How to Transfer Data & Apps to a New Phone

If you've just bought a new smartphone, or you're thinking about picking up a new device in the next few weeks, you might be starting to think about how to transfer data to a new phone. From all of those special memories captured in photos, videos and even messages to your favourite apps and games, there's going to be a lot on your old phone that you don't want to lose.

Luckily, transferring your data over from one phone to another is easier than ever. We're here to guide both iPhone and Android users through it, in a series of simple step-by-step guides, to show you how to transfer data to new phone.

Before You Transfer

Whatever phone you own, be it an iPhone or an Android device, performing a backup is essential in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during the transfer process to your new phone.

For iPhone users, creating an up-to-date backup can be done by heading to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

Android users can do the same by visiting Settings > Backup. As there are so many different manufacturers using the Android system (from Samsung to OnePlus and Huawei), the steps may vary. If you're having trouble locating this, just search for Backup in Settings.

You should also make sure you're connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, and you know your Google or iCloud account details. If you don't, make sure you find out before going any further.

Then that's it - you're ready to get started. Find the right guide for you below.

Transfer iPhone to iPhone

If you're already an iPhone user, upgrading to another iPhone really is seamless. Just make sure your old iPhone and your new iPhone are close to each other.

1. Make sure both iPhones are switched on.
2. Bring the two iPhones together, and a screen will pop up on your old device.
3. Agree to set up your new iPhone when prompted. Your new iPhone will then display a pattern on its screen.
4. Take a photo of the pattern on your old iPhone.
5. The devices will be paired together, and you'll be asked to complete the rest of the process on your new device.
6. Enter the password of your old iPhone onto your new one, and your iCloud ID will be copied over.
7. Choose to restore data from your latest iCloud backup. Alternatively, you can select to setup the phone as new if you've had a change of heart.
8. Wait until all of your data has been transferred across, and then you're ready to explore your new iPhone.

Transfer iPhone to Android

Switching from an iPhone to an Android phone is a fairly straightforward process however, there's just a few more steps to complete.

To transfer all of your data you'll need to back up your iPhone to Google Drive. Here's how to do it:

1. Download the Google Drive app on your iPhone. If you don't have a Google account, set one up - you'll need this later for your Android device anyway.
2. Start up your new Android device and tap through the first few start-up screens until you reach a screen that asks if you'd like to transfer your data from an old device. Once you say yes, select 'an iPhone device'.
3. Head to android.com/switch on your iPhone.
4. Open Google Drive on your iPhone. Tap the menu on the top left, and select Settings.
5. Tap Backup and pick what you'd like to include (e.g. contacts, videos and photos).
6. Select Start Backup.
7. Wait until your iPhone has been completely backed up to Google Drive - this may take some time if you have a lot of data to transfer.
8. Be careful if your new phone will be using the same number as your iPhone. If this is the case, turn off iMessage and FaceTime on your iPhone via Settings first before moving on to the next step.
9. Continue with the setup on your Android device. Log into Google with the same account you used to log into Google Drive in the first step, and your backed-up data will begin to transfer across.

Unfortunately, apps cannot be transferred from an iPhone to an Android device, and vice versa. iOS apps and Android apps are not compatible, but you will be able to find most of your favourite iPhone apps on the Goole Play store - you'll just need to search and redownload them.

Transfer Android to iPhone

Currently using a smartphone running Android, but want to setup a new iPhone? You'll need the Move to iOS app to transfer data to your new phone.

1. Turn on your new iPhone and select your location and language. After this, you'll be asked if you want to use Quick Start to setup your new smartphone - this is for iPhone to iPhone readers, so make sure you select Set Up Manually.
2. Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network.
3. Set up either Touch ID, Face ID or a PIN on your iPhone.
4. A screen will appear on your new iPhone, asking you if you'd like to migrate data from an existing device. Tap Move Data from Android.
5. Press continue, and you'll be asked for a code consisting of either 6 or 10 digits.
6. To retrieve this code, you'll need to open the Google Play Store on your Android and download the Move to iOS app.
7. Once Move to iOS has been downloaded, open it and accept the Terms and Conditions. A Find Your Code screen will then present itself - hit next to get your 6 or 10-digit code.
8. Enter this code into your Android - this will pair the two handsets.
9. You'll then be able to select what data you'd like to transfer. Choose everything you want to keep then press Next.
10. That's it - you'll be able to sit back and wait until everything has been sent across to your iPhone.
11. After this, you'll be able to create an Apple ID. Once you have, your iPhone will ask if you'd like to download the iOS version of apps you had on your Android - if they're available.

Transfer Android to Android

Last but not least, transferring data from one Android to another. No matter what Android you're doing this on, how to transfer your data and apps to a new phone should be the same.

1. Switch on your new Android. Eventually you'll see a screen that asks about bringing data from an old phone to your new handset - when you reach this, tap 'Backup from an Android Phone'.
2. Make sure you have your other Android device to hand. You'll need to launch the Google app on this after step 1.
3. Choose to set up a new device, and press Next.
4. You'll be asked to confirm which device you're looking to move your account to. Tap your new device on your old Android, and select your old device on your new Android. This is to avoid transferring your data to any other Android in range with Bluetooth enabled.
5. To double check everything is correct, matching patterns will appear on both phones. If everything is right, hit Next on your old phone.
6. Type in your password on your old phone and approve the transfer.
7. Your Google account will now be accessible on your new Android phone. Log into it on your new smartphone, and all of your contacts, photos, videos and more will be sent across from your old phone.
8. Last but not least, your apps. To download all of your favourite apps again, head to the Google Play Store, select Menu > My Apps and Games and then you'll see a list of apps currently on your old handset. Choose what you want to keep, and downloads will automatically begin.

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