You can transfer most of your data to a new mobile phone using its built-in setup tool, either through a cable, a wireless connection or a cloud backup. The right method depends on the type of move: between two Android phones, two iPhones or different operating systems.
Contacts and photos are usually straightforward to move, but chat histories, banking apps and login approvals need extra attention. Keep your old phone until you have checked that the new one has everything you need.
Prepare Both Phones Before You Start
Charge both phones, connect them to a reliable Wi-Fi network and keep their chargers nearby. Check that the new phone has enough storage for the content you want to move, especially if your old phone contains many videos or downloaded files.
Update the old phone and the apps you rely on, where updates are available. Make a fresh backup and confirm its completion time rather than assuming that automatic backup has covered your latest data.
Keep your Google Account or Apple Account password ready, along with access to your registered mobile number. If you use an authenticator app, check its transfer or recovery options before starting because copying the app alone may not restore your verification codes.
- Check where your contacts are saved: on the phone, SIM card or an online account.
- Back up chat apps using their supported method and confirm any encryption password or recovery key.
- Copy important downloads, recordings and documents that may sit outside your photo library.
- Check locked folders, hidden albums and private storage areas separately.
- Keep the old phone unlocked and nearby during the transfer.
Transfer Data Between Android Phones
Start the new Android phone and choose the option to copy apps and data during setup. A compatible data cable is often a good choice for a large transfer, although wireless copying is available on many phones. Follow the prompts on both screens and approve the connection on the old device.
Sign in with the Google Account used on your old phone, then select the content you want to copy. Depending on the devices and transfer tool, this may include contacts, messages, call history, photos, videos and some settings.
If your old phone is unavailable, you may be able to restore a Google backup during setup. Only previously backed-up content can be recovered, and some apps will require a fresh login or their own restore process. Photos synced to Google Photos may appear in the app without being downloaded to the new phone.
Do not assume every app will retain its saved data. Banking apps, games and apps with files stored only on the device may require separate steps. If you have already completed setup, check the phone’s transfer options before considering a factory reset.
Transfer Data Between iPhones
For an iPhone-to-iPhone move, use Quick Start by placing the old iPhone near the new one with Bluetooth enabled. Follow the onscreen instructions to authenticate the new device and choose a direct transfer or an iCloud download, depending on the options shown.
Keep both phones nearby and connected to power until the direct transfer finishes. With an iCloud restore, some apps, photos and other content may continue downloading after the home screen becomes available, so leave the new phone connected to Wi-Fi.
An encrypted computer backup is another option if you prefer a local backup. Encryption is needed to include certain sensitive information, such as saved passwords and Health data. Keep the backup password safe because you will need it to restore that backup.
Face ID, Touch ID and payment cards need to be set up again. Mobile plan transfer also depends on your operator and SIM type, so check calling and SMS access separately from the data transfer.
Move Between Android and iPhone
When moving from Android to iPhone, use Apple’s Move to iOS app during the iPhone’s initial setup. It can transfer supported content such as contacts, messages, photos and videos. Keep both phones connected as instructed until the progress indicator on the iPhone finishes.
For an iPhone-to-Android move, follow the new Android phone’s setup prompts. A cable is commonly used, though supported wireless options vary by device. Turn off iMessage when switching away from iPhone, and check that ordinary text messages arrive on your new phone.
Apps do not transfer between operating systems as identical copies. You may need to install their equivalent versions, and paid purchases or subscriptions may have platform-specific restrictions.
WhatsApp chat transfers between Android and iPhone require the supported migration process, not simply a cloud backup restore across platforms. Check the current requirements before setting up the new phone, as the process may require a new or factory-reset device.
Check Your Data Before Erasing the Old Phone
Transfer time depends on the amount of data, connection method and download speed. Check progress messages rather than expecting a fixed completion time, and avoid disconnecting either phone while copying is active.
Open your contacts, messages, photo library, documents and essential apps on the new phone. Check older photos and videos as well as recent ones, and confirm that cloud-only files open when needed.
Test calls, SMS, email, banking access and authenticator codes. UPI apps may need mobile-number verification and bank-account linking again; follow the app’s official instructions and never share your UPI PIN or OTP.
Once you have verified the transfer, create a backup of the new phone. Before selling or giving away the old device, follow its official sign-out and factory-reset steps, remove any memory card and confirm what will happen to its SIM or eSIM.