Getting a new phone is exciting until you realize you need to move everything from your old one. Contacts, photos, apps, messages, settings, and passwords all need to make the journey. Both Apple and Google have made this smoother, and even switching platforms is doable with the right tools.
iPhone to iPhone
Place your old iPhone next to your new one during initial setup. A swirling pattern appears on the new phone. Point your old phone camera at it, and they connect via Quick Start. Choose to transfer directly or restore from iCloud backup.
Direct transfer copies everything including app data, settings, Keychain passwords, and home screen layout. Keep both phones plugged in and close together. Takes 15 minutes to over an hour depending on data size.
Android to Android
During new phone setup, connect both phones with a USB-C cable for the fastest transfer. Choose which data types to transfer: apps, contacts, photos, messages, call history, and settings. Google account sync handles contacts, calendars, Drive files, and app purchases automatically. Samsung phones have Smart Switch for extra detail.
iPhone to Android
Google provides a Switch to Android app for contacts, photos, videos, and calendar events. Key things that do not transfer cleanly:
- iMessage history stays on iPhone. Deregister your number from iMessage before switching.
- Paid App Store apps need repurchasing on Google Play
- Apple-specific data like Health and Wallet require manual migration
Back up photos via Google Photos on your iPhone first.
Android to iPhone
Apple provides Move to iOS for Android. Run it on your old phone and enter a code from your new iPhone during setup. It transfers contacts, messages, photos, videos, bookmarks, and mail accounts. WhatsApp chats transfer through the Move to iOS process too. Best run during initial iPhone setup.
Before You Transfer
- Charge both phones to at least 50%
- Connect to Wi-Fi for faster speeds
- Update both phones to latest OS versions
- Note two-factor authentication app codes
- Back up your old phone to the cloud
- Know your Apple ID and Google account passwords
After the Transfer
Verify contacts, photos, messages, and key apps arrived. Some apps require re-login. Keep your old phone for a week or two in case something did not transfer. Then factory reset the old one. A little patience during setup saves frustration later.