Can you use a Galaxy watch with an iPhone? And other tips, tricks, and what actually works between Android and iOS devices

Why you can trust our guide on how to connect Android devices with iOS and vice versa

If we’re being honest with ourselves and you, there is no shortage of “how-to” content online. However, just because there’s a lot of this content doesn’t mean it's all reliable. In fact, we’ve found that when it comes to bridging the Android-iPhone divide, much of the information being shared is either outdated, incomplete, or full of unnecessary steps that lead you nowhere fast. Fortunately, if you’re looking into how to connect Android devices with iOS and vice versa, or want answers to questions like "can you connect a Samsung watch to an iPhone” and “can AirPods connect to a Samsung,” we can help.  

Our team of tech experts at Back Market works with both ecosystems daily. Our platform features thousands of expertly refurbished Android and iOS devices, each of which undergoes extensive diagnostics, cleaning, and resets, and when necessary, pairing. That means we don’t just read about compatibility; we test it repeatedly in real life to make your life easier. 

The bottom line is that our team isn’t here to sell you items that don’t work or provide misinformation. So you can trust that, with our knowledge of these devices and their respective platforms, we can show you exactly how to sync, share, and connect devices across them.  

With our refurbishment knowledge and experience, you're in good hands when it comes to learning how to connect Android devices with iOS and vice versa.  

Summary: Connecting Android devices with iOS and vice versa 

Connecting across Android and iOS is possible and easy when you use the right tools. Before we get started though, it’s worth noting that these platforms have limited compatibility with wearables (watch out here, literally). Otherwise, here are the essentials you’ll need: 

1. Snapdrop and Send Anywhere for file sharing. 

2. Google sync to carry contacts and calendars over. 

3. Bluetooth pairing for accessories like AirPods and Samsung watches. 

Troubleshooting: How to make Android and iOS work together 

Below, our team walks you through five specific ways to sync, share, and stay connected between Android and iOS devices. Whether you’re trying to message across systems or make your accessories cooperate, these steps should help. 

1. Use Snapdrop or Send Anywhere to connect and transfer 

If you want to transfer files between an Android and an iPhone and you dislike wrestling with multiple cables or cloud storage, you should try the Snapdrop or Send Anywhere apps to cut down on the hassle. Here is how to use each one:  

• You can use Snapdrop instantly via your browser. All you need to do is open it on both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network and drag your files across. With Snapdrop, there is no need for downloaded applications.  

• Those who love to use dedicated tools for their tech needs can use Send Anywhere. This tool allows file sharing using a six-digit key or QR code through a web browser or an app.  

Both options are easy and bypass platform restrictions, allowing you to move photos, documents, and videos. They might not be brand-specific tools or methods, but they work; trust us. 

2. Sync Google Account on iPhone 

If you use an Android device and want to sync your Google account on an iPhone, it's not an overly complicated process. This cross-platform connection allows you to transfer your Google data instead of leaving it behind when you switch devices.  

To add your Google account to your iPhone and sync your contacts, emails, and calendars so that you don't need to manually put everything in again, you need to do the following on your iPhone:  

• Go to Settings and navigate to Mail. 

• Once in the Mail menu, navigate to Passwords & Accounts.  

• In the Account menu, select Add Account and choose Google.  

• After choosing Google, sign in with your email address and password, and toggle what you want to sync. 

Pro tip: This method won’t allow you to sync apps or SMS texts, but it works for core essentials. Also, if you enable your Google Calendar, it will appear in the native iOS Calendar app.

3. Pair AirPods with a Samsung Phone 

Don’t let the haters tell you otherwise. It is indeed possible to connect your AirPods to a Samsung phone. In fact, it's as easy as connecting any Bluetooth earbuds. All you need to do is this:  

• Open your AirPods case. 

• Press and hold the button on the back until the light blinks white.  

• Navigate to your Samsung phone's Bluetooth settings when the light is white.  

• In the Bluetooth settings menu, tap to connect.  

That’s all it takes to connect your AirPods to your Android device. However, you need to keep in mind that you won't get any of the iOS-only perks when connected to an Android phone. For example, you won’t be able to use spatial audio or auto-pause. Still, you’ll enjoy solid sound quality and a reliable mic, so it's not all doom and gloom.  

4. Connect a Samsung Watch to an iPhone

We hate to say it, but connecting an Android watch like a ​​Samsung Watch to an iPhone can be tricky. This is because not all (in fact, very few) Android-based watches are compatible with the Apple ecosystem.  

In our experience during refurbishments and testing cross-platform capabilities, we’ve found that older Samsung watches like the Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2 work with iPhones since they run on Tizen OS software. This software works with iPhones via the Samsung Galaxy Watch app. Here’s how you will try to connect:  

• Open the app on your iPhone and tap the Start The Journey option.  

• Tap your watch from the available list.  

• Once you’ve clicked your watch, wait for it to pair. If it pairs successfully, you can use it on your iPhone.  

Unfortunately, if you have anything newer, like the Galaxy Watch4 or later, don’t expect it to connect to your iPhone. When Samsung switched to Wear OS technology, iOS support dropped.  

Pro tip: While basic pairings will work with older Samsung watches, features like health data syncing and notification responses will not, so carefully consider this when you are deciding on your next smart watch if you need to pair it with an Apple ecosystem.  

After connecting, consider a refurbished device that does both 

If you constantly switch between Android and iOS, you might want a device that works well with both. A refurbished Pixel or iPhone from Back Market could be the sweet spot. We can confidently say that these phones work well with both ecosystems since they offer high performance, reliable updates, and are tested for day-to-day cross-platform use. 

 Additionally, should you decide against the need for cross compatibility, you can buy any of our other phones that work well in their respective ecosystems. All of our phones undergo tests against a 30-point checklist and come with a one-year warranty. It’s a smart way to upgrade without overpaying while getting exactly what you want. 

Trade in your old phone — make the switch smoother 

If this guide helped you connect your devices, why not take it further and upgrade? Our trade-in program lets you turn your old tech into credit or cash to the tune of up to $700, and we’ll also take care of the shipping. 

The best part? We don’t just resell. We refurbish. Your old phone gets a new lease on life instead of ending up in a landfill alongside around 5.3 billion other e-waste items, which is better for the planet and for whoever ends up with it next.  

If you’re curious about where to buy Android and ​​Apple devices that allow cross-platform connectivity, you’ll want to look at the information below.  

We’ve detailed where you can buy AirPods, Samsung watches, iPhones, and Samsung devices, and the prices to expect for new devices vs. refurbished ones.  

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication – these are subject to change. 

Final thoughts  

Linking Android with iOS doesn’t have to feel like decoding ancient tech scrolls. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide at your side, your devices can work together without the usual turf war. 

And if you're ready to stop fighting with your phone altogether, you know where to find us. Back Market has quality refurbished iPhones, Samsung phones, and more, without the markup or contracts. In addition, our convenient trade-in program and our commitment to environmental consciousness make us an even better choice, at least in our eyes.