Key Takeaways
What Actually Transfers — and What Doesn't
Understanding what moves automatically helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. When you restore from a backup or use a direct transfer tool, you can generally expect the following to carry over without extra effort:
- Contacts and call history
- Text message threads (within the same platform)
- Photos and videos (if backed up to iCloud or Google Photos)
- App list and most app data backed up by developers
- Wi-Fi passwords and basic system settings
What typically does not transfer automatically includes: app-specific local data not covered by the developer's backup implementation, in-app purchases that require re-activation, authenticator app credentials, and certain game progress stored only on-device.
If you're switching from Android to iPhone or vice versa, the gap is wider. Contacts and photos cross platforms well; iMessage history stays in Apple's ecosystem, and some app purchases may not carry over if the app charges separately on each platform.
Now is also a good time to declutter. A new phone setup is an ideal moment to review what you actually use — our piece on clearing digital clutter offers a structured approach for trimming old accounts and apps before they follow you to the new device.
Back Up Before You Begin
Do not start the setup process on your new phone until your old phone has a confirmed, current backup. Interruptions during migration — a dead battery, a dropped connection, or a setup error — can result in data loss. A backup gives you a recovery point no matter what happens.
After Setup: Final Checks and Good Habits
Once your new phone is running and your data is confirmed, a few finishing steps make the transition complete.
Keep your old phone for at least a week. Don't factory reset or sell it until you're confident nothing is missing. Gaps in data sometimes surface days later — a missing voicemail, a note you forgot about, or a photo album that didn't sync.
Check app permissions. As noted in step 6, new devices reset app permissions. Review them before they accumulate unchecked.
Review connected accounts. Some apps and services treat a new device as a new session. Check that app data and account data are distinct — uninstalling an app doesn't erase your account or the data companies hold on their servers.
Update your backup settings. Confirm automatic backups are enabled on your new phone. The default is sometimes off or set to backup only on certain conditions. A phone that never backs up is one drop away from data loss.
Use Your New Phone's Setup Wizard
Both Android and iPhone prompt you to restore from a backup or transfer directly from your old device during initial setup. Completing this process before dismissing the wizard is significantly easier than doing it after the fact. If you skipped it, you can still restore from a backup through your device's settings menu.
With a little preparation and the right sequence, switching smartphones is a manageable process — even for those who don't consider themselves tech-savvy. The steps above cover the scenarios most people encounter, and both Apple and Google continue to refine their migration tools with each major software release.