iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The most reliable way to move data to a Nothing Phone (3) is to run the transfer during the phone’s initial setup. Charge both phones, connect the Nothing phone to Wi-Fi or mobile service, choose the option for your old phone, connect or pair the old device as prompted, sign in to a Google Account, select the data categories, and start copying.
Nothing documents two Android connection methods—scanning a setup QR code or using a cable—and a direct cable method for iPhone. The exact screen labels and connection choice can vary with the Nothing phone’s setup software, so follow the method displayed on your device instead of assuming every setup uses the same flow.
What to prepare before you start
Do the preparation on both phones before opening the Nothing Phone (3) box or beginning setup. A transfer can fail or stop if either phone runs out of power, loses its connection, or cannot establish the required cable or wireless link.
Recommended Free Tools
Charge both phones fully
Nothing advises fully charging the source phone and the new Nothing phone. Keep the chargers nearby even after charging: copying a large photo library or many apps can take time, and a low battery can interrupt the process. Do not begin by moving the SIM and leaving the old phone nearly empty; you may still need it unlocked to approve a connection or confirm a prompt.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Latest Version USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable】ZeroneTeck latest USB C for Thunderbolt cable: ①This 20Gbps USB C to USB C data cable is capable of meeting your ultra-fast data transfer needs. ②USB C to USB C monitor cable support 4K@60Hz Ultra HD video output ③In addition, this Type c to Type c cable also has a faster than normal 60W data cable with 100W ultra fast charging. Makes it easy for you to solve all your problems with just one cable.
- 【20Gbps USB C Data Cable】USBC to USBC data transfer cable provides explosive transfer speed up to 20Gbps, connect hard drives and SSDs, Also suitable for phone to laptop data transfer, transfer large files in seconds and save you more work time. Meanwhile, USBC to USBC 3.2 gen 2 20gbps data transfer cable backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.(*Note: Maximum speeds are achieved when both upstream and downstream devices are Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces.)
- 【4K@60Hz USB C Cable for Monitor & Plug and Play】Plug and play, no drivers or applications required to use this cable! USB C monitor cord to stream 4K@60Hz (3840*2160) content directly from your phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers to large screens such as monitors, HDTVs and projectors. You will enjoy stunning Ultra HD video and colorful image quality. (Note: Please make sure your device has a USB-C port and supports DP Alt mode).
- 【5A/100W Fast Charging Cable】USB Type C fast charging cable with E-Marker IC chip, safely charges your devices with up to 100W power. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro 60%, an iPad Pro 75%, a iPhone 15 85%, and a Switch 95% in 35 minutes. Fully satisfies the charging power needs of professionals for MacBooks Pro, Android devices, Samsung and iPad Pro. Charge any USB-C device at maximum speed for timely use and no more waiting. *Note: Requires a C-port adapter of appropriate power.
- 【Dual Vehicle System】 Flawlessly supports CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless navigation/music streaming. 20Gbps ultra-speed — 40× faster than USB 2.0 CarPlay cables with enhanced signal stability.
Have Wi-Fi, mobile service and a Google Account ready
The Nothing phone needs a reliable Wi-Fi connection or mobile service during setup. Have the sign-in details for a Google Account available. Nothing recommends a Google Account for downloading apps and copying content to the new phone, and the setup can ask you to sign in before copying begins.
Check the connector and cable
For an iPhone, use a cable or adapter that matches the iPhone’s port and can connect directly to the Nothing phone. Nothing specifically names a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or adapter for Lightning-equipped iPhones. Check your iPhone before buying or selecting a cable: newer iPhone models use a different connector, so the required accessory is not identical for every model.
Leave an Android source phone unlocked
If you are moving from Android, keep the old phone charged, powered on and unlocked. The Nothing setup may ask you to scan a QR code with that phone or confirm a cable connection. You cannot complete those prompts if the source phone is locked or unavailable.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #2
- [ Excellent Performance ] This USB C 3.1 cable connects a portable external USB C 3.1 SSD to a computer for speedy file transfer or syncs and charges Samsung smartphones or tablets equipped with the USB C port. Data synchronization is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 cables (480Mbps). (Does not support video output.)
- [ Fast Charging & High Speed Data Transfer ] This usba to usbc data power cable can sync your favourite photos, videos and music at a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps(1250MB/s). Files can be synchronised in seconds. In addition, it can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. Tested charge Samsung Galaxy S22 from 0 to 60% in 30mins with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.Tips: USB 3.1 Gen 2 renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2 by USB-IF in 2019.
- [ Extreme Durability & High Quality ] : Unique ABS case with the reinforced connector withstand 10000+ bending test. Durable TPE cable not only stay tangling-free but also flexible enough to be wrapped up and put in a bag ! (PS:The connector shell is wrapped around by a piece of plastic film to protect the shell from scraching ,feel free to remove the film when you use it.)
- [ Universal Compatibility ] This USB C to USB A Charger cable is Compatible with almost all USB-C devices. For Samsung Galaxy S24/S24+/S24 Ultra/S23/S23+/S23 Ultra/S22/S21/S20/S10/S9/Note 20/10/A70/A80/A90/A54, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/, Moto G9/G8/G7/G Pure, LG G7/G6/V50, Sony XZ, Bose 700, GoPro, Nintendo switch, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, iPad Pro 2018 11''/12.9", Samsung T7/T5, Crucial X8/X6, LaCie Rugged SSD, G-Drive, WD My Passport, Seagate Fast, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD etc. (OnePlus phones are not supported.)
- [ What You Get ] 1 X Super-Fast USB-A to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable (3 ft including both ends), our worry-free LIFETIME WARRANTY and friendly customer service. NOTE: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to serve you and give you an easy and pleasant shopping experience.
| Preparation | iPhone source | Android source |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Fully charge the iPhone and Nothing Phone (3). | Fully charge the old Android phone and Nothing Phone (3). |
| Network | Connect the Nothing phone to Wi-Fi or mobile service during setup. | Connect the Nothing phone to Wi-Fi or mobile service during setup. |
| Account | Have a Google Account ready on the Nothing phone. | Have a Google Account ready on the Nothing phone. |
| Connection | Use a compatible cable or adapter and connect the unlocked iPhone directly. | Be ready for either a setup QR code or a cable, depending on the prompt shown. |
Turn off Apple messaging services before moving the iPhone number
Complete this step before transferring the SIM or otherwise moving your phone number from the iPhone. If the number remains registered with Apple’s messaging services, messages from other Apple users may continue to be addressed as iMessages instead of arriving as ordinary text messages on the Nothing phone.
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
- Open Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
- If another Apple device still has the same number registered for iMessage, deregister the number on that device as well.
- If the SIM has already been removed and you can no longer disable the services on the iPhone, Nothing says to contact Apple to deregister the number.
This is a messaging-number preparation step, separate from copying photos, contacts or apps. Finish it before the number is moved so the new phone can receive messages normally.
How to transfer data from an iPhone to the Nothing Phone (3)
Use the iPhone transfer option shown while the Nothing Phone (3) is being set up. The current Nothing instructions use a direct wired connection rather than asking the iPhone to send everything over a wireless pairing process.
Rank #3
- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
- HD Display: Connect your laptop to an external monitor to mirror or extend your screen in up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz.
- Huge Range of Power: Supports a maximum 240W charge when paired up with a compatible charger. Charge virtually any USB-C device from phones and accessories to laptops.
- Built to Last: Proven in lab tests to withstand up to 5,000 bends.
- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Start the Nothing Phone (3) setup. Turn on the phone and proceed until setup asks whether you want to copy data from another device.
- Connect the Nothing phone. Join Wi-Fi or connect to mobile service when the setup requests it, then choose the option indicating that the source device is an iPhone.
- Connect the phones directly. With the iPhone unlocked, attach it to the Nothing phone using the compatible cable or adapter. For a Lightning-equipped iPhone, this is a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter with the appropriate cable.
- Approve the connection on the iPhone. Watch the iPhone for a trust, confirmation or connection prompt and approve it. Keep the iPhone unlocked while the setup checks the connection.
- Sign in to a Google Account. When the Nothing phone asks, sign in with the Google Account you plan to use for app downloads and copied content.
- Review the copy list. The setup displays categories that can be transferred. Clear any category you do not want on the Nothing phone, and leave selected the items you want to bring over.
- Tap Copy and keep both phones connected. Do not disconnect the cable or power off either phone until the setup reports that copying has finished.
What Nothing says the iPhone cable transfer can copy
Nothing says the cable process can move texts, photos, contacts, most apps and music. The setup’s category screen is the authority for your particular transfer: review it rather than assuming every item on the iPhone is eligible.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some apps may not transfer. Nothing’s guidance is to download apps that did not move through Google Play after setup. This does not mean an iPhone app automatically has an Android version or that its sign-in data will be present; it means the app itself may need to be installed again from the Android app store.
How to transfer data from an Android phone to the Nothing Phone (3)
Nothing’s Android instructions support both a QR-code flow and a cable flow. Because the available method depends on the setup prompt and software version, begin with the option displayed on the Nothing Phone (3) rather than selecting a connection method in advance.
Rank #4
- 【Up to 40Gbps Data Sync】Delivers up to 40Gbps high speed transaltion, 4x faster than USB 3.2 cable, 2x faster than previous generation USB4 cable. It can copy 10GB files in seconds, avoid waiting, and effortlessly get everything you want. Plug and play, no drive needed.*The final performance depends on whether your device supports USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3.
- 【240W Rapid Charging】Up to 240W (48/5A) power supply when paired with a compatible charger. Backward compatible with 100W, 140W, 180W in Extended Power Range(EPR). It is ready to provide you with enough power at any time. Equipped E-Marker chip for safety, stability, and battery protection. Support PD 3.1, QC 4.0, FCP, AFC fast charging technology for future proof.
- 【8K HDR Design for Professionals】 Provide a single 8K@60Hz / 5K@60Hz / 4K@144Hz or dual 4K@60Hz display support. Connect your laptop or dock to a monitor and get a crisp detail and 10-bit color depth view. Support MST Daisy Chain, release your efficiency and improve the professionalism of the project.
- 【Future-proofed Compatibility】The USB 4 cable fully supports the function of Thunderbolt 4. Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, USB 2.0. It works seamlessly with all Thunderbolt 4 / 3 / Type-C devices. Compatible with Apple Studio Display, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, MacBook, Surface, iPad Pro, iPhone 17/16, docking station, SSD, power bank, GaN charger, etc. We recommend using cables below 5FT when connecting to the docking for stable performance.
- 【Top-Notch Material】Aluminum shell ensures efficient heat dissipation and protects the chip. Experience unprecedented durability with our unique 48-strand braided techniques. It offers 3x protection without tangle and gets worry-free usage. Triple protection with EMI-resistant tinplate, 28 AWG OFC conductors, and stainless steel connectors improves signal quality and ensures long-lasting connections.
- Prepare the old Android phone. Charge it, turn it on and unlock it. Keep it close to the Nothing phone throughout setup.
- Start setup on the Nothing Phone (3). Connect the new phone to Wi-Fi or mobile service when asked, then choose the option to copy data from an Android phone.
- Read the connection instruction on the Nothing phone. The screen may show a QR code to scan or ask you to connect the phones with a cable. Use the method it presents.
- For a QR-code flow, scan with the old Android phone. Open the camera or scanning action requested by the setup, point it at the displayed code, and follow the pairing prompts on both phones. Keep the source phone unlocked while pairing completes.
- For a cable flow, connect and confirm. Attach the old Android phone to the Nothing phone with the compatible cable, then approve any connection or data-copy prompt shown on the source phone.
- Sign in to a Google Account on the Nothing phone. Use the account you want associated with app downloads and copied content.
- Choose what to copy. Review the categories presented by setup. Deselect anything you do not want and continue with the selected items.
- Start the transfer. Confirm the copy action and leave both phones powered on and connected until setup finishes.
Android QR code or cable: which connection should you use?
Neither method is universally required. The setup software decides which path to offer, and Nothing’s current guidance describes both. If the QR option appears, use it; if the phone asks for a cable, connect one instead of waiting for a QR code that may never appear.
| Method | What you do | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| QR code | Use the unlocked old Android phone to scan the code displayed by the Nothing Phone (3), then follow the pairing prompts. | The old phone must be available, unlocked and able to scan the setup code. |
| Cable | Connect the old Android phone directly to the Nothing phone and approve the connection on the source device. | Use a compatible cable and keep both phones connected during copying. |
The data categories and confirmation screens can differ between setup versions. Treat the list shown on your Nothing phone as the final word on what that particular transfer can copy.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What happens to apps, photos, contacts, texts and music?
Photos, contacts and texts
For the iPhone cable process, Nothing explicitly lists photos, contacts and texts among the content that can be copied. Select those categories on the review screen if you want them on the Nothing Phone (3). The copy is controlled by your selections, so clearing a category prevents it from being included.
Best Value
![Cable Matters 20Gbps USB C to USB C Monitor Cable, 6ft / 1.8m | [8K@30Hz / 4K@120Hz Video, 240W Charging, 20Gbps Data Transfer] Works with CarPlay and Android Auto](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/318KC8i7iYL._SL160_.jpg)
- 20Gbps Data Transfer: This USB C data cable (USB C 3.2 Gen 2x2 cable) supports blazing-fast 20Gbps data transfer for fast file transfers, high-speed storage access, and external drive connections. This USB C 3.2 Gen 2 cable / USB-C data cable ensures reliable performance and is backward compatible with earlier USB-C versions.
- 8K or 4K UHD Video Output: This USB C video cable / USBC display cable supports 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz video output to a USB-C monitor. Use this USB-C monitor cable to connect your computer to a USBC monitor like the MB169C Type-C portable monitor, ZenScreen MB16AC, AOC i1601fwux, or LG 4K USB C monitor for gaming, content creation, or extended desktop viewing.
- 240W Power Delivery: This 240W USB C display cable charges laptops, tablets, and phones with up to 240W. The USB C to USB C video cable for monitor (USB C to USB C data cable) supports devices like iPad Pro, Google Pixel 2/3XL, OnePlus 2/3, HTC 10, Huawei P9, LG G5, Nexus 6P, and Galaxy S9/S9+, S8/S8+, Note 9/Note 8 when used with a USB Type C charger, USB C power adapter, or USB C car charger.
- Broad Monitor & Dock Compatibility: This USB C to USB C monitor cable works with USB-C monitors and docks such as Dell U2520D, P2720DC, U2721DE, U2719DC, and HP E273d, E24d G4, E223d, E27d G4—delivering smooth video output and charging.
- Thunderbolt 4 & USB-C Device Support: This Thunderbolt 4 & USB C cable is compatible with USB-C computers such as MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13/15, Dell Alienware 13/15/17, Dell Precision 15/17, Aspire R13/V15, S5-391-6419 Nitro, V17 Nitro, Predator 15/17, ROG G752VL, GT752VT, GT752VY, GX700VO, ZenBook Pro UX501VW, Clevo P750DM/P770DM/P870DM, ThinkPad P50/P70, MSI GS40, GS60, GT72, GT80, Vortex, WS60, WS72, and VAIO S11.
Apps
Nothing says most apps can move during the iPhone cable transfer, but some apps will not. After setup, install missing apps through Google Play. Expect to sign in again where an app requires an account; the transfer instructions do not promise that every app’s local data or session will be reproduced.
Music
Music is also listed by Nothing as transferable in the iPhone cable process. Review the category shown during setup and select it if you want that content copied.
Android content
For an Android source, select the categories presented by the Nothing Phone (3). Nothing’s instructions emphasize choosing what to copy but do not establish one identical list for every Android phone or setup version. Do not assume that a category absent from the screen will be transferred automatically.
Troubleshooting a transfer that does not start or finish
The transfer option is missing
- Make sure you are still in the Nothing Phone (3) initial setup and have reached the data-copy step.
- Confirm that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile service when setup asks for a connection.
- Restart setup only after checking that both phones are charged and that the source phone is nearby and ready. The labels can vary by setup software, so look for the option that identifies the old phone as iPhone or Android.
The iPhone is not recognized
- Unlock the iPhone before connecting it.
- Check that the cable or adapter matches the iPhone’s actual connector. A Lightning-equipped model needs the Lightning-to-USB-C arrangement described by Nothing; a different iPhone connector requires a matching accessory.
- Reconnect the cable directly to both phones and approve the confirmation prompt on the iPhone.
- If the setup still cannot establish a connection, verify that both phones have sufficient charge and return to the connection screen rather than continuing with a partially recognized device.
The Android QR pairing fails
- Unlock the old Android phone and scan the code again from the setup screen.
- Keep the phones close together and follow each confirmation prompt in order.
- If the Nothing phone offers a cable method instead, use that method; Nothing supports both flows, but the available choice depends on the prompt shown.
The cable transfer stops
- Keep both phones powered on and do not remove the cable while the copy is running.
- Check the connectors and reconnect only when setup indicates that the connection has failed or ended.
- Charge both phones fully before retrying, as Nothing identifies insufficient battery power as a potential cause of failure or loss.
- Repeat the category review and make sure the items you need are selected before tapping Copy again.
An app is missing after setup
Nothing says that apps which do not transfer can be downloaded through Google Play. Search for the app there and install it after signing in to the Google Account used during setup. If an app has no Android version, the iPhone copy process cannot provide an Android installation.
Messages still use iMessage
Return to the iPhone messaging preparation steps: turn off iMessage in Settings > Messages and FaceTime in Settings > FaceTime, then deregister the number from any other Apple device that still has it. If the SIM is already out of the iPhone, contact Apple to deregister the number.
A practical order for the whole move
- Charge the source phone and Nothing Phone (3) fully.
- For an iPhone, disable iMessage and FaceTime and deregister the number from other Apple devices before moving the SIM.
- Check the iPhone connector or prepare the Android phone for an unlocked QR scan or cable connection.
- Start Nothing Phone (3) setup and connect it to Wi-Fi or mobile service.
- Select the source-phone option that matches your old device.
- Use the connection method displayed: direct cable for iPhone, or QR code or cable for Android.
- Approve prompts on the source phone and sign in to a Google Account on the Nothing phone.
- Review the categories, deselect unwanted content and tap Copy.
- Keep both phones connected until setup completes, then use Google Play to install any iPhone apps that did not transfer.
Following this order keeps the number-deregistration task separate from the data-copy task and ensures that the Nothing Phone (3) has the network, account and connection it needs before the transfer begins.
Quick Recap
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.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
