How to transfer data to a new phone without a fuss

Dreading transferring data from your old mobile to a shiny new phone? Whether you want to transfer from an iPhone to an iPhone, an Android to an Android, or mix the streams, both Apple and Google (Android) offer tools to help you get the job done.

If you've recently upgraded your iPhone model, Apple's Quick Start feature lets you transfer files wirelessly. On Android, your information is tied to a Google account that can be accessed on your new smartphone. There are also ways to make the jump from Apple to Android, or vice versa.

Keep scrolling to discover how to retire your old phone without leaving contacts, pictures and videos behind.

Jump to:

• Transfer from iPhone to iPhone
• Transfer from Android to Android
• Transfer from iPhone to Android
• Transfer from Android to iPhone

Get tech confident for less

Get 12 months of tech support and buying advice for only £34.30, that's a 30% saving. Together we’ll show your tech who’s boss.

Join Which? Tech Support

Offer ends 16 Jun 25. Cancel anytime.

Already a Tech Support member? For more help and 1-to-1 technical advice, including buying advice, go to our Tech Support online booking tool.

Question of the month: I've just bought a new phone – how do I keep my old files?

'My phone is no longer supported by security updates, so I've had to buy a new one.

'Do you know how to set it up and copy everything from my old phone to the new one? I don't want to lose anything important.'

Which? Tech Support member

Transferring data from iPhone to iPhone

To transfer files from your old iPhone to your new one, you can use Apple’s Quick Start feature. It works if your old device is an iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, iPadOS 13, or later. The process uses both devices simultaneously, so it’s best to start the transfer when you won’t need your current phone for several minutes.

1. Press and hold the Power button on your new iPhone. Make sure your current device is connected to wi-fi and Bluetooth is on.
2. Place the phones next to each other and a message saying 'looking for nearby devices' will pop up – follow the instructions to get started. If the prompt to set up your new device disappears from your current one, restart both phones.
3. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
4. Next, you'll choose how to transfer your data. If you choose Download from iCloud, your apps and data will be downloaded in the background so you can start using your new iPhone. If you Transfer directly from your previous device, you'll need to wait for the transfer to finish on both. The second option is better, as it makes an identical copy of the previous phone.

Make sure you keep both devices near each other and plugged in while you wait for the data migration to finish.

Get a great phone, no matter what your budget - see our expert pick of the best smartphones.

Transferring data from Android to Android

If you're switching from one Android device to another, you can transfer apps, music, photos, videos, contacts, text messages, your wallpaper, and your call history.

1. Turn on both Android phones – your new phone will display instructions on how to connect your old device.
2. Activate the SIM in your new phone.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your Google Account and set up biometrics.
4. From the Choose what to copy screen, select the data to transfer from your existing Android phone. Apps, contacts and photos, for example.
5. When you're ready, select Next to begin the transfer.

Transferring data from iPhone to Android

1. Make sure that both phones have plenty of charge.
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings and turn off iMessage and FaceTime – that means you won’t miss any messages or calls once you’ve switched to Android.
3. Turn on your new Android, tap Start and connect to wi-fi or a mobile network. Without a connection, you won't be able to sign in to Google, copy apps or download software updates.
4. You can connect your iPhone to Android via the charging cable (USB-C to Lightning) or transfer data wirelessly with the Android Switch app.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the data you want to transfer.

Find out how to securely dispose of your old device with our guide on how to recycle your mobile phone.

Transferring data from Android to iPhone

1. Enable wi-fi on your Android and plug both phones into power. You can also use a USB-C cable to directly connect your Android device and your iPhone for a faster transfer.
2. Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to the Android. From the Quick Start screen, choose Set Up Without Another [Apple] Device > From Android.
3. On your Android, open the Move to iOS app and follow the instructions.
4. A unique code will be sent to your iPhone. Enter that code on your Android device and your iPhone will create a temporary Wi-Fi network.
5. On your Android device, select the content that you want to transfer and tap Continue.

As you're transferring files from your Android device, you can also activate your phone number and SIM – doing so might redirect you to your network provider’s website.

News, deals and stuff the manuals don't tell you. Sign up for our Tech newsletter, it's free monthly.

Join Which? Tech Support

Get tech confident for less

Get 12 months of tech support and buying advice for only £34.30, that's a 30% saving. Together we’ll show your tech who’s boss.

Join Which? Tech Support

Offer ends 16 Jun 25. Cancel anytime.

Which? Tech Support can help you keep on top of your home tech. Our experts explain things clearly so that you can resolve issues and feel more confident using your devices.

Get unlimited 1-2-1 expert support:

• By phone – clear guidance in choosing, setting up, using and resolving issues with your home tech devices.
• By email – outline the issue and we’ll email you our answer.
• By remote fix – we connect securely from our office to your home computer and resolve issues while you watch.
• In print – Which? Tech magazine, six issues a year delivered to your door.

You can join Which? Tech Support.