Complete guide to setting up your new phone from an old device

Transferring all your apps, photos, messages, and settings from your old smartphone to a brand new device can feel daunting. With phones containing so much of our daily lives—from cherished memories to crucial contacts—making sure nothing is left behind is a top priority. Thankfully, both Android and iOS systems have made significant strides in simplifying this process, especially in recent years. If you’re getting ready to switch to a new phone, or simply researching what to expect, you’re in the right place.

Let’s walk through every essential step, tip, and best practice for moving your data from an old phone to a new one. Whether you’re upgrading or just replacing a device, you’ll soon feel right at home on your new phone—without missing a thing. From official tools to must-know details about what does or doesn’t transfer, we’ll cover everything you need to set up your new device smoothly and confidently.

Why Transferring Your Data Matters

When you change smartphones, keeping your information intact ensures that your digital life continues seamlessly. Beyond the obvious—like contacts and photos—it’s easy to overlook the importance of setting up your work accounts, app preferences, music services, and even call history. That’s why having a thorough checklist and understanding the available methods can save a lot of hassle and prevent future headaches.

Methods for Moving Data from Old to New Devices

There’s no single right way to transfer data since different brands and operating systems offer varying approaches and tools. Let’s break down the main solutions you’ll encounter:

• Using Google Account and Backup for Android Devices
• Direct Transfer via USB Cable
• Wireless Transfer Methods
• Utilizing Dedicated Apps or Manufacturer Tools
• Apple Quick Start for iOS Devices
• Manual Copy Methods (as a last resort)

Transferring Data on Android – The Google Way

If you’re moving from one Android phone to another, Google provides a comprehensive migration system. The standard process is built right into the Android setup and can handle most types of personal information, apps, and even some settings.

Before You Begin

• Charge Both Devices: Ensuring both your old and new phones are fully powered is crucial since transfers can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have.
• Stable Internet Connection: While some data can move offline (with a cable), elements like app reinstallation and cloud services need Wi-Fi or mobile data. It’s best to have an active internet connection on both devices.
• SIM and Storage Checks: Have a SIM tool handy to swap cards if needed, and verify there’s sufficient space on your new device for all your files.
• Backup Everything: Before starting, it’s highly recommended to back up your old phone—either via Google One or your phone’s built-in backup tool—for extra peace of mind.

What Gets Transferred?

Depending on your device and setup options, the following content is typically transferred during the setup process:

• Apps and some of their data/settings
• Photos and videos from your gallery
• Music (if stored locally and accessible or through cloud sync apps)
• Contacts saved to your phone or SIM card
• Text messages and multimedia in SMS/MMS
• Most phone settings (varies by manufacturer and Android version)
• Wallpaper and call history
• Google Account data (such as Gmail and Calendar events)

However, certain items won’t transfer, such as:

• Files in the downloads folder (PDFs, etc.)
• Media stored in hidden folders
• Apps not downloaded from Google Play Store
• App data for apps that don’t use Android’s built-in backup
• Non-Google account data, contacts, and calendars synchronized elsewhere
• Ringtones and some phone settings

Step-by-Step: Copy Data Using Android’s Setup Process

1. Turn On Your New Device: Power up your new phone and tap on the ‘Start’ prompt.
2. Pick a Network: Connect to Wi-Fi or insert your SIM card to enable mobile data. Some devices let you configure both now—choose a strong, stable connection.
3. Choose to Copy Apps & Data: When prompted, select “Copy Apps & Data.”

Using a USB Cable (Recommended Method)

1. Connect your old and new devices using an appropriate USB cable. Sometimes you may need an adapter—make sure it fits both phones’ ports.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. If possible, sign into your Google Account on your new device for a more complete transfer.
3. After verifying what you want to move (contacts, apps, photos, etc.), tap “Copy.” You’ll see a notification once the process is complete. The duration depends on the size of your data.

Tip: If you use WhatsApp or other messaging apps, sign in after transfer to trigger Cloud backup restores for chat histories.

Transferring Data Wirelessly

If you lack the right USB cable or simply prefer a wireless option, follow these steps:

1. Select “No cable” on your new device setup screen when prompted.
2. Opt for “Transfer wirelessly” and continue.
3. On your old phone, you might be prompted to search for ‘set up my device’ using the Google app or enter a pairing PIN number.
4. Follow the on-screen steps to match both devices. Confirm the security prompts so that only your phones are paired.
5. Select the data types you want to transfer and wait patiently—the process will notify you when it’s all done.

Restoring from Google Cloud Backup

If your old device isn’t accessible—for example, if it’s lost, broken, or already sent away—Google One backups come in handy. During your new phone setup:

• Opt for restoring from a Google backup, then sign into your Google account.
• You may be asked to choose from multiple backup versions if you’ve had several Android devices in the past.
• After selecting your backup, you can pick specific categories of data to restore (photos, contacts, app data, etc.).
• When needed, enter your old device’s PIN to confirm the transfer.

Important: Cloud-based restores require that your old device was previously backed up and associated with your Google account.

Manufacturer-Specific Transfer Tools

Many phone makers add their own flavor to phone transfers for a more seamless experience. Samsung offers Smart Switch, while Pixel devices have their unique guides and tools integrated within the Google ecosystem. Other brands like Huawei or Oppo may have their proprietary apps as well. For the most up-to-date steps, always check your device maker’s official support site.

Links worth bookmarking:

• Samsung Smart Switch
• Google Pixel Device Setup Guide

If you’re switching from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), these tools often walk you through exporting contacts, importing photos, and syncing calendars with cross-platform instructions.

iPhone and iPad: Quick Start for Apple Devices

Apple’s Quick Start feature (for devices with iOS 11/iPadOS 13 or later) makes setup effortless if you’re staying within the Apple ecosystem. When you set up your new device:

• Both devices must be nearby and running a recent iOS/iPadOS version.
• Choose Quick Start during setup. This option uses Bluetooth to facilitate pairing and Wi-Fi (or optionally, a wired connection) to transfer all apps, settings, and data.
• Both phones are occupied during the process, so pick a time when you won’t need access to your old device for several minutes.

For more guidance, check out the official Apple support page on Quick Start.

Backup and Restore Using Google Drive

Another reliable option for Android is to use Google Drive backup. Just head into Settings > Systems > Google > Backup on your old phone and tap “Backup Now.” When you set up your new device, select “Restore from Google backup” and follow the instructions. This is especially useful if your old phone is not available for a direct transfer.

Transferring with Dedicated Third-Party Apps

In case built-in tools do not meet your needs—or you want to move very specific data—there are applications designed specifically for device migration. Most require being installed on both phones; some use Wi-Fi Direct for faster transfer. These work best for sharing photos, videos, or custom files outside of the main system content.

Common scenarios for using dedicated transfer apps include migrating between older devices, dealing with manufacturer-specific interfaces, or moving between Android and iOS. Make sure to check reviews and download from official stores for better security.

Methods for Manual Copying

Sometimes, transferring via automatic backup or cable isn’t possible—perhaps your new phone isn’t ready or you must quickly hand over the old one (like in a trade-in). Manually copying files to external storage (flash drive, SD card) can be a temporary solution.

A procedure you can follow:

• Connect your phone to a computer or use a USB OTG adapter to link external storage.
• Use your file manager to select important folders (DCIM for photos, Downloads, Documents, etc.) and transfer them to the external storage.
• When your new device arrives, transfer the files. You may need to redefine contacts or install some apps manually.

Note: This method does not copy system settings, call history, or messages, but it allows you to recover important files when other methods are not viable.

Custom Work Profiles and Organization-Managed Devices

If your phone is managed by your employer or educational institution, some transfers might not complete due to security policies. Android’s Work Profile separates work and personal data, and your organization’s IT team must provide specific instructions in case of migration or device enrollment.

Check specific resources in the Google support portal for Android.

Troubleshooting Common Phone Transfer Issues

Even with automated systems, problems can arise—such as the old phone not detecting the new one, errors in transferring some apps, or Wi-Fi network drops. In these cases, try the following actions:

• Check Wi-Fi settings or switch to another network.
• Restart both devices and try again.
• Ensure you have the latest software versions on both phones.
• If using a cable, check for damage to cables or adapters and try another if necessary.
• Consult the manufacturer’s official guides or forums if problems persist.

Community platforms like Stack Exchange Android or Reddit’s AndroidQuestions offer help, although official manufacturer resources and Google Support are your best options for solving specific issues.

Security, Privacy, and Data Google Collects During Transfer

During data migration, Google collects certain information—such as email addresses, device identifiers, and analytical data—to facilitate the process. All of this is encrypted during transfer, and the account selection steps are transparent, so you know what data is moving and where. Your organization’s policy may also manage certain aspects on managed devices, ensuring the security of corporate data.

What Else You Should Consider

• Transfer is usually a one-time process during initial setup. After completing this process, bulk migration options might not be available.
• For WhatsApp and similar messaging apps, ensure you have updated cloud backups before starting the transfer. This applies to both Android and iOS.
• Some items will need to be reinstalled or configured manually. For example, files in downloads, custom ringtones, or data from apps that are not automatically backed up will not transfer.
• It is recommended to keep both phones until you confirm that all desired information has been transferred correctly.

If you follow these strategies and verify each step, setting up your new phone will be simple and hassle-free, regardless of your technical experience level. All major platforms now prioritize a smooth transfer, and with the multiple backup options and tools available, forgetting important data or settings is a thing of the past. If something goes wrong, manufacturer support resources and online communities are always just a search away.