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The right way to move your data depends on which phones you’re switching between: iPhone to iPhone, Android to Android, Android to iPhone, or iPhone to Android. Start the transfer during the new phone’s setup when the instructions call for it, keep both devices powered, and don’t erase the old phone until you’ve checked the important data on the new one.
Before you start: prepare both phones
Check which transfer path matches your old and new phones. The available content and steps differ across platforms and can also depend on the specific models, software versions, carrier, and account access.
- Charge both phones and have the old phone’s passcode, PIN, pattern, or password ready.
- Connect to Wi-Fi where the setup instructions require it, and make sure you can sign in to the account used for backups.
- Back up the old phone before starting, if possible.
- Keep the old phone intact until you’ve checked photos, messages, and other important content on the new phone.
- If you plan to use a cable, confirm that both phones support the wired method and that the cable and adapters match their connectors.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Best when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Direct phone-to-phone transfer | You have both phones and they support the same setup flow. | The devices may be occupied while copying, and the content supported depends on the platform and method. |
| Cloud backup restore | The old phone is unavailable, or you prefer restoring a saved backup. | You need the right account credentials and an available backup; some content may continue downloading after setup. |
| Computer backup restore | You already have an iPhone backup made with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. | An unencrypted computer backup does not include Health and Activity data. |
| Manual sync or copy | The built-in transfer does not move a particular item or is unavailable. | You may need to copy files separately, use cloud storage, or sign in to individual apps. |
Move data from iPhone to iPhone
Use Quick Start when both iPhones are available
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, and unlock it.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one. Follow the on-screen Quick Start prompts.
- When asked how to transfer data, choose a download from iCloud or a direct transfer from the old iPhone.
- Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until the transfer finishes.
An iCloud download lets apps and data continue downloading in the background, so you may be able to use the new iPhone sooner. With a direct transfer, wait for it to finish before using either phone. Apple says timing depends on network conditions and the amount of data: Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad.
Restore an iCloud or computer backup
If the old iPhone is not available, restore an iCloud backup during the new iPhone’s setup and check the backup date and size before selecting it. Apple’s restore instructions require erasing a new iPhone that has already been set up before restoring a backup; erasing removes the data currently on that phone. Review the consequences and save anything you need before proceeding: Transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone or iPad.
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You can also restore from a Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes backup. An unencrypted computer backup omits Health and Activity data: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup.
Move data from Android to Android
Copy directly during setup
- Charge both phones, connect the old phone to Wi-Fi, and make sure you can unlock it.
- Turn on the new phone and follow its setup prompts. Choose to copy apps and data from an Android device.
- Pair the phones using the instructions shown on screen, unlock the old phone, and select what to copy.
- Keep the phones powered and follow the new phone’s completion instructions.
Google’s general setup guidance says the steps vary by device; Pixel phones use a separate setup guide. For the current instructions, see Switch to a new Android device.
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Restore a Google Account backup or sync items afterward
If you cannot use the old phone, sign in to the Google Account associated with an available backup during setup. Google says you may need the old phone’s screen lock for security.
After setup, contacts saved to your Google Account appear when you sign in, and cloud-backed photos can be accessed through Google Photos. You can move files using Drive or a computer, depending on your internet access. Music libraries from streaming services generally return when you install the service app and sign in.
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Move data from Android to iPhone
Use Move to iOS during iPhone setup
- On the new iPhone, begin setup, choose the option to set it up without another Apple device, and select the move-from-Android route.
- Open Move to iOS on the Android phone. Connect the phones using the temporary Wi-Fi network or a cable if supported, then enter the setup code shown on the iPhone.
- Select the content to transfer and leave both phones powered and undisturbed until the iPhone’s progress bar finishes.
Apple lists contacts; message history and SMS; camera photos and videos and albums; files and folders; accessibility and display settings; web bookmarks; email accounts; WhatsApp messages and media; Voice Memos; call history; and calendars among the transferable categories. Some free apps may be matched if they are available in both stores and support transfer. Music, books, and PDFs need to be moved manually. See Move from Android to iPhone or iPad.
Prevent an interrupted or incomplete transfer
Do not switch to another app or take a call on the Android phone before the transfer finishes; Apple warns that doing so can prevent content from transferring. If the iPhone runs out of storage or only some items arrive, Apple’s troubleshooting guidance recommends checking available storage and restarting the transfer as needed.
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- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
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Move data from iPhone to Android
Check which Android transfer route your phones support
Google describes a classic transfer using a cable or the Android Switch app, plus an upgraded method available on selected devices. Supported data varies by method and device. Google’s comparison lists photos and videos, contacts, and calendars across the methods; messages and apps are supported in the classic cable and upgraded wireless flows. Files, passwords or passkeys, Wi-Fi networks, call history, and eSIM support depend on the upgraded path in Google’s comparison.
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The upgraded route is limited to selected Pixel and Samsung devices and depends on rollout and compatibility. Check the instructions for your exact phone rather than assuming it is available. Google’s route and supported-data details are at Switch to Android.
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Handle messages, WhatsApp, photos, and paid apps separately
- iMessage: For the classic route, Google says to turn off iMessage on the old iPhone after the transfer so messages continue reaching the Android phone.
- WhatsApp: The classic route can offer WhatsApp transfer during setup; the upgraded method handles WhatsApp separately after the initial transfer.
- Photos in iCloud: If the photos are stored in iCloud, Google points users to Apple’s privacy portal to request a copy for Google Photos.
- Paid iPhone apps: A purchase on the App Store does not automatically become a free Android license. Google advises contacting the app developer about purchased apps.
- eSIM: Transfer depends on the phones and carrier. Check the instructions from your device maker and carrier for your specific setup.
Check the new phone before wiping or trading in the old one
Open the apps and inspect the content that matters most rather than relying only on a transfer-complete message. Confirm that recent photos and videos appear, message history is present, contacts and calendars are available, and any files or app-specific content you need can be opened. Some apps may need to be installed again, signed into, or configured individually; a transfer does not guarantee that every login, subscription, paid app, or app-specific data item will carry over.
If something is missing, keep the old phone unchanged while you check whether the item is in a cloud account, backup, or app-specific sync service. Google explicitly advises erasing the old device only after confirming the data was copied.
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