Changing your phone is cool, but what's not so cool is the moment of migrate all your appsphotos, chats, and settings from one Android to another without leaving anything out. The good news is that nowadays the process is quite automated, provided you prepare the ground well.
Throughout this guide you will see All available methods for transferring data between Android mobilesWhat to copy and what not to copy, how to use the Google Assistant, the specific tools of each manufacturer, and what things should be done manually to avoid losing important information such as passwords, documents, or some loose files.
Before transferring your data: essential preparations
Before you start copying anything, it's important that Prepare both the old and the new mobile phone properly.This saves trouble and ensures that most of your information travels with you to the new device without any problems.
The first thing to do is check your Google account, which is the central hub of your information on AndroidContacts, calendars, some settings, app backups, and many other data are linked to your Gmail account, which is what you use to log in to your mobile when you first turned it on.
You should also keep in mind that Not all manufacturers manage data the same way.Many devices have their own apps for contacts, notes, passwords, or gallery that, instead of saving data to your Google account, associate it with a proprietary account from the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.). If you switch brands, this can be a real headache if you don't prepare for it.
Therefore, if you're going to switch from one manufacturer to another, it's highly recommended. Install Google's native apps on the old mobile phone and move your data there: Google Contacts, Google PhotosGoogle Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Files, among others. This ensures that almost everything is linked to your Google account and you don't depend so much on the brand's interface.
Another important point is the available cloud spaceGoogle offers 15 GB of free storage shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. If you have many videos, high-quality photos, music, or large files, this may not be enough. In those cases, you can Purchase additional storage with Google One or use alternative services such as Dropbox, OneDrive or the manufacturer's own cloud storage.
Don't forget yours either accounts in key applicationsNote-taking services, task managers, third-party calendar apps, productivity apps, etc., usually have their own account systems. Make sure you're logged in and that your data is synced to each app's cloud storage, so if something goes wrong with the system backup, you can always recover your data by logging back in.
In the case of WhatsAppYour Android backups are saved to Google Drive. If you're switching from one Android device to another, your chats shouldn't be lost, but it's a very good idea to back them up. force a manual backup Just before switching phones, make sure all your latest messages are uploaded to the cloud.
The music you listen to via streaming (Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Tidal, etc.) doesn't need a complicated migration: Your lists and preferences are saved to your service account.By installing the app on your new phone and logging in, everything will be back to normal.
It tienes songs, videos or documents saved as files in the mobile phone's memoryIt's a good idea to upload them to Google Drive, another cloud service, or transfer them to your computer. That way, when you get a new phone, you'll only have to download or copy them from your PC or the cloud. If you choose to transfer large files, use guides for... take them to the computer smoothly.
You have to be careful with passwords. If you use the Google's built-in password manager (the one that integrates with your Gmail and Chrome account), your passwords are saved in your account and will automatically appear when you log in with the same account on your new phone. If you use a third-party password manager or have your passwords saved on another system, make sure that Synchronization is enabled or to export backups if the app allows it.
It's a good idea to manually check which data is syncing with your Google account on your current mobile device. To do this, go to the In Android settings, go to Accounts, and select your Google account. And review the list of items that can be synced (contacts, calendar, app data, etc.). Ideally, everything important should be selected to avoid gaps.
As a final review, it's worth Review one by one the apps you use most to see if they need any extra steps: creating their own account, exporting settings, manual synchronization, etc. Custom launchers like Nova Launcher, note apps, task managers or automation apps usually allow you to export their settings and then import them onto the new phone.
What you need before you start copying data
Besides the accounts and copies section, there are a few basic requirements that It's advisable to have them ready before starting the transfer so that the process is not cut short.
Make sure that Both phones have enough battery powerIdeally, your phone should be almost fully charged. The migration can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data, so it's not a good time to be running on 10% battery.
Have the SIM eject tool or pin and be able to change the card without problems. If you plan to use an eSIM, check your carrier's instructions before downloading it to the new device.
It is important that you have one good internet connectionFor cloud transfers and restoring backups, it's recommended to use Wi-Fi, both on your old phone (to upload data) and your new phone (to download it). Many processes also work with mobile data, but you can quickly use up your data allowance if you have a lot of photos and videos.
If you're going to use a cable for direct transfer between mobile phones, check that The cable is compatible with both devices.In some cases, you'll need an adapter (for example, USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C). If you don't have a compatible cable, you can always use wireless mode.
Keep in mind that, in the Android setup wizard, the The complete transfer from the old mobile phone can usually only be done once.It is highly recommended to do this during the initial setup process, because afterwards the option may disappear or become limited.
Finally, if the mobile phone you are going to abandon is managed by a company or educational institution (For example, with a work profile or as a corporate device), there might be restrictions preventing you from copying certain data to the new phone. In that case, talk to your IT department to find out what can and can't be migrated.
What gets copied and what doesn't when switching Android devices
When you use the Android migration assistant or Google backups, the system It does not send absolutely all the content from the mobile phone.but rather a fairly broad selection of data. It's important to know what's included in the package and what you'll have to handle on your own.
Normally, during the initial setup of your new phone you will be able to copy:
- Applications and some app data that use the Android backup system.
- Music, photos and videos that are not in hidden or protected folders.
- Contacts stored on the phone or SIM, if you choose to include them in the migration.
- SMS messages and, in many cases, MMS messages with its associated multimedia content.
- Most of the system settings (depending on the Android model and version): saved Wi-Fi networks, some permissions, basic parameters.
- Call History and basic phone settings.
- Wallpaper and some visual settings from the desk.
However, there are certain elements that They are not automatically copied during setup and that you will have to manage through other means:
- Downloaded files manually (PDFs, documents, etc.) that are in folders like Downloads, unless you upload them to the cloud or copy them via cable.
- Photos, videos, and music in hidden or special folders that some apps create for their own content.
- Apps installed outside of Google Play (APK manuals) and their data, unless the manufacturer offers its own tool that includes them.
- Data from apps that do not use the Android backup system or that store the information entirely locally without synchronization.
- Non-Google accounts (for example, some email accounts or unusual services) and the specific data associated with them.
- Contacts and calendars synchronized with services other than Google (Exchange, iCloud, etc.) that you will need to reconfigure with your own account.
- Custom ringtones and certain advanced settings, which are not usually included in the copy.
Knowing what gets left out allows you to Don't rely too heavily on automatic backups and you can complement the migration with a manual backup of downloads, important documents, or any critical files you don't want to lose.
How to use the Android migration assistant step by step
Android includes its own setup and migration wizard This prompt appears when you turn on your new phone for the first time (or restore it to factory settings). This wizard is the easiest way to clone your old phone, provided you have it handy.
1. Turn on the new mobile phone and choose the language
Turn on your new Android phone and tap on Start or Begin On the first screen. If needed, take this opportunity to change the system language or activate accessibility options before continuing.
2. Connect to the Internet (WiFi or mobile data)
The wizard will ask you to connect to a Wi-Fi network or activate mobile dataFor Wi-Fi, simply select the network from the list and enter the password. To use mobile data, insert your SIM card or download an eSIM from your carrier if your device supports it.
Ideally have both Wi-Fi and data availableAlthough either option is sufficient for copying data, provided you have internet access. It is highly recommended that both phones be connected to a stable network during the setup of the new Android device.
3. Choose to back up your apps and data
There will come a point in the assistant where it will ask you if you want to Copy apps and data from your previous deviceHere you must click on the copy option. If you choose to continue without copying anything, it will be more complicated to restart the entire process later.
4. Transfer with cable (recommended option)
If you have a compatible cable, the quickest and most comprehensive option is usually [insert option here]. The wizard will tell you what type of cable you need and how to connect it. If the cable isn't suitable, you may need to use an adapter.
When both devices are connected by cable, the old mobile phone will display a screen for authorize the copying of dataClick on Copy and, if prompted, sign in with your Google account so that the transfer also includes data synced to the cloud and the copy is as complete as possible.
Then you can choose which content you want to copyApps, photos, videos, messages, etc. Check or uncheck what you want to copy and confirm the operation. On the new phone, you'll see a message like "Copying data..." and on the old phone, when the process is complete, something like "Data copied."
Depending on the amount of information you are moving, this step may take from a few minutes to more than an hourIt is important not to disconnect the cable or turn off either phone until the assistant says it is finished.
Keep in mind that apps like WhatsApp will reset their chats and data later, from the cloudWhen you open the app on your new phone, this will work. For this to happen, you must have enabled WhatsApp backups on your old device before switching.
5. Transfer wirelessly (without cable)
If you don't have a compatible cable or adapter, the assistant offers you the option to do the wireless copyIt's a bit slower, but it usually works well if the Wi-Fi connection is stable.
On the new phone, when it asks you about the cable, choose the option that indicates that You don't have a cable Or perhaps you want to do it wirelessly. The assistant will guide you through pairing both phones.
On the old mobile phone, open the google app and look for "set up my device". A wizard will appear to guide you through pairing it with your new phone. Tap Next and follow the instructions: shapes and numbers will be displayed on both screens to help you verify you're connecting the correct phones.
When everything matches, press on Next, then CopyAgain, it's highly recommended that you sign in with your Google account if you haven't already, so that all associated data is included. Then select the apps and data you want to copy and wait for the wireless transfer to complete.
As with the wired method, WhatsApp and other apps with cloud backups will be restored when opened. on the new mobile phone, provided they are correctly configured on the previous one.
Restore from a Google One backup
If you no longer have access to your old mobile phone (because you've lost it, it's been stolen, or it's broken), you can still recover a lot of information thanks to cloud backups stored in your Google account.
During the setup of the new Android, when the screen appears "Set up using another device"You can skip that option and choose to directly restore data from a backup of a previous device.
It is imperative that Connect to a Wi-Fi network and log in with your Google account This will allow the system to show you the list of available backups. If you had multiple Android phones with the same account, you may see more than one backup; choose the one that corresponds to the device you want to recover.
In some cases, to confirm the restoration, the system will ask you Enter the PIN for the old deviceIt's an additional layer of security to protect your data in the cloud.
Then you can select What types of data do you want to restore? From that backup (apps, call logs, SMS, settings, etc.) tap Reset. Your phone will download the information from Google One and apply it. Depending on your connection and the size of the backup, the process may take a little while.
Keep in mind that in order for backups to be available, you must have previously enabled backups on the previous mobile deviceIf you never did this, the system may not show you anything to restore.
How to sync contacts, music, photos, files, and calendar
Beyond the general system backup, much of your data is managed independently, and it's good to know How to make sure they appear exactly as shown on the new Android.
Contacts
If you already use the contacts from your Google account (for example, those you see in Gmail or in the Google Contacts app), it's easy: as soon as you log in to the new mobile with the same account, they will automatically sync.
If your contacts are saved in the SIM cardYou can import them to the new device from the Contacts app or from the system settings. There's usually an option for "Import from SIM"which copies those numbers to your phone's storage or your Google account; if you need instructions for changing your number, see how Change your number without losing your data..
Music
With streaming services, all you need to do is reinstall the app you use (YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and log in with the same account to sync your playlists, favorite artists, and preferences.
It tienes music in local files (MP3, FLAC, etc.) on the old mobile, you will have to move those files manually: upload them to a cloud, transfer them to the PC and then to the new mobile or use a microSD card if your devices support it.
Photos, videos, files and folders
The easiest way to avoid losing your gallery is to have the Google Photos backupThis way, all your photos and videos will be uploaded to the cloud, and when you install Google Photos on the new device with the same account, they will appear without you having to do anything else.
For documents, downloads, and other folders, the most practical thing is usually to Use Google Drive or your preferred cloud serviceUpload the files from your old phone and then download them to your new one. Another classic option is to connect them to your computer via USB and copy everything manually.
Calendar events
If you use Google CalendarThe events are associated with your Google account. As soon as you sign in on your new phone and open the app, you'll see your appointments, reminders, and calendars just as they were before.
If your calendars are linked to other services (for example, an Exchange account or a work calendar), you will need to re-add that account on the new device so that events are synchronized.
Tools from each manufacturer to clone your Android phone
In addition to the general Android assistant, almost all major manufacturers offer their own migration appsThese tools are especially useful when you switch from an older model to a newer one of the same brand, because they also copy layer-specific data and proprietary applications.
In general, these apps are installed on both mobile phones (sender and receiver) and allow connection via cable, Wi-Fi Direct, or QR code to transfer contacts, calls, photos, SMS, settings and other data.
These are some of the best known:
- Google Data Transfer ToolDesigned for Pixel phones, this is a more polished version of the Android assistant, featuring a modern interface and extra options, such as the ability to transfer WhatsApp chats from an iPhone in certain scenarios. It allows you to copy apps, photos, videos, SMS messages, settings, call logs, WhatsApp chats, and everything else synced to the Google cloud.
- Samsung Smart SwitchIt comes pre-installed on Samsung phones and allows you to transfer data via cable or wirelessly. You can copy contacts, photos, music, calendar, SMS messages, phone settings, apps, home screen layout, audio messages, and other content specific to Samsung's interface.
- Huawei Phone CloneIt connects mobile phones using a QR code and allows you to migrate SMS messages, call logs, contacts, calendar, photos, videos, audio recordings, documents, multimedia files, and applications. Very useful if you're switching from one Huawei to another, although it also works with other Android devices.
- OPPO Clone PhoneDesigned for devices running ColorOS. Connects via QR code and transfers call history, SMS messages, photos, videos, audio, music, documents, installed apps, system settings, and data from some apps like WeChat or QQ.
- OnePlus Clone PhoneVery similar to OPPO's, as they share many fundamental components. It allows you to transfer data from almost any Android device to a OnePlus via Wi-Fi, copying contacts, SMS messages, call logs, audio, photos, videos, installed apps, and data from some of them. It can also be used to create backups.
- Xiaomi Mi MoverCompatible with Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones. It allows you to specify which phone sends and which receives, and by bringing them close together, the transfer of SMS messages, call logs, contacts, photos, audio, videos, documents, applications, and certain app settings is performed.
- Sony Xperia TransferSony's app for transferring data via Wi-Fi Direct, USB, or, if you're coming from an iPhone, via cable or iCloud. It can migrate contacts, call history, SMS messages, calendar, photos, videos, documents, music, and some system settings.
- Asus Data TransferDesigned for Asus mobile phones. It allows wireless transfer of contacts, call history, calendar, SMS, documents, files, photos, videos, music, applications, and browser bookmarks.
- LG Mobile SwitchAlthough LG stopped manufacturing mobile phones, its tool remains useful if you need to extract data from an old LG device. Connect via cable, wirelessly, or using a microSD card to move contacts, photos, videos, messages, and other items to your new device.
These official applications are usually the Best option if you buy from the same manufacturer.because they take advantage of the brand's own services to copy even data from system apps, themes, icon layouts and other settings that the generic Android assistant does not always cover.
For more general data, remember that Many services automatically sync when you log in: email (Gmail, Outlook), browser history and bookmarks if you use an account, or even passwords if you manage them with the browser keychain or an external manager.
Job profiles and corporate data on Android
If you also use your mobile phone for work, you may have a work profile on AndroidThis system separates company data and apps from your personal data, so the organization only manages the work environment and your private things remain separate.
Work apps usually appear in a specific tab or section called "Work," and when you see a notification or icon with a small briefcaseThis means it belongs to your professional profile. From the settings, you can temporarily pause your work profile to silence work notifications and apps outside of your working hours.
The configuration of these types of profiles depends on your company. Typically, the The IT department provides you with instructions. To register the new device and create your work profile, some information will be migrated automatically when you link your corporate account to the new mobile device, but there may also be additional restrictions on what is copied and how.
Privacy and data that Google collects during migration
When you migrate your account to a new device, Google collects certain necessary technical information. to provide its services and make the transition easier. Some of these features rely on Google Play Services.
Among the data that can be collected are: email addresses associated with your account (for example, to show which accounts you want to transfer during setup) and usage information or device identifiers for statistical and service improvement purposes. This data is They transmit encrypted data., which protects its content from third parties during the process.
Organizing an Android phone swap might seem like a hassle, but if you have your Make sure your Google account is properly configured, backups are enabled, and you take advantage of the system and manufacturer's migration tools.Normally, you'll switch from one phone to another practically without noticing the change, except for the device's design. The few things that aren't automatically copied (downloads, loose files, some settings, or poorly managed passwords) can be easily saved with a little planning, using the cloud, a PC, or a good password manager, so you can start using your new phone without leaving anything important behind.
