How to Transfer Data from Android to Android Completely Guide

Got a new Android phone? Congratulations! Now comes the important part: moving all your precious data from your old device. The thought of transferring photos, contacts, messages, apps, and settings can feel overwhelming. What if you lose something important? What if the process is complicated?

Don't worry! Transferring data between Android phones is now easier than ever. Whether you're switching from Samsung to Google Pixel, or from an old Xiaomi to a new OnePlus, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to move everything completely.

We've tested all the methods - from the built-in Google tools to manufacturer-specific solutions. This step-by-step guide will ensure you don't lose a single photo, contact, or chat message. Let's get your new phone feeling like home right away!

Pre-Transfer Checklist: Prepare Both Phones

Before you begin, take these important steps to ensure a smooth transfer:

1. Charge Both Phones: Ensure both your old and new phones have at least 50-60% battery.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for most transfer methods.
3. Update Google Play Services: On both phones, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Update.
4. Sign in to Google Account: Ensure you're signed into the same Google account on both devices.
5. Check Storage Space: Confirm your new phone has enough space for all your data.
6. Restart Both Phones: A simple restart can fix many potential issues.

Method 1: Using Google's Built-in Backup (The Easiest Way)

Best for: Users who want a hands-off approach and trust Google with their data.

Google automatically backs up your Android data when you're connected to Wi-Fi and charging. Here's how to use it:

On Your OLD Phone (Before Switch):

1. Go to Settings > Google > Backup.
2. Ensure Backup by Google One is turned ON.
3. Tap Back up now to force an immediate backup.
4. Wait for the backup to complete (you'll see the date and time of the last backup).

On Your NEW Phone (During Setup):

1. Turn on your new phone and begin setup.
2. When prompted, connect to Wi-Fi and sign in to your Google account.
3. During setup, you'll see "Copy apps & data" - tap on it.
4. Select "A backup from the cloud".
5. Choose your Google account and select the most recent backup.
6. Choose what to restore: Apps, call history, device settings, SMS, etc.
7. Tap "Restore" and wait for the process to complete.

What gets transferred?

• Google Contacts
• Google Calendar events
• Wi-Fi networks and passwords
• Wallpaper
• Gmail settings
• Apps (will automatically download from Play Store)
• Some device settings
• SMS messages (but not MMS)
• Call history

Limitation: Doesn't transfer app data for all apps, and may not transfer photos if they're not backed up to Google Photos.

Method 2: Using Phone Manufacturer's Transfer Tool

Best for: Switching between phones of the same brand (Samsung to Samsung, etc.).

Most Android manufacturers include their own transfer tools that often work better than generic solutions.

Samsung Smart Switch:

If you're switching to a Samsung phone, this is your best option:

1. On your new Samsung phone, open Smart Switch (pre-installed).
2. On your old phone, download Samsung Smart Switch from Play Store.
3. Open the app on both phones.
4. Choose "Wireless" or "Cable" transfer (cable is faster).
5. Follow on-screen instructions to connect both phones.
6. Select what you want to transfer: Contacts, messages, photos, apps, etc.
7. Tap "Transfer" and wait for completion.

Xiaomi Mi Mover / OnePlus Clone Phone / Oppo Phone Clone:

Other brands have similar tools:

• For Xiaomi: Mi Mover
• For OnePlus: Clone Phone
• For Oppo/Realme: Phone Clone

These apps work similarly - download on both phones, connect, and transfer.

Advantage: Often transfers more data including app data and system settings specific to that brand.

Method 3: Using Google Photos for Pictures and Videos

Best for: Ensuring all your memories are safely transferred.

Your photos and videos are probably your most precious data. Here's how to make sure they all transfer:

On Your OLD Phone:

1. Open Google Photos app.
2. Tap your profile picture > Photos settings > Back up & sync.
3. Ensure "Back up & sync" is turned ON.
4. Tap "Back up now" to force immediate backup.
5. Wait until all photos are backed up (check progress in notification panel).

On Your NEW Phone:

1. Install Google Photos from Play Store.
2. Sign in with the same Google account.
3. All your photos will automatically appear in the app.
4. To save storage, use "Free up space" option to remove downloaded copies while keeping them in cloud.

Pro Tip: Use Wi-Fi for this process as it can consume significant data.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps (For Maximum Control)

Best for: Cross-brand transfers and when you want more control over what gets transferred.

Several excellent apps specialize in phone-to-phone transfers:

SHAREit (Most Popular):

1. Install SHAREit on both phones from Play Store.
2. Open the app on both phones.
3. On old phone, tap "Send".
4. On new phone, tap "Receive".
5. Select files you want to transfer: photos, videos, documents, etc.
6. Tap "Send" and wait for transfer to complete.

Xender (Another Good Option):

Works similarly to SHAREit with a simple interface and fast transfer speeds.

Send Anywhere:

Offers both device-to-device transfer and cloud options.

Advantage: Transfers files directly between devices without using internet data.
Disadvantage: Doesn't transfer app data or system settings.

Method 5: Manual Transfer Using Computer

Best for: Large amounts of data or when you have unreliable internet.

If you prefer hands-on control, use a computer as an intermediate:

1. Connect your OLD phone to computer via USB cable.
2. On your phone, tap the USB notification and select "File transfer" or "MTP".
3. Open your phone's storage on computer.
4. Copy all important folders (DCIM, Pictures, Documents, Download etc.) to a folder on your computer.
5. Disconnect old phone and connect your NEW phone.
6. Copy the folders from computer to your new phone's storage.
7. Eject properly before disconnecting.

Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues

Problem: Transfer failed or stuck.
Solution: Restart both phones, ensure both have sufficient storage, and try again.

Problem: Some apps didn't transfer.
Solution: Many apps need to be downloaded fresh from Play Store. Your app list will transfer, but they need to be reinstalled.

Problem: Photos not showing in gallery.
Solution: Check if they're in the DCIM or Pictures folder. Use a file manager app to locate them.

Problem: Contacts didn't transfer.
Solution: Ensure contacts were saved to your Google account, not just "Phone" storage. Export contacts as vcf file and import on new phone.

Post-Transfer Checklist

After transferring, don't forget to:

1. Verify important data: Check messages, contacts, photos.
2. Update all apps: Go to Play Store > My apps > Update all.
3. Set up security: Enable fingerprint/face unlock, pattern, etc.
4. Customize settings: Adjust display, sound, notifications to your preference.
5. Test functionality: Make a test call, send test message.
6. Wipe old phone: Before selling or disposing, factory reset your old phone.

Comparison of Transfer Methods

Method	Best For	Speed	Data Transferred	Ease of Use
Google Backup	Automatic setup	Medium	Contacts, settings, app list	Very Easy
Manufacturer Tool	Same-brand phones	Fast	Almost everything including app data	Easy
Google Photos	Photos & videos	Slow (depends on internet)	Photos and videos only	Very Easy
SHAREit/Xender	Files without internet	Very Fast	Selected files only	Moderate
Manual (Computer)	Large files, control	Fast	Selected files only	Complex

Final Verdict: Which Method Should You Use?

For most users, we recommend this combination:

1. Use Google Backup for contacts, settings, and app list.
2. Use Google Photos for all your pictures and videos.
3. Use your phone manufacturer's tool (if available) for best results.
4. Use SHAREit for any remaining files.

This combination ensures you transfer everything completely without missing anything important.

Remember, the key to a successful transfer is preparation. Charge your phones, connect to Wi-Fi, and be patient during the process. Within an hour or two, your new phone will feel just like your old one, but better!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will my WhatsApp chats transfer to my new Android phone?
Ans: Yes, but you need to use WhatsApp's built-in backup feature. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up. On your new phone, install WhatsApp, verify your number, and restore from Google Drive backup when prompted.

Q2: How long does the transfer process take?
Ans: It depends on how much data you have. A typical transfer with 50GB of data takes 30-60 minutes over Wi-Fi. Using a cable is significantly faster.

Q3: Can I transfer data from a broken Android phone?
Ans: Yes, if the phone still turns on and connects to computer. Use a USB cable to access storage. If the screen is broken but phone works, connect a USB mouse via OTG adapter to navigate. For completely dead phones, data recovery services might be needed.

Q4: Will all my app data transfer?
Ans: Not necessarily. While app list and some data will transfer via Google Backup, many apps (especially games and banking apps) don't allow their data to be transferred for security reasons. You may need to sign in again to these apps.

Q5: What about transferring from very old Android to new Android?
Ans: The process is the same. However, very old Android versions might not have the latest transfer tools. In this case, use Google Backup for basic data and manually transfer files using a computer or apps like SHAREit.