How to transfer data from an Android phone or iPhone to a new device

The mobile device lines are updated every year. Today, few people have been using the same phone for many years. On average, the device is updated every three to four years. This is why owners inevitably face the dilemma of how to save their photos, documents, and other data. Izvestia tells you how to safely transfer files from an old Android or iPhone to a new phone.

Which files can be transferred to a new device?

There are several types of files available for copying. These are documents, music, messages, installed applications, photo and video files. You can transfer them individually or all together. However, it is recommended to create backups of the content first, as data may be disrupted when transferring data from one device to another. Because of this, there is a risk that the information will be irretrievably lost.

To create backups, you can use cloud storage, external media, or special programs. During copying, both phones must be charged and connected to Wi-Fi in order not to waste mobile traffic. It should be borne in mind that the process may take a long time.

How to transfer data from Android to Android

If the smartphone has not been activated yet, it will not be difficult to transfer the data. The main thing is that both devices are certified by Google. It is enough to log in to your account, which will allow you to synchronize data such as contacts, photos, and applications. In addition, some of the data will be transferred after installing the previous SIM card.

You can also transfer a backup copy to a smartphone that is already activated. In this case, you will have to reset the settings to factory settings or sync your smartphones via the Settings menu. There you need to select the "Accounts" section, then "Sync".

In addition, modern Android gadgets have a useful feature — "Sharing with the environment", which makes it easy to transfer files between smartphones via wireless interfaces, including Bluetooth. You can also use branded Smart Switch applications for Samsung gadgets, MiMover for Xiaomi devices, or universal OneDrive or InShare. They must be installed on both devices.

Finally, no one has canceled the traditional methods of data transfer — using a USB or Type-C cable, an external storage medium, or a third device, such as a laptop or tablet. In the first case, you need to establish a connection between the devices and select the necessary data to copy. The second step is to connect the phone to the computer and transfer the files to a separate folder, and then download them to a new smartphone.

How to transfer data from Android to iPhone

To transfer information from a smartphone to an iPhone, you need to download the Move to iOS app. It is available in the Google Play Store and is available for Android versions higher than 4.0. Then you need to turn on the iPhone and wait for the phone setup process to start. During the initial setup, the iPhone itself will suggest using the application to transfer data.

After that, on the "Quick Start" screen, click the "Configure manually" button and select the "Transfer data from Android" function in the list that appears. The code that you need to enter on your Android device will appear in the upper-right corner. Next, you need to select the data to transfer. It is better not to touch the device, and also not to answer calls until the "Ready" notification appears, otherwise data transmission will be interrupted.

It is also important to keep in mind that you can use the Transfer to iOS program only during the initial setup of the iPhone. If the phone has already been activated, you will have to reset the settings.

How to transfer data from iPhone to Android

Data is transferred from an iPhone in a similar way. Only for this you will need the Switch to Android program ("Switch to Android"). This is a free tool from Google that allows you to transfer photos, videos, contacts, and calendar data when switching to Android devices. But it is important that the phone is of a later version. The tool is compatible with iOS 12.0 and higher.

Also, an iPhone user who has decided to switch to Android can use a long—proven method ‑ connect smartphones using a USB—C - Lightning cable, or connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi for wireless transmission.

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How to transfer data to another iPhone

You can transfer personal data and content from one Apple device to another using an iCloud backup. This method is convenient because you can use it regardless of whether there is a previous phone nearby. You can log in to the service using your Apple account.

The second way is to use the "Quick Start" feature, which appeared in iOS 11 and greatly simplified the transition from one iPhone to another. It is available for iPhone or iPad with iOS 11, iPadOS 13 or later gadgets. You need to use both devices at the same time.

Before completing the process, the phones must be nearby and connected to a power source, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. To start transferring data, just follow the on-screen instructions. The transmission time may vary depending on the network status and the amount of data being transmitted.

Earlier, Izvestia told how to set up a smartphone after the first power-up.