Welcome to my guide on using Android and iOS devices side by side! As a long-time Android and iOS user, I’ve discovered many great ways to integrate these two ecosystems for maximum efficiency and convenience.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from syncing data between devices to using handy cross-platform apps.
You’ll learn tips and tricks for messaging, file sharing, app accessibility, and more.
Whether you’re an Android loyalist adding an iPad or switching from iPhone to Samsung, this guide will help you form a seamless connection between operating systems.
Let’s get started!
Introduction
Many households these days have a mix of Android and iOS devices.
While this can present some challenges, it is possible to use both platforms together fairly seamlessly with the right setup.
The key is finding apps, services, and features that work across both ecosystems.
The good news is that over the years, many popular apps have added cross-platform support.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram work great on both Android and iOS.
Streaming services like Netflix and Spotify let you pick up where you left off when switching devices.
And products like Dropbox and Google Drive make file sharing and cloud storage a breeze.
With some effort in getting things set up initially, you can reduce device friction and enable easy communication, photo sharing, calendar access, and more between your Android and iOS gadgets.
This guide will explore the best options currently available to integrate Android and iOS for a smooth experience.
Syncing Data and Accounts Between Android and iOS
One of the first steps in integrating Android and iOS is making sure your main accounts and data sync properly across devices.
This includes your main Google and Apple IDs, as well as email, contacts, calendar, photos, and files.
Here are the best options for keeping everything in sync:
Use Google Accounts on iOS
Your main Google account is key for many Android services.
Luckily, iOS supports adding Google accounts natively in Settings.
Log into your Google account on any iPhone or iPad to sync Gmail, contacts, calendars, photos, and more.
This gives you access to the same account data on both platforms.
Use iCloud on Android
Just like Google accounts on iOS, you can add your iCloud account to Android devices to sync email, contacts, calendars, notes, photos, and more from Apple services.
Set this up in Settings > Accounts on your Android phone.
Apps like Gmail can access iCloud data for a unified inbox.
Sync contacts with Google Contacts
To combine contacts from both platforms, make sure you sync all contacts to your Google account.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Contacts > Accounts and enable Contacts syncing to Google.
On Android, sync to your Google account in Settings.
Use Google Photos for unified photo backup
Backing up all device photos to Google Photos will make them accessible on any Android, iOS, or web device automatically.
Just install the app on all gadgets and enable backup.
Then you’ll have all the photos in one place.
Use Google Drive or Dropbox for cloud file access
Storing files in Google Drive or Dropbox allows instant access on all platforms.
Save important documents to the cloud rather than device storage for universal availability.
The drive has great integration with Docs for editing.
Check both calendars on each device
View your iCloud and Google calendars side-by-side on any phone or tablet.
Add both accounts to the native Calendar apps on iOS and Android to see all events in one place.
Or use a third-party calendar app with multi-calendar support.
Use a cross-platform password manager
Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden let you safely store login credentials and access them on any device or browser.
Their apps and auto-fill make logging into apps and sites easy on both Android and iOS.
Set up family-sharing
Apple’s Family Sharing and Google Family Link allow sharing apps, subscriptions, location, screen time, calendars, and more between family members across platforms.
Set them up for seamless cross-ecosystem integration.
Back up Android data with Google One
In addition to photos, use Google One for device backups, which saves SMS, apps, and settings.
This data can be restored when setting up a new Android device or switching from iOS.
The basic plan offers 100GB of storage for just $1.99/month.
By taking the time to set up unified accounts, contacts, calendars, photos, files, and more, you can reduce friction between devices and gain a transparent cross-platform experience.
Handling Messages Between Android and iOS
Messaging is one of the most important daily uses for smartphones.
Luckily, the top messaging apps provide Android and iOS compatibility for seamless communications.
Use WhatsApp for cross-platform messaging
WhatApp is the top choice for messaging across Android and iOS.
It uses your phone number for account setup.
Text, make calls, and use group chat on any device with the app installed.
WhatsApp also handles media sharing between platforms flawlessly.
Try Facebook Messenger for messaging and VoIP
Facebook Messenger is another great unified messaging option tying into your Facebook account.
It offers hassle-free texting, group chats, video calls, voice calls, and media sharing between Android and iOS devices.
Use Telegram for privacy-focused messaging
For secure communications, Telegram provides seamlessly synced messages across Android and iOS with end-to-end encryption.
It has streamlined group messaging features as well.
Like WhatsApp, it uses your phone number to set up accounts.
Text from your computer with Pushbullet and Join
Pushbullet and Join let you seamlessly text via your computer by syncing with an Android phone.
Receive and respond to SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, and other messages right from your PC or Mac.
Enable SMS forwarding to get messages everywhere
Forward SMS texts from your Android phone to services like Telegram to view and respond to messages on all devices.
Some Android messaging apps like Pulse support integrated SMS forwarding.
With the messaging apps above, you can easily communicate with the same contacts and groups using your Android or iOS phone.
Shared messaging history across devices makes picking up conversations a breeze when switching phones.
Transferring Files and Sharing Media
Getting photos, videos, and files from one device to another is key.
iOS and Android make it easy to transfer media locally with Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth.
For cloud sharing, the options below help move files seamlessly between operating systems.
AirDrop lets you wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and other files instantly between Apple devices.
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices, open the sharing menu, select AirDrop, and send to nearby iOS or Mac contacts.
Android Beam uses NFC to share files and links by tapping phones back-to-back.
Open sharing options on an Android device, enable NFC and Android Beam, select content, and tap devices together to transfer.
The Google Photos app gives you free unlimited high-quality photo backup for easy sharing across platforms.
Upload from your camera roll then share the link or album on iOS or Android.
Photos handle videos up to 1080p resolution as well.
Use Google Drive for large file transfer
Store files in Google Drive then share docs, images, videos, and other content via shared links, email, or messaging.
Drive handles large file sizes up to 5TB for each transfer.
Files are accessible anywhere instantly.
Try specialized apps like SHAREit
For local sharing, SHAREit uses Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files and apps between Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac.
Transfer big batches of photos, videos, music, documents, and more between platforms quickly without using the cloud.
Set up an FTP server on devices
Tools like FTP Server turn smartphones into wireless file servers for quick cross-platform transfer.
Enable the FTP server on one device, connect with a client app on the other, and upload/download at fast local speeds.
With the right apps and cloud services, you can move files seamlessly between Android and iOS for storage, viewing, editing, and sharing.
Accessing Cross-Platform Apps
While many big-name apps are available on both major mobile platforms, you may find specialty apps exclusive to just one ecosystem.
Luckily there are ways to run both Android and iOS apps on a single device for maximum compatibility.
Use emulators to run iOS apps on Android
Emulators like AndY and apps like iPadian create a virtual iOS environment to sideload and run iPhone and iPad apps on Android.
Performance varies, but popular apps generally work well.
Try Android emulators for iOS like Anbox
Similarly, Anbox emulates an Android environment within iOS to install APK app files not offered on the App Store.
It allows running Android apps directly on an iPhone or iPad.
Consider third-party app stores
Stores like Aptoide (Android) and TweakBox or AppValley (iOS) offer apps and games from both platforms sideloaded.
This gives access to exclusives missing from the official app stores.
Just be cautious of pirated content.
Request missing app support
If an important app you need is exclusive to one platform, try reaching out to the developer and requesting they add support for the other.
Many expand to iOS and Android after seeing demand.
With the rise of mobile gaming, accessing hit titles like Fortnite across both operating systems has become important for many users.
Using emulation and third-party stores can help fill app gaps between Android and iOS.
Staying Connected with Free Communication Tools
Your phone, tablet, and computer likely all use different messaging apps.
Below are some convenient ways to stay connected across multiple devices and operating systems for free.
Make VoIP calls with Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Skype
When your contacts are split across Android and iOS, VoIP call options in Messenger, WhatsApp, and Skype allow free voice and video chat between platforms using data or Wi-Fi.
Chat from any device with Slack or Discord
Slack and Discord provide free cross-platform messaging ideal for teams and gaming.
Their desktop, web, and mobile apps keep conversations synced across all your devices.
Make unlimited calls with Google Voice
Google Voice gives you a free phone number to make unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada, even internationally at low rates.
Works as an app on Android and iOS or from the web.
Never miss a call with Google Duo
Google Duo offers seamless video calling between Android and iOS.
Answer calls on any device; if you miss it, a recorded video message is left automatically.
Send SMS from any computer with Pushbullet
Pushbullet forwards notifications like texts from an Android phone to let you respond from any computer.
You can text contacts without your phone nearby.
Try real-time translation with Skype Translate
Skype Translate provides real-time voice translation during Skype calls for up to 10 people.
It enables seamless communication between languages and platforms.
With free communication tools, staying in touch with colleagues, family, and friends across mobile OSes and geographic regions is simple.
Mirroring Screens for Presentations
Need to run a presentation from your phone on a bigger screen? Cross-platform mirroring apps make this possible between iOS and Android devices.
Use Google Chromecast to cast your screen
Chromecast plugs into TVs or displays to mirror content from Android and iOS screens wirelessly.
Open the Chromecast app to mirror video, apps, and more in up to 1080p quality over Wi-Fi.
Try Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter
For universal screen mirroring, the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter lets you cast from Android and iOS to HDMI displays.
Share videos, docs, photos, browse the web, and more in up to full 1080p resolution.
Miracast with Windows PC and Android
Every Windows PC supports Miracast to wirelessly mirror Android phone and tablet screens.
After pairing over the same Wi-Fi network, your Android device’s display is duplicated on the computer.
Use AirPlay with Apple TV
Apple TV boxes allow AirPlaying content directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your television via Wi-Fi.
Great for sharing videos, photos, music, and mirroring games and apps.
Mirror Mac or Windows screen to iOS
Apps like AirScreen on iOS allow mirroring your Mac or Windows computer display to an iPhone or iPad.
Useful for monitoring desktop apps on the go.
Big screen mirroring enables easy visual presentation sharing across different brands and platforms.
Unlocking Smart Home Control
Controlling smart home devices like lights, locks, and appliances remotely is much easier when using Android and iOS devices together.
Use IFTTT applets for automation
The EFT service links together smart home brands like Phillips Hue, Nest, ecobee, and more.
Create applets that let iOS and Android devices trigger automated actions.
Try a platform-agnostic hub like SmartThings
SmartThings works with devices across brands and can be controlled by Android, iOS, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and more for whole-home automation.
Control appliances by voice
Voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri enable hands-free control of smart home devices from both Android phones and iPhones.
Simple voice commands let you turn on lights or start the Roomba.
Manage heating and cooling with Ecobee
Ecobee smart thermostats can be remote-controlled with the iOS and Android apps.
Adjust temperature, schedule, switch modes, and check live usage from anywhere.
Change settings instantly with real-time control
Apps for brands like LIFX, Nanoleaf, Yeelight, and TP-Link enable changing smart bulb colors, brightness, and more in real time from iOS or Android phones.
Binding devices together into one controllable ecosystem via mobile or voice allows for building a unified smart home across brands using both major platforms.
Accessing Files and Data
Need access to the documents, photos, videos, and other data on your smartphone while at your computer? These methods help bridge file access between devices.
Transfer files over USB
Plug your Android phone into a computer with a USB cable to access files for transfer.
For an iPhone, use iTunes Wi-Fi sync or a tool like AnyTrans to connect and manage files over USB.
Upload files from smartphones to Google Drive or Dropbox to access across devices or share public links.
Useful for accessing media, documents, and other data on the go.
Remotely access device storage
Apps like Documents by Readdle create a Wi-Fi server to access and manage files remotely on your smartphone from a laptop or tablet.
Works across iOS and Android.
Sync folders to your desktop
One-way sync tools like FolderSync (Android) or GoodSync (Mac/PC) mirror smartphone folders to your computer for instant access and backup.
Auto-sync photos, documents, and more in the background.
Back up smartphone data
Regularly back up contacts, SMS history, call logs, apps, and more to your computer to ensure nothing gets lost when switching devices or platforms.
Accessing all your smartphone data like photos, files, notes, and messages from your computer helps keep content synchronized across all your gadgets.
Syncing Logins and Passwords
Keeping logins and passwords in sync across mobile platforms relieves headaches when switching between devices.
Use a cross-platform password manager
Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden sync all your unique logins via the cloud.
Access the same secure password vault on mobile and desktop.
Autofill passwords with Google Smart Lock
Smart Lock by Google offers form auto-fill across Android and iOS apps using saved Google account credentials.
Easily log into Google services on mobile.
Sync browser passwords
Chrome and Firefox can sync bookmarks, passwords, and browser history between mobile and desktop for seamless access to sites on all your devices.
Use single sign-on when available
Many services like Google, Twitter, Amazon, and more support single sign-on.
Log in once on mobile or desktop using a centralized Google or Facebook account.
Enable automatic strong password generation
Using built-in password generation in password managers and mobile keyboards like Gboard creates unique, hard-to-crack passwords for each account.
With logins and passwords that sync securely, you can seamlessly jump between phones, tablets, and computers without losing website or app access.
Linking Multiple Email Accounts
Consolidating all your email inboxes across providers into one app makes managing messages easier.
Forward emails to a unified account
Forward incoming mail from old accounts into your main Gmail or Outlook inbox.
This consolidates multiple addresses into one while keeping the old accounts active.
Add accounts to the Gmail app
The Gmail mobile app supports viewing multiple email services in one place.
Just add accounts from Outlook, Yahoo, iCloud, Exchange, and more.
Set up account forwarding
Alternatively, set up forwarding on old accounts to automatically redirect messages to your primary email address for centralized viewing.
Use an aggregate app like Mixmax
Apps like Mixmax combine inboxes from Gmail, Office 365, and more into one interface.
It enables managing, searching, and engaging with email from multiple accounts in one spot.
Switch accounts with one tap
Both Gmail and Outlook apps allow easy switching between accounts with one tap from the side menu, allowing you to jump into other inboxes quickly.
Combining disparate inboxes into one app saves you from checking email in multiple places spread across Android and iOS.
Staying on the same page across your household or office regarding groceries, to-do lists, project goals, and quick notes requires keeping lists synchronized.
Sync with Google Keep
Google Keep provides unified note and list access on Android, iOS, and the web.
Color-code notes, add images, record voice reminders, and share lists securely.
Collaborate with Evernote
Evernote makes it simple for individuals or teams to edit shared notes, notebooks, and to-do lists from any device or platform.
Capture ideas and find information fast.
Manage tasks with Microsoft To-Do
Microsoft To-Do combines Wunderlist features with Outlook.
Share task lists, set reminders, organize projects, and more from iOS, Android, Mac, and PC.
Here is the continuation of the guide:
Stick notes anywhere with Stickies
Stickies HD synchronizes colorful sticky notes across iOS and Android via the cloud.
Jot down thoughts and share them anywhere.
Sync lists via Google Keep Chrome extension
The Google Keep Chrome extension lets you easily save links and snippets from the web to notes synced across your devices.
Clip web content to check out later on your phone.
Collaborate in real-time with Couple
The Couple app provides a shared workspace for real-time list-making, notes, reminders, media sharing, and messaging between partners and small groups.
Keeping notes and tasks synchronized between team members’ diverse mix of devices prevents confusion and ensures alignment.
Location Sharing for Families
Knowing your family members’ whereabouts provides peace of mind.
These apps facilitate location sharing between iOS and Android phones.
Find devices with Google Find My Device
Locate lost Android phones or tablets by signing into Find My Device.
See locations, make it ring, lock, or erase data remotely.
Track Apple devices with Find My Friends
Find My Friends lets you share locations privately and view them in real-time from Apple devices.
Useful for keeping tabs on kids’ whereabouts.
Check-in with Life360’s family circles
Life360’s app allows creating family circles for sharing locations, getting alerts when people arrive home, and more.
Available across mobile and desktop.
Glympse temporarily broadcasts real-time location data to approved friends and family until you turn to share off.
Share quick updates and trip progress.
Obtain peace of mind with Family Locator
Family Locator offers extensive family tracking features like geo-fencing alerts, emergency SOS, driving reports, and more for ultimate peace of mind.
Knowing exactly where kids or partners are at any time using integrated location-sharing apps like these can provide assurance.
Unified Family Calendars
Syncing family calendars between devices ensures everyone gets to the right place at the right time.
From iPhone Settings, enable calendar sharing from iCloud then copy the private link.
In Google Calendar, add the iCloud calendar using the link.
On Android, make your Google calendar public and copy the link.
In iPhone Settings, subscribe to the Google Calendar using the copied link.
Use a family calendar-sharing service
Apps like FamCal and Cozi provide tools for creating shared family calendars, task lists, grocery lists, and meal planners accessible across devices.
Schedule with integrated apps like Assistant
Google Assistant allows family members to review and add events to a household Google calendar by voice from any device.
Use color coding for individuals
Color code Google calendars for each family member then select Show All Calendars in Google Calendar apps to view merged events from different people by color.
Family calendars prevent double-booking events and enable coordination across household members using Android, iOS, and computer devices.
Splitting Costs with Friends
Keeping shared costs even between friends across iOS and Android can be tricky.
These apps make splitting bills and group payments a breeze.
Venmo handles splitting costs between friends directly from your bank account.
Request money or pay individuals back easily on Android and iOS.
Go halves with Google Pay
Google Pay allows sending and requesting payments between Android, iOS, and desktop.
Splitting shared meals or expenses takes just a couple of taps.
Divide expenses automatically with Splitwise
Splitwise tracks group expenses, balances shares owed, and reminds who needs to pay who back.
The app syncs across platforms.
Pay by photo with Scanbot
Scanbot scans and calculates totals from receipts, which you can divide by person and remind contacts to send payments.
PayPal lets you create a shared group fund that makes it easy to collect and distribute money for events, trips, gifts, or shared purchases.
Dividing costs between mixed tech friend groups should be hassle-free.
These payment apps simplify sharing and collecting payments across Android and iOS.
Bottom Line
While using Android and iOS devices together poses some challenges, with the right apps and cloud services, you can form a fairly seamless experience between operating systems.
Focus on finding cross-platform options for messaging, file sharing, account syncing, backups, passwords, email, and communication.
Set these solutions up properly, and you’ll forget about ecosystem barriers altogether!
At the end of the day, smartphone brands and models come and go, but your data lives in the cloud.
Back up regularly, use sync tools, don’t lock into one platform, and you’ll stay flexible to swap or integrate devices effortlessly as better technologies inevitably come along.
