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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use Android’s built-in copy process while setting up your Sony Xperia. You can transfer directly from the old Android phone by cable or wirelessly, or restore a Google Account backup if the old phone is unavailable. Sony’s Xperia Transfer 2 app is discontinued; Sony recommends Android’s built-in transfer functions instead.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and make sure you can unlock the old one.
- Connect the phones to Wi-Fi and have your Google Account details available if you may restore a backup.
- For a wired transfer, check the ports on both phones and use a data cable that fits. An adapter may be needed; a USB-C-to-USB-C cable is suitable only if both phones have USB-C ports.
Transfer directly during Xperia setup
- Turn on the Xperia and begin its initial setup.
- When asked whether to copy apps and data from another phone, choose the Android device option. Follow the prompts on the Xperia and old phone. Exact wording and screens vary by model and Android version.
- Choose a wired or wireless transfer method if both are offered. For cable transfer, connect the phones with the appropriate cable and any necessary adapter. For wireless transfer, follow the pairing instructions on both devices.
- Select the data available to copy and let the transfer finish. Google says this can take from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much data is being copied.
Google says cable and wireless setup transfer support the same data. Keep the phones available and follow any on-screen instructions until setup confirms the copy is complete.
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What transfers—and what to check manually
Google lists apps and some app data, music, photos, videos, contacts stored on the phone or SIM, text messages and their multimedia, most phone settings, wallpaper, and call history among the items that may copy through Android setup. The exact result depends on the phones and Android versions.
Some items may not copy through this process: downloads such as 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 with other services, ringtones, and some settings. Sony also notes that Google Drive backup contents can differ by device model, Android version, installed apps, and settings.
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Before erasing, trading in, or otherwise giving up the old phone, check the Xperia for your contacts, messages, photos, downloads, and important app accounts. Sign in to apps and confirm that any data you rely on is present; do not assume every app’s local data or account will move intact.
If the old phone is unavailable: restore a Google backup
If you previously backed up the old phone to a Google Account, choose the backup restore option during Xperia setup and sign in to that account. The available backup and its contents depend on what was enabled and saved, as well as the device and software. This route is useful when you cannot transfer directly from the old phone, but it is not a substitute for data that was never backed up.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the Xperia is already set up
The direct copy option may only appear during initial setup. Google’s guidance indicates that a factory reset may be needed to run setup transfer again, but whether this is necessary depends on the Xperia model and Android version. A reset erases data on the Xperia, so first save anything already on it and check the model-specific instructions before proceeding. If you do not want to reset, use available account sync or restore options for individual data types where supported.
Why not use Xperia Transfer 2?
Sony says Xperia Transfer 2 service ended on June 30, 2023, and the app was removed from Google Play. Sony’s recommendation is to use built-in Android OS functions to transfer data to a new Xperia: Sony’s Xperia Transfer 2 notice.
Quick Recap
Official instructions
- Google: Copy apps & data from an Android to a new Android device
- Google: Switch to a new Android device
- Sony: How can I backup or restore content? (Android 11 or Higher)
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