Making the Switch from Apple to Android? Be Prepared!

With so many options that don’t cost $800, the Android mobile OS gains more customers every day. If you were a dedicated iPhone user that is looking to switch to Android, you have to be cognizant of the things you will need to ensure that you are able to transfer the information you need, and be able to seamlessly pick up your new device without missing a beat. Here are some issues you should consider:

Applications
Apps are a big part of mobile computing; and, are surely important to you. Fortunately for the new Android user, they feature two of the largest app stores going. Both Google Play and the Amazon App Store feature thousands of useful Android applications, many of which are virtually the same as the app found on the Apple App Store. You will want to go through your phone and make a list of the apps you use the most and make certain that when you do switch, that the app is available for Android phones.

This may even give you the chance to consolidate the apps you use on your device. Since you will have to purchase all your paid apps that you want on a different platform, it becomes important that you have a strategy in mind when you switch as to not put too much financial pressure on yourself.

The Deactivation of iMessage
Once you’ve got your phone set up and your apps installed, you have to ensure that your messaging is on point. Since Apple’s iMessage utilizes a Wi-Fi connection (which isn’t the case with Android), you will not be able to receive texts from iPhones until iMessage is completely deactivated. Fortunately, Apple provides a tutorial on how to accomplish this. Once this is finished you should be fine to get SMS from people with iPhones.

Transfer Your Information
Transferring your data from one platform to another isn’t very easy, but users going from iOS to Android can make it simpler by using Google Drive. Here are the steps you have to take:

1. Install and sign into Google Drive on your Apple device.
2. Go to Menu > Settings > Backup and save all the data you need from the Apple device to Google Drive.
3. You can then back up everything by clicking Start Backup. It will give you options on what you want to take and what you don’t mind leaving behind.

It seems simple, but this is an extraordinarily lengthy process, so keep the iPhone plugged in, and Wi-Fi on. Once you have your new Android device, all you have to do is sign in to Google Drive and you’ll have all the information you need. Simply download it and you are ready to roll.

What was the determining factor in your switch to Android? Would you continue to use Apple devices if their prices dropped? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.