How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss - Which? News (2024)

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Whether you're unboxing a new iPhone or Android phone, our tech experts willhelp you carry over the data that matters the most

Tom MorganSenior content writer
How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss - Which? News (2)

Dreading transferring data from your old mobile to a shiny new phone? Whether you want to transfer from an iPhone to an iPhone, an Android to an Android, or mix the streams, both Apple and Google (Android) offer tools to help you get the job done.

If you've upgraded your iPhone model, Apple's Quick Start feature lets you transfer files wirelessly. On Android, your information is tied to a Google account that can be accessed on your new smartphone. There are also ways to make the jump from Apple to Android, or vice versa.

Discover how to retire your old phone without leaving contacts, pictures and videos behind.

Jump to:

  • Transferring data from iPhone to iPhone
  • Transferring data from Android to Android
  • Transferring data from iPhone to Android
  • Transferring data from Android to iPhone

Question of the month: I've just bought a new phone – how do I keep my old files?

'My phone is no longer supported by security updates, so I've had to buy a new one.

Do you know how to set it up and copy everything from my old phone to the new one? I don't want to lose anything important.'

Which? Tech Support member

Transferring data from iPhone to iPhone

To transfer files from your old iPhone to the new one, you can use Apple's Quick Start. The process occupies both devices, so choose a time when you won't need to use your current phone for several minutes.

How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss - Which? News (4)
  1. Press and hold the Power buttonon your new iPhone. Make sure your current device is connected to wi-fi and Bluetoothis on.
  2. Place the phones next to each other and a message saying 'looking for devices' will pop up – follow the instructions to get started. If the prompt to set up your new device disappears from your current one, restart both phones.
  3. Next, you'll choose how to transfer your data. If you choose Download from iCloud, your apps and data will be downloaded in the background so you can start using your new iPhone. If you Transfer directly from your previous device, you'll need to wait for the transfer to finish on both. The second option is better, as it makes an identical copy of the previous phone.

If you don't have another phone to transfer from, you can choose Set Up Manually. You need to either insert a SIM card or connect to a wi-fi network to activate and continue setting up.

Find out how to securely dispose of your old device with our guide onhow to recycle your mobile phone.

Transferring data from Android to Android

  1. Turn on your new and existing Android phones.
  2. On the new device, you'll be asked for your preferred language, the date and time, wi-fi connection and your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, you can create one during setup.
  3. Choose a security method – options include a password, Pin, Face ID or Fingerprint ID.
  4. From your new phone, follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Set up using another devicescreen.
  5. On the Choose what to copy screen, select the data that you'd like carried across – Apps, Contacts and Photos & Videos, for example. You'll be told how much space your files will take up. When you're ready, select next to begin the transfer.

Google notes that, if you don’t have wi-fi or a data network while setting up your new phone, you'll need to return to setup when a connection is available.

How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss - Which? News (6)

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Transferring data from iPhone to Android

How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss - Which? News (7)
  1. Make sure both phones have plenty of charge and the iPhone is connected to wi-fi.
  2. On your iPhone, go to Settingsand turn off iMessage and FaceTime – that means you won’t miss any messages or calls once you’ve switched to Android.
  3. Turn on your Android phone and place it near your iPhone. On your Android, follow the on-screen instructions, including connecting to wi-fi. You can connect your iPhone to Android via the charging cable or transfer data wirelessly with the Switch to Android app.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what data makes the move. Google's website notes that you'll need to use a cable if you want to transfer Messages and WhatsApp chats.

Get a great phone, no matter what your budget - see our expert pick of thebest smartphones.

Transferring data from Android to iPhone

How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss - Which? News (8)

  1. Enable wi-fi on your Android and plug both phones into power.
  2. Place your iPhone next to the Android.
  3. From the Quick Start screen on your iPhone, choose Set Up Without Another [Apple] Device > From Android.
  4. On your Android, open the Move to iOS app and follow the instructions.
  5. A one-time codewill be sent to your iPhone. Enter that code on your Android device and your iPhone will create a temporary Wi-Fi network.
  6. On your Android device, select the content that you want to transfer and tap Continue.

As you're transferring files from your Android device, you can also activate your phone number and SIM – doing so might redirect you to your network provider’s website.

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