Mobile phones go far beyond just being practical items in modern life. While they are often used for things like calling, texting, and location sharing, i.e., practical things, they are also firmly cemented as sentimental items too, holding everything from data and apps to journals and photos. So, if your phone breaks or you get a new one, you will naturally be wondering how to transfer all of that across to the new handset. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get the job done, and this guide explores all of that below.
Can You Transfer Apps From One Phone to Another?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to transfer apps from one phone to another, even if your old phone is broken and out of service. As long as you have opted in for a virtual storage platform, like the cloud, it should be a straightforward process once the ball is rolling. So, if you have yet to sign up for the Cloud or Google Drive, or similar, take some time to pick the best option that suits you. It is one of the simplest ways to protect your data and will make life a whole lot easier when it comes to setting up a new device with your old information. If you are an Android user, it is easier to use Google backup services and for iPhone users, iCloud is the go-to option.
Transferring Apps to a New Phone: What You Are Going to Need
Once you have ensured all your data is safely backed up and stored in whichever virtual platform you deem fit, it is time to gather supplies. An app transfer may take a while and use a lot of data, so there are two big things you need to get set up correctly. Firstly, ensure that you have functional chargers and charging points close together for each phone. Secondly, do the transfer somewhere where there is a good Wi-Fi connection with capable download and upload speeds to ease the process along. It’s also useful to verify the internal memory of the new device to see whether it matches up to the old one, and if all your pre-existing app data is going to make it across without being lost in the process.
How to Transfer All Apps to a New Phone
The answer to this question will depend on what type of phone you are transferring from and which device you are transferring to. If it is a like-for-like situation, for instance, an iPhone to a new iPhone, then there are fewer steps involved than switching from an iPhone to an Android device option. However, none of the steps are too complicated and everything is user-focused so there should be few chances at all to get it wrong. Let’s work through the four main options so all the bases are covered.
iPhone-to-iPhone Transfer
Apple has an intuitive process when it comes to data and app upload to a new device. If you have both devices together, you should be able to access the Quick Start feature on both phones. The first step is to turn on your new phone, so it has power. Once this is done, hold it close to your old phone and wait patiently. What should happen, is that a message pops up on the screen allowing you to log in with your Apple ID and start the process of uploading. Just make sure that Bluetooth is switched on, otherwise, nothing will happen. At some point in the process, there will be an option to transfer your data from the old to the new, and you should press ‘yes’. Make sure the two phones are side by side until this is completed, otherwise, there is a risk of corruption. Apple even keeps you updated with handy time estimates, so you know how long you’re going to be waiting for.
Android-to-Android Transfers
If you are making a straight switch from one Android to another Android, then accessing and uploading your existing data is straightforward as well. Both phones need to be switched on and close by for convenience. Turn on the new device and press the start button that will be presented to you. Follow the on-screen instructions which will bring you to the question of whether you want to ‘copy apps and data’ from your old device. Select ‘yes’ and do what it tells you to do. This may involve a cable connection or Bluetooth depending on the devices in question. Your old data must be backed up to your Google virtual storage, so log in and verify this is the case before you start moving things over.
iPhone to Android
If you are making the big switch from an iPhone to an Android, there are a few more steps to take note of when it comes to not losing data. This will require you to access Google Drive on your old iPhone, which is often easier through the app as opposed to a browser. Not only is the app more secure, but it is also easier to navigate in general. Plus, it will be handy in case you miss anything and need to come back to it in the future.
Load up Google Drive and log in with your usual account information. Go to the menu and select the backup option so you have everything, and make sure your phone is plugged in because you do not want to lose power during the job. Then you should be able to log in on your new Android and see everything that you have backed up, thus allowing you to upload the data to the new phone and not miss out on all your usual things. This won’t automatically transfer your apps, however, so you will have to go to the Google Play store and manually reinstall them.
Android to iPhone
If you are switching from an Android device to iPhone, Android has a handy app that you should download called ‘Move to iOS’. There will be an option when setting up the new device to ‘Move data from Android,’ and this is where you click ‘yes’. You will need to have the two phones together so that you can:
- Access the app-prompted code and allow access
- Respond in real-time to the app requests
- Not risk missing any of the instructions and messing up the data transfer
Once the app is set up and linked or synchronised, the transfer will begin after your consent. When it gets going, leave the devices alone until they are ready. After it has been completed, you will be good to go. There is a chance that you have to re-download your apps after you make the switch, and your new phone is up and running. However, you should be able to preserve the data thanks to information stored by the cloud and Google Drive that was used during the initial setup.
Preserving your data and apps is important when you set up a new phone. It is inconvenient to start from the beginning, and that is why following the process will keep your information safe and your phone working just the way you like it.