Upgrading your device? Here’s everything you need to know about how to transfer data from old to new phone without losing photos, contacts, apps, or WhatsApp chats.
Whether you’re going from Android to Android, iPhone to iPhone, or even switching platforms, we’ve simplified the process for you.
Transferring data is easier than ever, thanks to built-in tools, apps, and cloud services. Let’s break it down based on your setup.
Android to Android
If you’re switching between Android phones, tools like Google Backup and Nearby Share make the process fast and painless.
Option 1: Using Google Account Backup
| What Gets Transferred | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Contacts, Photos, App Data, SMS | Your old phone backs up data to your Google Account, and your new phone restores it during setup. |
Steps:
- On the old phone, go to Settings > Google > Backup.
- Tap Back up now to sync your latest data.
- On the new phone, sign in with the same Google Account during setup.
- Choose Restore from Google Backup when prompted.
Tip: Ensure Wi-Fi is stable for faster backup and restore.
Option 2: Using Nearby Share
Nearby Share works for phones running Android 6.0 and above.
- On both devices, turn on Bluetooth, Location, and Wi-Fi.
- Go to Files app > Share > Nearby Share on the old phone.
- Select the data to send and choose your new device from the list.
- Accept the transfer on the new phone.
For students buying a new device, check our Top 7 Budget Smartphones for Students in Kenya for affordable options with smooth data migration features.
iPhone to iPhone
Apple’s ecosystem makes this transfer seamless through Quick Start and iCloud.
Option 1: Quick Start
| Requirement | What It Transfers |
|---|---|
| iOS 12.4 or later | Everything: Apps, settings, iMessages, photos |
Steps:
- Place the new iPhone next to the old one.
- A Quick Start screen appears on the old phone. Tap Continue.
- Scan the animation on the new phone using the old one.
- Complete the setup and choose Transfer from iPhone.
Option 2: iCloud Backup
- On the old iPhone, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
- On the new iPhone, choose Restore from iCloud Backup during setup.
Keep both phones plugged in during the transfer to avoid interruptions.
Android to iPhone
Moving from Android to iOS? Apple’s Move to iOS app does the trick.
Steps:
- Install Move to iOS from Google Play on your Android phone.
- On your iPhone, during setup, choose Move Data from Android.
- Open the app on Android and enter the code shown on iPhone.
- Select what to transfer (contacts, messages, photos, etc.).
Note: Some apps won’t carry over. You’ll need to reinstall iOS versions manually.
iPhone to Android
Transferring from iOS to Android is a bit more hands-on, but still doable using Google Drive or your phone manufacturer’s app.
Using Google Drive
| Data Type | Transfer Method |
|---|---|
| Contacts, Calendars, Photos | Upload to Google Drive on iPhone, then sync to Android |
Steps:
- On the iPhone, download Google Drive.
- Go to Menu > Settings > Backup, then start backup.
- Sign in to the same Google account on your Android and sync.
Alternatively, you can use Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi Mi Mover depending on the new phone’s brand.
We’ve covered how to unlock your phone if it’s locked to a previous network in How to Unlock Any Smartphone – A Complete Guide.
Tips Before You Begin
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Fully charge both phones | Prevent shutdowns during the transfer |
| Connect to fast Wi-Fi | Ensures quicker data movement |
| Backup before reset | A fallback in case something goes wrong |
Data transfer is no longer the technical hassle it used to be. Thanks to advances in mobile operating systems and cloud services like iCloud and Google Drive, you can pick up right where you left off on your new device.
If your new phone has arrived and you’re ready to switch, follow the steps above and keep your data safe and sound.
And if you’re planning an upgrade soon, make sure your device supports easy transfer tools for a smoother transition.
