8 Must-Know iPhone Tips for Ex-Android Users .

 

8 Must-Know iPhone Tips for Ex-Android Users

So you've finally made the jump. After years of customizing your Android home screen, installing third-party launchers, and enjoying the freedom of sideloading apps, you're now staring at that sleek iPhone in your hand wondering... where's the back button? Trust me, I've been there. When I switched from Android to iPhone a few years back, I spent the first week accidentally triggering Siri, desperately searching for a file manager, and texting my friends asking why my messages were suddenly green instead of blue.

Here's the thing about switching ecosystems — it's not just about learning new gestures or finding different settings. It's about rewiring years of muscle memory and understanding a completely different philosophy about how a phone should work. Android gives you the keys to the castle and says "do whatever you want." Apple hands you a beautifully designed experience and whispers "trust us, we've thought this through."

Neither approach is wrong, but the transition can feel jarring if you don't know what to expect. I've compiled the eight most important tips that would have saved me hours of frustration when I first switched. These aren't just basic tutorials — they're the "aha!" moments that helped me finally feel at home on iOS. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make your Android-to-iPhone transition as smooth as possible.

Tip 1: Master the Gesture Navigation (It's Different, But You'll Love It)

Let's address the elephant in the room first: where on earth is the back button? If you're coming from an Android phone, you've spent years reaching for that left arrow or swiping from the edge of the screen in a specific way. On iPhone, the navigation philosophy is fundamentally different, and honestly, once you get used to it, I think you'll find it more intuitive.

The home gesture is simple — swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go home. That little bar at the bottom of every screen? That's your cue. Swipe up and hold briefly to access the app switcher, where you can see all your open apps and swipe them away if needed. Want to switch between apps quickly? Swipe left or right along that bottom bar to jump between your most recently used apps. This one took me a week to discover, and I felt like I'd unlocked a superpower.

The "Back" Gesture That Android Users Miss

Now for the back button replacement. In most apps, you can swipe from the left edge of the screen toward the right to go back. It feels natural once you get the hang of it — kind of like turning a page backward. Some apps also have back arrows in the top-left corner that you can tap. The key difference from Android is that this gesture doesn't work system-wide in every single situation, so you'll need to look for visual cues in apps that handle navigation differently.

One thing that frustrated me initially was accidentally triggering the back gesture when I just wanted to scroll. The trick is to start your swipe from the very edge of the screen — the first couple of millimeters. If you start even slightly further in, iOS interprets it as a scroll instead. It takes a few days of practice, but eventually it becomes second nature.

Tip 2: Control Center Is Your New Best Friend

On Android, you had the notification shade with quick toggles. On iPhone, there's a clear separation between notifications and settings controls, and understanding this distinction will save you a lot of swiping around. Notifications come down from the top-left corner (or the left side of the notch area), while Control Center lives in the top-right corner.

Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen, and you'll find Control Center — your hub for quick settings. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, brightness, volume, flashlight, calculator, camera — it's all here. But here's what most new iPhone users don't realize: you can customize this panel to add the toggles you actually use.

Customizing Your Control Center

Head to Settings, then Control Center, and you'll see a list of available controls. I immediately added Screen Recording (super useful for saving videos from apps), Low Power Mode (because battery anxiety is real), and the Notes shortcut (for quick thoughts). You can also remove controls you never use — I'm looking at you, Voice Memos and Wallet toggles.

Pro tip that took me way too long to discover: you can long-press (or "3D Touch" on older iPhones) many of the Control Center icons for expanded options. Long-press the flashlight to adjust brightness. Long-press the timer to set a quick countdown. Long-press the music widget to see playback controls and output options. These hidden menus are everywhere once you start looking for them.

Tip 3: iCloud Isn't Optional (Embrace It or Manage It)

Coming from Android, you're probably used to Google's ecosystem — Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos backing up everything automatically. On iPhone, Apple really, really wants you to use iCloud for everything. And I'll be honest with you: resistance is somewhat futile, though not entirely impossible.

The first time you set up your iPhone, it's going to ask about iCloud. You get 5GB free, which fills up embarrassingly fast if you're backing up photos. My recommendation? Either commit to the Apple ecosystem and pay for more iCloud storage (50GB costs $0.99/₹75 per month, 200GB is $2.99/₹219 per month), or manually configure things to use your existing Google services instead.

Using Google Services on iPhone (Yes, It Works Great)

Here's something that surprised me: Google's apps work beautifully on iPhone. You can download Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, Google Calendar, and Google Maps from the App Store. They integrate quite well with iOS, and you can even set some of them as defaults now (more on that later). I personally run a hybrid setup — iCloud for device backups and some Apple-specific features, Google Photos for my camera roll, and Gmail for email.

To prevent your photos from eating up iCloud storage, go to Settings > Photos and turn off "iCloud Photos." Then download Google Photos and enable backup there instead. You'll get 15GB free with your Google account, and unlimited storage if you're willing to accept slightly compressed images.

Tip 4: The App Library Is iOS's Answer to Your App Drawer

One of my biggest frustrations when switching was the way iOS handled apps on the home screen. On Android, I could hide apps in the app drawer and keep my home screens clean and minimal. When I first got my iPhone, every single app I downloaded cluttered up my home screen. It drove me crazy.

Here's the good news: Apple finally introduced the App Library a few years back, and it's basically an intelligent app drawer that lives at the end of your home screen pages. Swipe left past your last home screen page, and you'll find all your apps automatically organized into smart folders — Social, Entertainment, Productivity, and so on. There's also a search bar at the top for quickly finding any app.

Keeping Your Home Screen Clean

The real game-changer is this: you can now download apps directly to the App Library without them appearing on your home screen at all. Go to Settings > Home Screen and select "App Library Only" under the "Newly Downloaded Apps" section. Now every new app you install goes straight to the Library, and you can manually add only the ones you want to your home screen.

You can also hide entire home screen pages. Long-press anywhere on your home screen until the apps start jiggling, then tap the dots above the dock. You'll see all your pages, and you can uncheck the ones you want to hide. Those apps still exist and remain in the App Library — they're just not cluttering up your main screens.

Tip 5: Change Your Default Apps (Finally!)

For years, one of the biggest complaints from Android switchers was that iOS forced you to use Safari for links and Mail for emails. Tap a link anywhere, and it would open in Safari regardless of your preferences. This was genuinely frustrating for those of us who preferred Chrome or Gmail.

The wonderful news is that Apple now lets you change default apps for browsing and email. It's not as comprehensive as Android's default app system — you can't, for example, set a default music player or map app for everything — but it's a massive improvement.

How to Change Your Default Browser and Email App

To set Chrome, Firefox, or another browser as your default: Open Settings, scroll down to find your preferred browser app, tap it, and look for "Default Browser App." Select your browser of choice, and now all links across iOS will open there instead of Safari.

The same process works for email. Find Gmail, Outlook, or your preferred email app in Settings, tap it, and select "Default Mail App." Now when you tap an email address anywhere on your phone, it'll open in your chosen app instead of Apple Mail.

I should mention that some Apple integration still defaults to Safari in certain situations — Siri suggestions and some widget behaviors, for example. It's not perfect, but it's miles better than the old "Safari or nothing" approach.

Tip 6: The Files App Is Your File Manager (Sort Of)

Android users love having access to the file system. Want to download a ZIP file, extract it, move some documents around, and organize everything into folders? Easy. On Android, you just open your file manager and do whatever you need. When I first got my iPhone, I was bewildered by the apparent lack of any file management system.

The Files app exists, and it's actually quite capable — you just need to know where to find it and understand its limitations. It comes pre-installed on every iPhone, and it lets you browse local storage, iCloud Drive, and even third-party cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Setting Up Files for Real Productivity

First, make sure you have the Files app on your home screen or know how to find it. Then, go into Settings within the Files app (tap Browse, then the three dots in the top corner) and enable all the cloud services you use. Once Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are connected, you can browse and manage those files directly from the Files app.

You can create folders, move files around, tag documents for easy searching, and even do basic things like unzip archives and view various file types. It's not as powerful as a full Android file manager, but it covers most normal use cases. Downloads from Safari go to a Downloads folder in iCloud Drive by default, which you can access from the Files app.

One thing that might frustrate you: some apps don't play nicely with the Files app, keeping their data siloed. iOS is more sandboxed than Android, which is great for security but occasionally annoying for file management. You'll adapt, but it's worth knowing upfront.

Tip 7: Keyboard Tricks That Will Speed Up Your Typing

The stock iOS keyboard takes some getting used to, especially if you were a Gboard or SwiftKey power user on Android. You might notice the lack of a number row, dedicated punctuation access, or swipe typing (though Apple did add swipe typing — they call it QuickPath — back in iOS 13). Let me share some tricks that made the iOS keyboard much more tolerable for me.

The Hidden Trackpad Feature

This one blew my mind when I discovered it. Long-press on the spacebar, and the keyboard transforms into a trackpad. You can then slide your finger around to precisely position the cursor anywhere in your text. No more trying to tap exactly between two letters to make an edit — just hold the spacebar and glide to where you need to be. I use this feature daily, and it's honestly faster than any cursor control I had on Android.

Quick Access to Numbers and Symbols

Instead of tapping the "123" button, typing a number, and then tapping back, try this: press and hold the "123" button, slide your finger to the number or symbol you need, then release. The keyboard automatically bounces back to letters. Same thing works with the shift key for quick capitals. It's a small thing, but it makes typing so much faster.

You can also add text replacements for phrases you type often. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. I have "@@" set to type my email address, "addr" for my home address, and a few others for common phrases. These sync across all your Apple devices via iCloud, which is genuinely handy.

Third-Party Keyboards Still Exist

If you really can't live without Gboard, SwiftKey, or another keyboard you loved on Android, you can install them from the App Store. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard to enable them. Fair warning though: third-party keyboards on iOS can be glitchy and don't work in password fields or some secure text areas. I tried Gboard for a while but eventually committed to learning the stock keyboard, and now I actually prefer it.

Tip 8: Face ID Etiquette and Hidden Features

If you're coming from an Android phone with a fingerprint sensor, Face ID takes some adjustment. You can't just tap the sensor while looking at your phone on the desk — you need to actually pick it up and look at it. But once you understand how Face ID works and discover its less obvious features, you might actually prefer it.

Making Face ID Work Better for You

Face ID learns your face over time, so it should get more reliable as you use it. But if you wear glasses sometimes and not other times, or if you've significantly changed your appearance, you can add an alternative appearance. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and tap "Set Up an Alternative Appearance." I added my face with glasses on, and recognition improved noticeably.

Face ID works with masks now too — this was a huge pain point during the pandemic years. In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, enable "Face ID with a Mask" and it'll focus on the area around your eyes. It's slightly less secure but way more convenient.

Attention-Aware Features

There's a setting called "Require Attention for Face ID" that makes the unlock process more secure — your eyes must be open and looking at the phone. But this also powers some other cool features. The alarm and ringtone volume will automatically lower when you're looking at your screen (because you've clearly noticed). Notifications will show content on your lock screen only after Face ID recognizes you.

If you find Face ID too slow or you keep it in a cradle at your desk, know that you can still use your passcode anytime by swiping up and tapping "Enter Passcode" or just by entering it when Face ID fails. Unlike some Android phones that can get stuck in an unlock loop, iPhone always gives you the passcode option.

Bonus Tips: Quick Wins That Made My Life Easier

I can't help but share a few extra tips that didn't fit into the main eight but are absolutely worth knowing:

• Back Tap: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can set double-tap or triple-tap on the back of your phone to trigger actions like taking a screenshot, opening the camera, or activating a shortcut. I have double-tap set to take screenshots, and it's way easier than the button combination.
• Shake to Undo: Made a typing mistake? Shake your phone and it'll offer to undo your last action. It feels silly, but it works.
• Screenshot Markup: After taking a screenshot, tap the thumbnail that appears in the corner. You can immediately crop, annotate, and share it without opening another app. This workflow is actually smoother than what I had on Android.
• Safari Reader Mode: Tap the "AA" button in Safari's address bar and select "Show Reader" to strip away ads and clutter from articles. Long-press it to automatically enable Reader Mode on specific sites.
• Quick Settings Search: Pull down Spotlight search and type any setting name. You'll get a direct link to that settings page. Way faster than navigating through menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my WhatsApp messages from Android to iPhone?

Yes, you can! WhatsApp now has an official transfer feature that works through Apple's Move to iOS app during the initial iPhone setup. It moves your chat history, photos, videos, and voice messages. You'll need to factory reset your iPhone if you've already set it up, so it's best to do this during your initial setup process. The transfer happens over a direct Wi-Fi connection between your devices.

Why do my texts show up green instead of blue when messaging some friends?

Blue bubbles mean you're using iMessage, Apple's messaging system that works between Apple devices and includes features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. Green bubbles mean you're sending regular SMS/MMS texts, which happens when you're messaging someone on Android. There's nothing wrong with green bubbles — they're just standard text messages. iMessage is only available between Apple users.

How do I customize widgets on my iPhone home screen?

Long-press on an empty area of your home screen until the apps jiggle, then tap the "+" button in the top-left corner. You'll see all available widgets organized by app. Select a widget, choose your preferred size, and tap "Add Widget." You can then drag it to your desired position. Some widgets, like the Smart Stack, let you swipe through multiple widgets in one spot. Long-press a widget to access its specific settings or edit options.

Can I use my old Android charger with iPhone?

It depends on your iPhone model and charger. iPhone 15 and later models use USB-C, so if your Android charger has a USB-C port, it should work. Older iPhones use Apple's Lightning connector, which won't work with USB-C cables. You'll need either a Lightning cable or a new USB-C cable depending on your iPhone model. As for the power adapter, any USB power adapter should work as long as you have the right cable — but Apple recommends 20W or higher for fast charging.

How do I take screenshots on iPhone?

On iPhone models with Face ID (no home button), press the Side button and Volume Up button simultaneously. On older iPhones with a home button, press the Home button and Side button together. The screenshot appears as a thumbnail in the corner — tap it to edit and share, or swipe it away to save it to your Photos. You can also use the Back Tap accessibility feature to take screenshots by double-tapping the back of your phone.

Where is the call recording feature on iPhone?

I'll be honest with you — iOS doesn't have a built-in call recording feature, and third-party apps are very limited in this regard due to privacy restrictions. This is one area where Android has a clear advantage. If you need to record calls on iPhone, you'll need external solutions like speakerphone with a separate recording device, or third-party services that use conference calling. Always ensure you have consent from all parties before recording any calls, as laws vary by location.

How do I split my screen to use two apps at once?

Unfortunately, iPhone doesn't support split-screen multitasking the way Android does. The closest feature is Picture-in-Picture, which lets you watch videos in a small floating window while using other apps. Some apps also support Slide Over-style features within their own interfaces. If split-screen multitasking is essential to your workflow, this is one of the trade-offs of switching to iPhone. iPad has full split-screen support, but iPhone doesn't offer this functionality.

Can I install apps from outside the App Store?

Traditionally, no — iPhone requires all apps to come from the App Store unless you jailbreak your device, which I wouldn't recommend. However, recent regulatory changes in the European Union now allow alternative app stores on iPhones in that region. If you're in the EU, you may have more options. For most users worldwide, the App Store remains the only legitimate source for apps. This limitation is part of Apple's security-focused approach, which has trade-offs in terms of flexibility.

Embracing the iPhone Experience

Switching from Android to iPhone is genuinely a transition, not just a one-day learning curve. Some things will feel intuitive right away, while others might take weeks to feel natural. I spent my first month occasionally reaching for buttons that didn't exist and expecting features that iOS handles differently. That's completely normal.

What I've found after living with both platforms is that they each have genuine strengths. Android offers unmatched flexibility and customization. iPhone offers a polished, cohesive experience where everything just works together seamlessly. Neither is objectively "better" — they're just different philosophies. Your job now is to learn the iOS way of doing things so you can take full advantage of what your new iPhone offers.

Give yourself grace during this transition. You're not just learning new gestures — you're unlearning years of Android habits. The tips I've shared here will accelerate that process, but don't be frustrated if it takes time. Before long, you'll be navigating your iPhone without even thinking about it, and you might even discover that you prefer some of these new ways of doing things. Welcome to the iOS world — I hope you enjoy it here!

Disclosure:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Images are sourced from Unsplash as noted. Apple, iPhone, iOS, iCloud, and other Apple product names are trademarks of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Prices mentioned (such as iCloud subscription costs) may vary by region and are subject to change. Features described are based on iOS 17 and may differ in other versions. We encourage readers to verify current information from official sources before making decisions.