How to transfer data from your old phone to a new one

This guide is part of our Top 5 Tech Resolutions for 2026 series.

Switching phones should feel exciting , not like you’re defusing a bomb full of photos, messages and app logins. Whether you’re upgrading within the same brand or switching from iPhone to Android (or vice versa), the process is predictable once you understand three things:

• The operating system you’re moving from and to
  
  
• The transfer method (device-to-device, cloud restore, or computer)
  
  
• What app data can, and cannot be restored
  
  

If you follow the correct workflow for your scenario, you can transfer almost everything from your old phone to your new phone without losing data.

What to Do Before You Start the Transfer

Before you press “copy apps and data” or “restore from backup”, preparation determines whether the migration is smooth or stressful.

Should you back up your old phone first?

Yes, you should always create a backup before transferring.

Think of it this way:

• A transfer → moves data
• A backup → protects data

If something fails mid-transfer, your backup is your recovery point.

On iPhone:

• Back up to iCloud or a computer.
  
  
• Confirm the backup completed successfully.
  
  

On Android:

• Ensure your Google Account backup is enabled.
  
  
• Confirm recent backup status in Settings.
  
  

Important constraint: Not all apps fully support backup and restore. That means you may still need to re-log into banking apps, secure services, or authenticator tools even if the main transfer succeeds.

If you’re planning to sell or factory reset your device, backup is non-negotiable.

How much storage does your new phone need?

At minimum, your new phone must have enough storage to fit your existing data.

If your old phone shows:

• 110GB used → your new phone must have more than 110GB free.
  
  

You should also allow additional space for:

• Temporary transfer files
  
  
• System overhead
  
  
• App reinstalls
  
  

If you see an error like “not enough storage to transfer”, that’s usually the cause.

If switching from Android with microSD storage:

• Confirm whether that content is included.
  
  
• Confirm the new device supports expandable storage (many do not).
  
  

Clean up tips: What to delete before migrating

Transfer time increases with data size. Before switching phones, consider removing:

• Duplicate videos
  
  
• Old WhatsApp media
  
  
• Unused downloaded movies
  
  
• Offline Spotify or Netflix files
  
  
• Large app caches
  
  

WhatsApp backups are often one of the largest hidden storage consumers. Trimming media can dramatically reduce transfer time, especially if you are restoring via cloud.

If you’re in regional Australia or experiencing slower internet speeds, reducing bulk data can save hours.

The Easiest Way to Transfer Data (Same-Brand Phones)

If you are staying within the same ecosystem, always use the built-in setup transfer first.

iPhone to iPhone: Use Apple Quick Start or iCloud

When upgrading from one iPhone to another, the simplest method is Apple Quick Start.

Steps:

1. Place both iPhones near each other.
   
   
2. Follow the on-screen “Set Up New iPhone” prompt.
   
   
3. Choose direct transfer or restore from iCloud backup.
   
   

If the new iPhone is already set up, you must erase it before restoring from backup.

For faster performance:

• Use a wired connection.
  
  
• Moving from Lightning (iPhone 14 or earlier) to USB-C (iPhone 15 or later) requires a USB-C to Lightning cable.
  
  

Samsung to Samsung: How to use Smart Switch

If you are switching from Samsung to Samsung, use Smart Switch.

You can choose to transfer:

• Apps
  
  
• Contacts
  
  
• Messages
  
  
• Settings
  
  
• Photos and videos
  
  

If available, you should use a USB cable for faster transfer. Wireless works, but wired is more stable for large libraries.

Other Android brands: OPPO Clone, Vivo EasyShare, Mi Mover

Many Android manufacturers include device cloning tools.

• OPPO Clone Phone → transfers → system settings, app data, contacts, media.
  
  
• Vivo EasyShare → enables → QR-based device pairing.
  
  
• Xiaomi Mi Mover → requires → both devices connected to same Wi-Fi or hotspot.
  
  

These tools are ideal when upgrading within the same brand. However, remember: Not all apps will migrate perfectly.

How to Transfer Data Between iPhone and Android

Switching platforms introduces more constraints.

Moving from Android to iPhone: Use Move to iOS

If switching from Android to iPhone, use Move to iOS during iPhone setup.

Move to iOS can transfer:

• Contacts
  
  
• SMS message history
  
  
• Photos and videos
  
  
• Calendars
  
  
• Mail accounts
  
  
• WhatsApp chat history (supported pathway)
  
  

Music, books and PDFs require manual transfer.

For faster performance:

• You can connect devices with a USB-C cable.
  
  
• Wired transfer is typically more reliable than Wi-Fi for large datasets.
  
  

Going from iPhone to Android: Use Google Drive and Smart Switch

When switching from iPhone to Android, use Android’s built-in setup transfer.

You may also:

• Transfer iCloud Photos to Google Photos.
  
  
• Sync contacts and calendars through Google Account.
  
  
• Use Smart Switch if switching to Samsung.
  
  

Critical step before removing SIM:

• Turn off iMessage.
  
  
• Deregister iMessage to avoid SMS delivery issues.
  
  

Failure to disable iMessage is one of the most common causes of “missing messages” after switching.

What app data can’t be transferred across platforms?

This is where “everything” becomes “almost everything”.

Not all apps support full backup and restore.

Common limitations include:

• Banking apps (require fresh login)
  
  
• Authenticator apps
  
  
• Encrypted local files
  
  
• Certain game saves
  
  
• DRM-protected content
  
  

You should verify critical apps before wiping your old phone.

Using the Cloud to Transfer Photos, Contacts, and More

Google Photos vs iCloud: Which is better in 2026?

Both services synchronise photo libraries, but ecosystem fit matters.

Cloud-to-cloud transfer:

• iCloud Photos → can transfer → to Google Photos.
  
  
• Transfer duration → typically 3–7 days.
  
  
• New photos added afterward → do not auto-sync.
  
  

Some items may not transfer:

• Shared albums
  
  
• Live Photo video portions
  
  
• Smart albums
  
  

Cloud is convenient, but not instant.

After the Transfer: Final Checks and Wiping the Old Phone

Never erase your old phone immediately. Verify first.

How to verify your data transferred correctly

Instead of scrolling randomly, check:

• Most recent photos
  
  
• SMS threads
  
  
• WhatsApp chats
  
  
• Contacts list
  
  
• Notes
  
  
• Email accounts
  
  

Missing content may still be downloading.