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For the last several years, there has been an ongoing debate in the technology world over which is better: Apple or Android. While Apple users are convinced there’s nothing quite like a top of the line iPhone, Androids have proven to be fierce competition. Not only is the Android operating system available on a wide array of devices, but these devices also tend to give you more for your money than Apple products. Many of Android’s most powerful devices have better specs, such as clearer cameras, better screen resolution, and faster, more powerful processors.
As a result, many Apple users have decided to give Android devices a try. However, many people may not know how to switch devices, and there is a bit of learning curve when using a phone with a different operating system. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make sure your transition from Apple to Android is as smooth as possible. Keep reading for the complete guide to switching from Apple to Android.
Look for Cell Phone Trade-In Programs
Although two-year contracts have essentially become a thing of the past, many customers may still feel locked into using their iPhones because of leasing programs. Although leasing your phone requires you to make a certain number of payments before you own the phone, you might be able to trade your device in and switch to an Android phone.
For example, T-Mobile has a trade-in phone program that allows customers to exchange their iPhones for credit toward buying an Android device. If you go this route, you’ll also have access to the nation’s fastest network.
Get Familiar with Google
It goes without saying that the feeling of starting over can be one of the most stressful things about getting a new phone. Planning ahead to make sure all of your important information is moved from one device to the next is very important.
Android devices often come fully loaded with Google Drive and other Google-based applications. It’s important that you do some research on the different Google services so that you’re not completely blindsided when you get an Android device.
Before switching from an iPhone to an Android, you should get familiar with Google Drive. This platform will allow you to easily sync and transfer things like contacts, images, and calendars from your iPhone to your Android.
Get a Gmail Account
If you don’t currently have a Gmail email account, you’ll definitely want to consider creating one to use with your Android device. Your Gmail account will essentially play the same role on your Android device that your Apple ID played on your Apple device.
Although a Gmail account isn’t required to use the phone’s basic features, it is required if you want to use any of Google’s services.
Think About Which Apps You Want
Unfortunately, there is no way to transfer your apps from an iPhone to an Android, so you’ll have to be mindful of which apps you’ll need to re-download when you get your new device. The good news is that many (if not all) of the apps you loved on your iPhone will be available on your Android, as well.
If you have a lot of apps, think about which ones you’d like to have on your Android device. The process of downloading apps on your Android will be similar to what your experiences with your iPhone. All you’ll have to do is acess the Google Play Store and search for any app you wish to download.
Turn Off Your iMessage
Since iMessage was introduced, there have been several reports of people who have switched from Apple devices having difficulty receiving messages from current Apple users. In lots of instances, the messages fail to send altogether, which has been a big source of frustration for many people who have switched from Apple to Android.
In order to help you eliminate this problem, it’s important that you go to your iPhone’s settings and turn your iMessage off before getting your Android phone.
Switching from Apple to Android may seem overwhelming, but that doesn’t have to be the case. You’ll likely discover that transferring your contacts, photos, and other information is simple and seamless. Once you switch from an Apple to an Android, you may find that it’s one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
