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How to Transfer Data from an Old Phone to a New iPhone or Android Phone

A practical guide to moving data between iPhone and Android phones, with the right setup method for each direction and checks to make before retiring your old phone.
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The right way to move data depends on which phone you’re leaving and which one you’re setting up. Use Apple Quick Start or an Apple backup for iPhone-to-iPhone transfers, Android’s setup copy or a Google backup for Android-to-Android, Move to iOS for Android-to-iPhone, and Google’s setup transfer for iPhone-to-Android. Start the transfer while the new phone is being set up when the method requires it, and keep the old phone until you’ve checked that your important data arrived.

Choose the transfer method for your phone combination

Old phone New phone Best starting point Setup timing
iPhone iPhone Apple Quick Start, or restore an iCloud or computer backup Quick Start is used while setting up the new iPhone; a backup can be restored during setup.
Android Android Copy apps and data during Android setup, or restore a Google Account backup Do the direct setup copy during setup; the option may not be available afterward.
Android iPhone Apple Move to iOS Move to iOS is offered during initial iPhone setup. If setup is complete, Apple says to erase the iPhone and start again to use this route, or move content manually.
iPhone Android Google’s iPhone-to-Android setup transfer Choose the iPhone or iPad source option during Android setup and follow the prompts.

Before choosing, check whether the new phone has already been set up, whether you can unlock the old one, how much storage is available on the new device, and whether the selected method supports the data you care about. A cable is optional in some routes, but it must fit both phones; an adapter may be needed. Google and Apple describe wired and wireless options for some cross-platform transfers, and Apple also documents a direct USB-C connection for Android-to-iPhone moves.

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Before you start

  • Charge both phones and have the old phone’s unlock code ready.
  • Check that the new phone has enough available storage for the content you plan to move.
  • Connect to Wi-Fi when the setup instructions require it. Keep both devices nearby and follow the on-screen prompts.
  • If using a cable, confirm that it supports the transfer route and fits both phones. Use an adapter only if the supported cable and ports require one.
  • Keep the old phone until you have checked your important contacts, photos, messages, and app-specific information on the new phone.

Transfer duration varies with the amount of data, connection, and method; it may take minutes or longer. Follow any instruction to leave an app open or avoid using the old phone while the transfer runs.

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Transfer from iPhone to iPhone

Use Quick Start

  1. Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the current iPhone or iPad. Keep the old device unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi, and with Bluetooth enabled.
  2. Follow the Quick Start prompt on the old device and continue through the setup screens on the new iPhone.
  3. Choose direct transfer from the old device or download from iCloud when prompted.
  4. If you choose direct transfer, keep both devices near each other and wait for the migration to finish on both. If you choose iCloud, apps and data can continue downloading in the background.

Apple notes that Quick Start may be unavailable on a device managed by an organization. Transfer time depends on the network and the amount of data.

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Restore a backup instead

If you already have an iCloud backup or a computer backup, restore it during new-iPhone setup using Apple’s restore prompts. The appropriate choice depends on where the backup is stored and whether it is current. Do not assume that a backup includes data held separately by an app or account; check critical apps after the restore.

Transfer from Android to Android

Copy directly during setup

  1. Turn on the new Android phone and begin its setup. Connect to the internet when prompted.
  2. Choose the option to copy apps and data from an old device.
  3. Connect the phones by cable or follow the wireless instructions shown on the new phone. Google says both methods in this setup flow support the same data categories.
  4. Sign in to a Google Account when prompted for a more complete transfer, select the available content, and let setup finish.

The setup copy can include apps and some app data, music, photos and videos, contacts stored on the phone or SIM, text messages and multimedia messages, many settings, wallpaper, and call history. The precise set depends on the phone and Android version.

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What may not copy

A direct Android setup transfer is not necessarily a full clone. Google lists examples that may be excluded: downloads such as PDFs, media in hidden folders, apps not installed from Google Play, data from apps that do not use Android backup, non-Google account data, contacts or calendars synced elsewhere, ringtones, and some settings. Check separately for files or app data that matter to you.

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If the old Android phone is unavailable

During setup, choose to restore from an existing Google Account backup if one is offered. Whether a backup can be restored depends on the account, the backup, the new phone, and its Android version. Google’s Android backup guidance explains the available restore flow.

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Transfer from Android to iPhone

Use Move to iOS during iPhone setup

  1. Start setting up the new iPhone. At the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, choose From Android.
  2. On the Android phone, open Apple’s Move to iOS app and follow its prompts.
  3. Keep both phones charged and connected to Wi-Fi, or connect them directly with a USB-C cable if the devices and instructions support it.
  4. Select the data categories offered and leave Move to iOS on-screen until the transfer completes.

Move to iOS transfers the categories it offers; it does not mean every app, account, or item of app data will move. Some free apps may be matched when they are available on both platforms and support the transfer feature, but paid apps and all app data should not be assumed to transfer.

If the iPhone has already completed setup, Apple’s documented Move to iOS route requires erasing it and beginning setup again. If you don’t want to erase it, move the content manually using the relevant Apple guidance.

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Transfer from iPhone to Android

Use Android setup transfer

  1. Start setting up the new Android phone and select the option to copy data from an iPhone or iPad.
  2. Follow the new phone’s prompts to connect the devices by cable or use the wireless method offered.
  3. Review the transfer categories shown for your particular phone and method, then leave the devices connected until setup finishes.

Google distinguishes among classic cable, classic wireless, and upgraded transfer methods; their supported categories are not identical. Check Google’s current compatibility table for the specific new phone and route rather than assuming that wireless and cable move the same items.

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Messages and iCloud photos

Google recommends turning off iMessage so messages can reach the new Android phone reliably. If photos or videos are stored in iCloud Photos and are not included in the chosen transfer, Google describes transferring them separately through Google Photos. Follow the current Google instructions for both steps.

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Check the new phone before resetting the old one

After setup, open the new phone and verify the things you rely on: contacts, photos and videos, messages, call history, calendars, and key app data. For Android, some apps do not back up their data, so open each important app and check whether its information is present. If something is missing, consult that app’s own account or backup options while the old phone is still available. Only erase, trade in, or hand over the old device after you have confirmed what matters.

Official transfer guides

These instructions reflect the official Apple and Google guidance available on October 7, 2026. Screen labels and supported data can vary by phone and software version; use the applicable guide if a prompt differs from the steps here.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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