Android · Storage & Backup
Move data from a previous device to a new one
Guides you through transferring contacts, photos, apps, messages, and settings from an old Android or iPhone to a new device, using a cable, Wi-Fi, or cloud backup.
How to open Switch & Transfer Data from Old Phone
- Start setup on the new device and select 'Copy apps & data'
- Choose cable, Wi-Fi, or cloud backup as the transfer method
- Connect both devices and follow the on-screen prompts
- Wait for the transfer to complete, then verify contacts, photos, and apps
What you should know
- Supports transfer from both Android and iPhone source devices
- Can use a direct cable connection, Wi-Fi transfer, or a cloud backup restore
- Transfers contacts, photos, apps, call history, and some app data
- Typically launched automatically during new-device setup
Why it matters
Switching phones is one of the highest-friction moments in the Android experience, and a poor transfer can mean lost photos, missing contacts, or hours spent manually reinstalling apps and re-logging into accounts. The built-in transfer tool automates most of this process, dramatically reducing setup time for a new device and minimizing the risk of overlooked data. It's especially valuable for users switching from iPhone, where format and ecosystem differences can otherwise complicate a manual migration.
Best practices
- Keep both devices charged and near each other during the transfer process
- Back up the old device to Google Account or cloud storage before starting, as a safety net
- Use a cable connection when available for the fastest and most reliable transfer speed
- Verify photos, contacts, and key apps after the transfer completes before wiping the old device
Common problems and fixes
- Transfer stalls or times out midway
- Move devices closer together, ensure both have sufficient battery, and retry using a cable if Wi-Fi transfer is unreliable.
- Some apps didn't transfer with their data
- Certain apps require signing back in manually and re-downloading, since not all app data is portable between devices.
- Photos are missing after transfer
- Confirm Google Photos backup was complete on the old device, then sign in with the same account on the new device to restore them.
Tips and tricks
- Use a USB-C to USB-C or a manufacturer-provided adapter cable for the fastest wired transfer
- Complete the transfer before removing the SIM card or resetting the old device
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer data from an iPhone to Android?
Yes, Google provides a 'Switch to Android' tool that migrates contacts, photos, and messages from iPhone.
Do I need internet access for the transfer?
A direct cable or Wi-Fi Direct connection can transfer data without needing full internet access, though cloud restores require it.
Will my apps automatically reinstall on the new phone?
Yes, in most cases the tool queues your previous apps for automatic reinstallation via the Play Store.
Related settings
- Backup & RestoreAndroid can automatically back up app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and photos to your Google Account, making it easy to restore everything on a new or reset device.
- Google Photos BackupGoogle Photos backup automatically uploads your camera roll to your Google Account, so photos and videos survive a lost, broken, or replaced phone and stay accessible across all your devices.
- Factory ResetFactory data reset erases all data on your device and restores its original settings — useful for resolving persistent software issues, or before selling or recycling the device.
More Storage & Backup guides for Android
- Storage & CleanupStorage settings show a breakdown of what's using space on your device — apps, photos, videos, and cached data — and offer one-tap tools to clear space safely.
- Files by GoogleFiles by Google is Android's built-in file manager, letting you browse, search, and organize files on your device, plus a Clean tool that surfaces junk files, duplicate photos, and unused apps you can remove in a couple of taps.
- SD Card StorageSD card storage settings let you choose how a microSD card is used — as portable storage for easily removable files, or formatted as internal storage that extends the phone's built-in space (adoptable storage).
- Free Up Space ToolThe Free Up Space tool scans the device for large files, unused apps, duplicate downloads, and old screenshots, then suggests safe items to delete to reclaim storage.
- Cached Data ManagementLets you view and clear the temporary cache files each app stores for faster loading, either per app or across all apps at once, without deleting saved account data or settings.
- Download ManagerThe built-in Download Manager (accessible via the Files app or browser downloads) lists files downloaded from browsers, email, and other apps, letting you open, share, or delete them from one place.