of the top apps recommended for transferring files between iOS and Android:

Shareit – This popular file sharing app allows you to transfer photos, videos, music, documents and more between devices. Install the app on both your iPhone and Android device, connect to the same WiFi network and you can quickly share files.1

Xender – Another useful file sharing app that enables wireless file transfer between devices via WiFi or Bluetooth. After installing Xender on both devices, select the files you want to transfer and send them to the paired device.1

Send Anywhere – This app allows you to transfer photos, videos, documents and other files from iPhone to Android and vice versa. Just install the app on both devices, connect to the same WiFi, select your files, enter a 6-digit code and start sharing files seamlessly.2,3

The main steps are:

  1. Install file transfer app on both iPhone and Android device
  2. Connect both devices to the same WiFi network
  3. Launch the app on both devices and pair them
  4. On the sending device, select files and share
  5. On the receiving device, accept the file transfer request

Using these handy file sharing apps can make transferring files and data between iPhone and Android quick and easy, without needing a computer or cables.

Transfer Via Bluetooth

Bluetooth can provide a quick and easy way to transfer files from an iPhone to an Android device without using a computer or cable connection. Here are the steps:

Enable Bluetooth. On both your iPhone and Android device, ensure Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this through the Settings app.

Select files to share via Bluetooth on iPhone. On your iPhone, locate the file(s) you want to transfer in the Files app or other applicable app. Tap the Share icon (typically an arrow coming out of a box) and select Bluetooth from the share menu.

Accept Bluetooth send request on Android. A dialog will appear on your Android device asking to Accept the file transfer from your iPhone via Bluetooth. Accept the request and the file(s) will begin transferring.

That’s it! With just a few taps you can transfer files from your iPhone to Android device seamlessly using Bluetooth.

Transfer Via QR Codes

One convenient way to transfer files from an iPhone to an Android device is by using QR codes. This allows you to wirelessly send photos, videos, documents and other files between devices.

To transfer files with QR codes:

  • On your iPhone, download a QR code generator app like QR Code Reader and Scanner Pro (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/qr-code-reader-scanner-pro/id1227090434).
  • On the QR code app, select the files you want to transfer from your iPhone. The app will generate a QR code.
  • On your Android device, open up a QR code scanning app like QR Code Reader (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tw.mobileapp.qrcode.banner&hl=en_CA&gl=US).
  • Using the Android app, scan the QR code displayed on your iPhone. This will download the files directly to your Android device.

The benefit of using QR codes is that it allows wireless file transfer without the need for cables, cloud storage or email. As long as both devices are on the same WiFi network, you can quickly scan a code to download files from iPhone to Android.

Summary

There are several wireless methods available to easily transfer files from an iPhone to an Android device without needing a computer. You can upload files to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox and then access them from the Android device. Sending files through email is another simple option if the files are small. For larger files, you can use AirDrop if both devices support it. Dedicated file transfer apps like ShareIt can send files between devices quickly using WiFi Direct. Bluetooth can also be used for wireless file transfers between iPhone and Android. Scannable QR codes provide a fast way to share links, photos, and other files. Ultimately, wireless file transfers between iPhone and Android are straightforward with the right tools and methods.

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