To move data from an old Android phone to a Moto G, start the Moto G’s setup, connect it to the internet, and choose the option to copy apps and data. Google supports both a cable transfer and a wireless transfer, and recommends using a cable when possible. The screens and available options can vary by Moto G model and Android version.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and make sure you can unlock the old phone with its screen lock.
- Connect the Moto G to Wi-Fi or another internet connection. For a more complete transfer, Google recommends signing in to a Google Account on the old phone.
- Check that the Moto G has enough storage for the items you want to copy. If space is limited, select less content during setup.
- If you plan to use a cable, check that it fits both phones and supports data. Depending on the phones’ connectors, you may need a compatible adapter.
Transfer data during Moto G setup
- Turn on the Moto G and follow its initial setup screens. Connect it to the internet when prompted.
- When asked whether you want to copy apps and data, choose that option to transfer from your old Android phone.
- Choose either a cable or wireless transfer, then follow the instructions shown on both phones.
- Review the items selected for transfer and start copying. Keep the phones available and follow any prompts until the process finishes.
Google says transfer time depends on how much data is being copied and can range from a few minutes to over an hour; this is guidance, not a guaranteed completion time.
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Choose a cable or wireless transfer
| Method | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Cable | Google recommends this method. Use a data-capable cable that fits both phones; a compatible adapter may be needed if the connectors differ. |
| Wireless | Choose the no-cable or wireless option on the Moto G and follow the pairing prompt on the old phone. Check that the pairing information matches on both screens before selecting data. |
Google states that “Both methods support the same data.” Choose based on whether you have a compatible cable and your preference; Google does not establish that one method is faster.
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During setup, Google lists apps and some app data, music, photos, videos, contacts stored on the phone or SIM, text messages, most phone settings, multimedia in messages, wallpaper, and call history as items that may be copied. The exact result depends on the phones and Android versions.
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Some items may not transfer through the setup process, including downloaded PDFs, media in hidden folders, apps installed outside Google Play, data from apps that do not use Android backup, non-Google accounts and their data, contacts or calendars synced through other services, ringtones, and some settings.
WhatsApp chats
Handle WhatsApp separately from the general phone-copy process. Google says WhatsApp chats and data can be restored from the cloud after you sign in on the new Android phone and open WhatsApp, but backup must have been enabled on the old phone first.
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If you no longer have the old phone
During Moto G setup, choose to restore a previous device backup associated with your Google Account. You will need access to that account, and Google notes that setup may also ask for the old device’s PIN. A backup made on a newer Android version cannot be restored to a phone running an older Android version, so some data may not be restored.
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Google says the copy option may be offered only once during setup and may not be available afterward. Some devices show a “Finish setting up” option in Settings or notifications, but this varies. A Motorola guide for a particular Moto G family describes continuing through “Android Setup > Continue Setup Wizard”; treat that as a model-specific route, not a universal Moto G setting.
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If the transfer fails
- Unlock the old phone and follow the retry instructions shown on the phones.
- For wireless transfer, check that the pairing information matches on both devices and that they remain connected as directed.
- For a cable transfer, check that the cable supports data and fits both phones; use only an adapter compatible with the devices.
- Confirm the Moto G has enough storage, and select fewer items if necessary.
- If setup is already complete, check whether your device offers a finish-setup option; it is not available on every Moto G.
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