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For the most complete Android-to-Android move, copy your data during the new phone’s initial setup. Google supports both a cable and a wireless transfer; if your old phone is unavailable, you can restore a saved Google Account backup instead. Keep the old phone intact until you have checked the important data on the new one.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and make sure you can unlock the old one.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and confirm you can sign in to the Google Account used for the old phone’s backup.
- Check that the new phone has enough available storage for what you want to move.
- If you plan to move a physical SIM, have a SIM ejector tool ready. SIM transfer is separate from copying your phone’s data.
Start the copy while setting up the new phone. Google recommends transferring during setup because the option may not be available later. Its Android Help documentation estimates a direct transfer can take from a few minutes to a few hours; actual time depends on the devices and the amount of data.
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Transfer from an Android phone during setup
- Turn on the new phone and follow its setup prompts. Connect it to Wi-Fi when asked.
- When prompted to copy apps and data, choose to continue with the transfer.
- Choose a cable or wireless transfer and follow the on-screen instructions on both phones.
- Wait for the copy to finish. Keep both devices available and follow any remaining setup prompts.
Use a cable
Google recommends the cable option. Use a data cable that fits both phones; depending on their ports, you may need an adapter. Connect the devices when the new phone’s setup prompts you, then follow the instructions displayed on each screen.
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If you do not have a suitable cable, choose the wireless option during setup. The phones pair through the on-screen steps, so keep them nearby and connected as prompted. Google says cable and wireless transfers support the same data.
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What transfers—and what may need separate attention
Google says Android setup transfer can copy apps and certain app data, music, photos, videos, contacts stored on the phone or SIM, text messages and their multimedia, call history, wallpaper, and most phone settings. Settings coverage can vary by phone and Android version.
Do not assume that every file, account, or app’s contents will be included. Google identifies these as examples that may not copy in the standard setup transfer:
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- Downloads such as PDF files.
- Photos, videos, or music stored in hidden folders.
- Apps installed from outside Google Play, and data from apps that do not use Android backup.
- Accounts other than Google Accounts and their data, plus contacts or calendars synced with other services.
- Ringtones and some phone settings.
WhatsApp and other account data
For WhatsApp, Google says chats and data can be restored from the cloud after you sign in to the new Android phone and open WhatsApp, provided backups were enabled on the old device first. Check that the app’s backup is current before relying on it. Data associated with non-Google accounts may require signing in or syncing through the relevant service rather than the Android setup copy.
Moving from an iPhone
Follow the new Android phone’s setup prompts, then check messages and media on the new device. Google points iPhone switchers to a separate iMessage-to-Google-Messages change for continued text reception and a separate iCloud Photos-to-Google Photos transfer for photos and videos stored in iCloud. Those items should not be assumed to be included in the Android-to-Android transfer described above.
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Restore if you no longer have the old phone
- Connect the new phone to the internet during setup.
- Sign in to the Google Account associated with the backup.
- When offered, select the available saved backup and follow the restore prompts.
- Leave the phone connected while the restore completes; some content may arrive later.
Google’s Android Help says a cloud restore can take up to 24 hours to complete fully. Restoring from a phone running a higher Android version to one running a lower version is unsupported and may leave the transfer incomplete.
If you skipped the transfer during setup
Check the new phone’s Settings or notifications for a “Finish setting up” option. Google says it may appear after a few days, depending on the device. Google’s troubleshooting guidance also describes later copy options on Android 17 and newer devices and on selected earlier devices, but availability varies by phone and software version. If no option appears, check the phone maker’s support instructions; manufacturers may provide their own tool. Google specifically points Samsung users to Smart Switch.
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Check the new phone before wiping the old one
- Open the new phone’s messaging, contacts, photo, and video apps and confirm the items you care about are present.
- Check important downloads, app-specific data, and non-Google account data separately, since these may not be part of the setup copy.
- Make sure you can access essential accounts and services on the new phone.
- Only after confirming the transfer, factory reset the old phone before trading it in, donating it, or recycling it.
Google recommends checking texts, photos, and videos before resetting the old device. For the detailed transfer and restore guidance, see Google’s Android-to-Android copy instructions, its backup and restore guide, and its transfer troubleshooting steps.
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