Switch to a new Android device (2024)

You can move your data to a new Android device from another kind of device, or start fresh with your new Android device.

Important:

  • Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
  • Some of these steps require you to touch the screen.

Before you begin

  • Charge both devices.
  • Make sure you can unlock the old device with a PIN, pattern, or password.
  • On your old device:
    • Sign in with your Google Account.
      • To check whether you have a Google Account, enter your email address.
      • If you don't have a Google Account, create a Google Account.
    • Back up your data. Learn how to back up your data.
    • Check that you have a Wi-Fi connection.

Google and Android supportthe sustainable reuse and recyclingof devices. Learn more about Google's commitment to the environment.

Tip: Before you recycle, donate, or trade-in your old device, clear your data and reset your device to the factory settings to protect your personal information. For data removal, trade-in, and recycling instructions, get help from your device manufacturer and mobile carrier.

Switch from an Android device

  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start. If “Start” doesn’t display, you can copy your data manually.
  3. When asked, make sure you connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  4. Choose to copy apps and data from your old device.
    • If you have a cable to connect your devices, follow the on-screen instructions to copy your data.
    • If you don’t have a cable:
      1. Tap No cable? Switch to a new Android device (1) Ok.
      2. Tap A backup from an Android phone.
      3. To copy your data, follow the on-screen instructions.

Switch from an iPhone

  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start.
  3. When asked, make sure you connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  4. Choose to copy apps and data from your old device.
    • Recommended: If you have a cable to connect your devices, follow the on-screen instructions to copy your data.
    • If you don’t have a cable:
      1. Tap No cable? Switch to a new Android device (2) Ok.
      2. Tap Using an iPhone device?
      3. To copy your data, follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Check your texts, photos, and videos.
    • To check your texts on your new device, learn how to switch from iMessage to Android Messages.
    • To get photos and videos stored in Apple iCloud on your new device, learn how to transfer iCloud photos and videos to Google Photos.

Restore data from the cloud

Important: If you don’t have your old device, you need to know your Google Account and password to restore data.

  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start.
  3. To set up your device without an old device, follow the prompts.
  4. When prompted, sign in with your Google Account.
    • If you can’t sign in, learn how to recover your account.

Copy data manually

Important: The options above can help you restore the most data. If none of the other steps work for you, try copying your data yourself.

Sync your contacts

  • If you already use contacts in your Google Account, like in Gmail, they automatically show on your new Android device after you sign in.
  • If your contacts are on a SIM card, learn how to import contacts from a SIM card.

Copy your music

For music services like YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Spotify, download the app to your new device and your music syncs automatically.

Copy photos, videos, files & folders

  • If you’re connected to the internet, learn how to upload to Google Drive and back up to Google Photos.
  • If you can't connect to the internet, learn how to transfer files between your computer and Android device.
  • If you use Google Photos, learn how to back up your photos. If you use a different app for your photos, contact your device manufacturer.

Copy calendar events

  • If you already use Google Calendar, your calendar events display when you open the Calendar app.
  • To copy events from another calendar app, learn how to import events to Google Calendar.

Tip: If your new device is a Pixel, go to our Pixel setup guide.

How your data is handled when transferring your account

When you transfer your account to a new device, certain information is collected to perform services on your device. Some of this functionality uses Google Play services. For example, the following information is collected:

  • Email addresses for app functionality purposes. For example, we show account names during phone setup to allow you to select which accounts you need to transfer.
  • Usage information, and device or other identifiers for analytics purposes.

The data collected is encrypted in transit.

Related resources

  • Set up email
  • Set up messaging

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

Post to the help community Get answers from community members

Get to know your Android phone

Learn how to use your Android device and get the most out of Google. Get step-by-step guides and instructional videos on how to set up your phone, customize your settings, and use apps.

Switch to a new Android device (2024)

FAQs

How do I transfer everything from my old Android to my new Android? ›

  1. Connect both devices wirelessly. Turn on your new Android phone and follow the on-screen prompts. ...
  2. Select your data. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose what comes with you — contacts, photos, videos and calendar events. ...
  3. Transfer. That's it.

How do I switch to a new Android phone? ›

  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start.
  3. When asked, make sure you connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  4. Choose to copy apps and data from your old device. Recommended: If you have a cable to connect your devices, follow the on-screen instructions to copy your data. ...
  5. Check your texts, photos, and videos.

Do I put my SIM card in a new Android phone before transferring data? ›

Regardless of the device you're switching from, don't switch your SIM card until the entire transfer is complete. Before you get started, you'll also want to make sure both your old device and new device have at least 20% battery life.

How do I transfer everything from my broken Android to my new Android? ›

  1. (New device) Open the Smart Switch app > Select Receive data. (New device) Select Galaxy/Android.
  2. (New device) Select Wireless. (Old device) Select Connect to authorise the phone connection.
  3. (New device) Select data to transfer > Tap Next. (New device) Tap Next to complete the data transfer.
Jan 23, 2024

How do I transfer everything from my old phone to my new phone Samsung? ›

When you're ready, place the two phones close to each other.
  1. Open Settings and select Accounts and backup.
  2. Select Bring data from old device.
  3. Tap Receive data on your new phone and tap Send data on your old phone.
  4. Check the OS of your old phone and choose the appropriate source.
  5. Select Wireless.
Feb 22, 2024

Does the Samsung Smart Switch transfer everything? ›

Smart Switch migrates different types of files to your new Galaxy, including photos, videos, notes, calendar events and even device settings. * Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and/or connection option.

Can I just buy a new phone and put my SIM card in it? ›

Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones as long as they are compatible with the same carrier network. Your SIM card should also be compatible with the new phone in terms of size (micro, nano, and standard size).

What data cannot be transferred using a smart switch? ›

Items that cannot be backed up with Smart Switch

Contacts: Contacts saved on the SIM card, social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), Google accounts, and work email accounts are excluded.

Does switching SIM cards transfer everything? ›

Changing your SIM card doesn't mean you'll lose your data. Your contacts, app, music, photos, and other data not stored on the SIM card will remain accessible.

What is the best app to transfer data from old Android to new Android? ›

Samsung Smart Switch

Samsung Smart Switch creates an avenue for you to move data from your old Android phone to another. Though it was established by Samsung, it works for any Android model. Samsung Smart Switch offers a quick way to transfer content like videos, contacts, documents, and more between Android devices.

How do I transfer data from my lost Android to my new Android? ›

Get your data onto a new phone

When you add your Google Account to a phone that's been set up, what you'd previously backed up for that Google Account gets put onto the phone. To restore a backed-up account to a reset phone, follow the on-screen steps. For more help, get help from your device manufacturer.

How to transfer messages from Android to Android? ›

How to Transfer Android Text Messages Wirelessly
  1. On the source device (the phone you want to transfer text from), download SMS Backup and Restore from the Play Store. ...
  2. Tap Allow to grant the necessary permissions.
  3. Tap the Menu icon (the three lines).
  4. Tap Transfer, then tap Send From This Phone.
Jan 4, 2024

How do I backup my Android phone and restore to a new phone? ›

Start a backup
  1. On your Android phone, open the Google One app .
  2. At the bottom, tap Storage.
  3. Scroll to the device backup section. If this is your first phone backup: Tap Set up data backup. ...
  4. To find your backup settings, tap Manage backup. To back up the data on your phone, turn on Device data. ...
  5. Tap Back up now.

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