How to Move Everything to a New Phone: iPhone and Android Transfer Steps

A new phone under the tree is only half a gift. The other half is moving your photos, messages, apps and settings without losing anything. Both Apple and Google build a transfer tool into setup, and it works best when you plan a few minutes ahead. Here is how it works on each platform, plus what to do with the old phone afterward.

Before You Start

Back up the old phone first. Apple says to have a backup of your device before you begin, and to have your Apple Account password ready.
Charge both phones, or keep them plugged in. Apple recommends keeping both devices near each other and plugged in until the transfer finishes.
Use Wi-Fi if you can. Google says an internet connection is needed on both Android phones and recommends Wi-Fi.
Sort out the SIM. Move your SIM card or eSIM to the new phone, or contact your carrier if the new phone needs a different SIM.
Update the old phone to the latest software. Apple’s Quick Start page says to update both iPhones first.

iPhone to iPhone

Apple offers three routes: Quick Start (a direct transfer between the two phones), an iCloud backup, and a computer backup. Quick Start works with an iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, iPadOS 13 or later. It ties up both devices while it runs, so pick a time when you will not need the old phone.

Option 1: Quick Start

On the old iPhone, make sure Wi-Fi is connected and Bluetooth is on. Unlock it and stay on the Home Screen.
Turn on the new iPhone and place it next to the old one. Follow the onscreen prompts. If the prompt disappears from the old phone, restart both.
Connect the new phone to Wi-Fi or cellular, and activate cellular service if asked.
Set up Face ID or Touch ID when prompted.
Choose how to transfer. “Download from iCloud” lets apps and data arrive in the background, so you can use the phone right away. “Transfer directly from the previous device” means waiting until it finishes on both phones.
Keep the phones close and plugged in until the migration completes. Apple says the time varies with your network and how much data you have.

If you would rather use a cable, Apple has a wired option. Between two iPhone 15 or later models, that is a USB-C to USB-C charge cable. From an iPhone 14 or earlier to an iPhone 15 or later, use a USB-C to Lightning cable.

Option 2: Restore From an iCloud Backup

If the old phone is not handy, or already gone, turn on the new iPhone until you reach the “Apps & Data” screen and tap “Restore from iCloud Backup.” Sign in with your Apple Account and choose a backup, checking its date and size. Then stay on Wi-Fi and plugged in. Apple notes that the restore time depends on backup size and network speed, and that photos, music and apps may keep downloading after setup.

Option 3: Restore From a Mac or PC

On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, open Finder. On a Windows 10 or later PC, open the Apple Devices app. Connect the new iPhone with a USB cable, select it, click “Restore Backup,” and pick the most recent backup. Enter the password if the backup is encrypted, and keep the phone connected until it restarts and syncs.

Android to Android

Google’s transfer tool runs during setup of the new phone, and the company says you can do the transfer only once, so do not skip it by accident. Allow anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much you have.

Turn on the new phone and tap Start.
Connect to Wi-Fi, or insert your SIM or download an eSIM.
Tap Copy to copy apps and data.
Cable method (Google’s recommended option): follow the prompts to connect the two phones with a cable, then tap Copy on the old phone. Signing in to your Google Account gives a more complete transfer. Choose what to copy and tap Copy again.
Wireless method, if you have no compatible cable: on the new phone tap “No cable,” then “Next” at “Transfer wirelessly,” and enter the PIN shown on the old phone. On the old phone, open the Google app, search for “set up my device,” and follow the prompts.

If your old phone is not available, you can restore from a Google backup instead. Tap Next at the copy prompt, then choose “Cable doesn’t fit” or “No adapter?” at the bottom left. A backup only exists if backup was turned on on the old phone. Samsung phones also have their own tool, Smart Switch, which Google’s page points to.

What Android Does Not Copy

Google lists several things that do not come across during setup: downloads such as PDFs, photos and music in hidden folders, apps not from the Google Play Store, data from apps that do not use Android backup, ringtones, and accounts or contacts synced to services other than Google. WhatsApp chats restore from the cloud only if you turned on WhatsApp backup on the old phone.

If the Transfer Stalls

Cable not recognized: unplug and replug it at both ends, try a different cable, and clean debris from the old phone’s charging port. If that fails, use the wireless method.
Stuck for more than 15 minutes (Android): tap Stop copying, then check which data made it.
Not enough space on the new Android phone: choose fewer data types, or leave photos out and let Google Photos sync them later.
Battery died partway: recharge both and try again.

Before You Trade In or Wipe the Old Phone

Check that photos, messages and apps made it to the new phone before you erase anything. Apple’s path for iOS 15 or later is Settings, then General, then Transfer or Reset [Device], then Erase All Content and Settings. Apple points to a separate page for steps to take before selling or giving away a device, and I did not read it, so check that page for the sign-out steps. Google’s transfer pages do not give a factory-reset path for the old phone, so use your phone maker’s own instructions.

Welcome to Contoh

Welcome to Contoh

Welcome to Contoh

Welcome to Contoh

Canceling a Subscription Should Be as Easy as Signing Up

Producer Prices Rose 0.3% in October, and the 12-Month Rate Hit 6.5%, the Highest Since 2022