Got your eye on a new Android handset, but not sure how bad the plunge from your current iPhone will be? Fear not. The process is actually bearable if you know what to expect. Here are some useful tips to get you started on your conversion from iOS to Android.
Get a Gmail account
If you want a Google-powered phone, it makes sense to have a Gmail account if you don't already. This will give you access to the useful Google Hangouts instant messenger and Google Play, which is where you will download new content from.
A Gmail account also has the added benefit of making it much easier if you ever upgrade to another Android device, as the content will transfer over.
Import contacts and calendar
Obviously, you want all your contacts and calendar information to be transferred to your new Android handset. One way to do this is to go into the Settings menu on your iPhone, then select 'Mail, Contacts and Calendars'.
When prompted to set up a Microsoft Exchange account, do so. During the process, enter your email address and login information, then enter a ME server domain if you use one - otherwise leave the entry blank.
Then, choose 'Server' and add 'm.google.com' in the 'ME server address' field. Finally, choose what you want to import and press 'Accept'.
Alternatively, you can use iTunes. Plug in your iPhone and run iTunes. Select your iPhone under the tab marked 'Info' and choose 'Sync Contacts With'. There should be an option to select 'Google Contacts'. Select this and you will then be asked to enter your Google Mail login details.
Whichever route you take, a quick look on the Google Contacts page should confirm if your contacts have been registered by Google.
Save your media
When your iPhone is connected and mounted as an external drive, it will show up on your computer or load a prompt screen. Locate the device and navigate to the correct files. Copy the files you want to the desktop to make them easy to find. Backing up beforehand is also sensible, just in case something goes wrong during the transfer process.
Next, connect your Android device and find it where you located the iPhone - note that in Windows 8, for example, a connected device will come up under 'This PC' on the left. Images and videos need to be copied and pasted into the DCIM folder - or cut and pasted if you prefer not to have a digital backup on your machine. Music goes into the 'Music' folder.
Safely disconnect your Android phone from your computer once you're done.
Another way to transfer your music collection involves the use of a desktop application called doubleTwist, or OSX users can take advantage of the free Android File Transfer Utility.
Say goodbye to iTunes
Speaking of music, when using an Android device, you are unable to sync your collection with iTunes. Therefore, you may want to set yourself up with a new music client. For the sake of ease, Google Play Music is a good choice for an Android phone.
Google Play Music allows you to upload up to 20,000 tracks into the cloud, making it possible to access your collection wherever you have a data connection - be that via a smartphone, tablet or within an internet browser. You will need to add a credit card during the sign-up process, but the basic service is free to use. Extra services available for a fee - beyond conventional downloads - include a monthly streaming 'All Access' pass.
Turn off iMessage on your old iPhone
It seems strange, but forgetting to turn off iMessage on your iPhone can stop messages coming through on your new Android device. To do this, go into the 'Messages' section of the Settings menu, and then switch iMessage to the off position. Do this on any other iOS devices you might own, such as an iPad.
Swap over your SIM card
Depending on the smartphone you are upgrading to, you may need a micro SIM adapter. Be sure to get one before the new handset arrives so you can start using it right away. Turn both devices off. Once off, simply transfer the SIM card from your iPhone to the Android phone and then turn on the latter.
Get your Android phone up and running
Once you've transferred all your data over and feel happy to start, it's time to get your Android phone up to speed. Switch it on and work your way though the on-screen instructions.
One of the most important steps is connecting to Wi-Fi. If your SIM card is yet to be inserted, you will need a Wi-Fi connection to add your Gmail account - a key step in the Android setup process.
To save a lot of hassle during setup, if your router is in a hard to reach place, take a photo of the Wi-Fi login credentials - usually located on the back of the device - with your old iPhone.
Now complete the remainder of the setup as per the instructions. Once setup is complete, you can start embracing the highly customisable world of Android. Remember, widgets are your friend, and launcher apps will help you create a user interface tailored to your needs. Enjoy.
Get a Gmail account
If you want a Google-powered phone, it makes sense to have a Gmail account if you don't already. This will give you access to the useful Google Hangouts instant messenger and Google Play, which is where you will download new content from.
A Gmail account also has the added benefit of making it much easier if you ever upgrade to another Android device, as the content will transfer over.
© Google
Gmail app for iOS 7
Import contacts and calendar
Obviously, you want all your contacts and calendar information to be transferred to your new Android handset. One way to do this is to go into the Settings menu on your iPhone, then select 'Mail, Contacts and Calendars'.
When prompted to set up a Microsoft Exchange account, do so. During the process, enter your email address and login information, then enter a ME server domain if you use one - otherwise leave the entry blank.
Then, choose 'Server' and add 'm.google.com' in the 'ME server address' field. Finally, choose what you want to import and press 'Accept'.
Alternatively, you can use iTunes. Plug in your iPhone and run iTunes. Select your iPhone under the tab marked 'Info' and choose 'Sync Contacts With'. There should be an option to select 'Google Contacts'. Select this and you will then be asked to enter your Google Mail login details.
Whichever route you take, a quick look on the Google Contacts page should confirm if your contacts have been registered by Google.
Save your media
When your iPhone is connected and mounted as an external drive, it will show up on your computer or load a prompt screen. Locate the device and navigate to the correct files. Copy the files you want to the desktop to make them easy to find. Backing up beforehand is also sensible, just in case something goes wrong during the transfer process.
Next, connect your Android device and find it where you located the iPhone - note that in Windows 8, for example, a connected device will come up under 'This PC' on the left. Images and videos need to be copied and pasted into the DCIM folder - or cut and pasted if you prefer not to have a digital backup on your machine. Music goes into the 'Music' folder.
Safely disconnect your Android phone from your computer once you're done.
Another way to transfer your music collection involves the use of a desktop application called doubleTwist, or OSX users can take advantage of the free Android File Transfer Utility.
Say goodbye to iTunes
© Google
Google Play Music allows you to upload 20,000 tracks into cloud storage
Speaking of music, when using an Android device, you are unable to sync your collection with iTunes. Therefore, you may want to set yourself up with a new music client. For the sake of ease, Google Play Music is a good choice for an Android phone.
Google Play Music allows you to upload up to 20,000 tracks into the cloud, making it possible to access your collection wherever you have a data connection - be that via a smartphone, tablet or within an internet browser. You will need to add a credit card during the sign-up process, but the basic service is free to use. Extra services available for a fee - beyond conventional downloads - include a monthly streaming 'All Access' pass.
Turn off iMessage on your old iPhone
It seems strange, but forgetting to turn off iMessage on your iPhone can stop messages coming through on your new Android device. To do this, go into the 'Messages' section of the Settings menu, and then switch iMessage to the off position. Do this on any other iOS devices you might own, such as an iPad.
Swap over your SIM card
© Digital Spy
Samsung's new Galaxy S5
© Google
Google's Nexus 5 phone
Depending on the smartphone you are upgrading to, you may need a micro SIM adapter. Be sure to get one before the new handset arrives so you can start using it right away. Turn both devices off. Once off, simply transfer the SIM card from your iPhone to the Android phone and then turn on the latter.
Get your Android phone up and running
Once you've transferred all your data over and feel happy to start, it's time to get your Android phone up to speed. Switch it on and work your way though the on-screen instructions.
One of the most important steps is connecting to Wi-Fi. If your SIM card is yet to be inserted, you will need a Wi-Fi connection to add your Gmail account - a key step in the Android setup process.
To save a lot of hassle during setup, if your router is in a hard to reach place, take a photo of the Wi-Fi login credentials - usually located on the back of the device - with your old iPhone.
Now complete the remainder of the setup as per the instructions. Once setup is complete, you can start embracing the highly customisable world of Android. Remember, widgets are your friend, and launcher apps will help you create a user interface tailored to your needs. Enjoy.