Transferring your data to a new smartphone: a step-by-step guide

Changing smartphones shouldn't mean losing your photos or conversations. In our GSMCLINIQUE stores, this is one of the questions we are asked most often. Here is the method, depending on your old and new phone.

Before you start: the 4 checks

    Charge both phones to more than 50%, or leave them plugged in during the transfer.
  • Connect to Wi-Fi: a full transfer can represent several dozen gigabytes.
  • Write down your passwords: Google account or Apple ID, and your SIM card code.
  • Check the storage space of the new phone: it must be at least equal to what you use on the old one.

From Android to Android

At the first startup, the new phone offers to copy the data from an old device. Accept, then follow the instructions: the copy is done wirelessly or with a USB-C cable. Your contacts, applications, photos and settings go through your Google account.

Manufacturers also offer their own tools, often more complete between two phones of the same brand: Smart Switch at Samsung, or the built-in transfer application at Xiaomi, Honor, Motorola or Google Pixel.

From iPhone to iPhone

Place the two iPhones side by side with Bluetooth enabled: the new iPhone offers Quick Start. You can also restore an iCloud backup or a backup made on a computer. Remember to check that the iCloud backup is recent before resetting the old one.

From Android to iPhone

Install Apple's Move to iOS app on your old Android phone. During the setup of the new iPhone, choose the transfer from Android and enter the displayed code. Contacts, messages, photos, videos and email accounts are copied.

From iPhone to Android

Most recent Android phones know how to retrieve data from an iPhone with a cable, at the first startup. Before returning or reselling your iPhone, disable iMessage in its settings: otherwise, some SMS sent by iPhone users may not reach you.

The case of WhatsApp

WhatsApp manages its conversations separately. Between two phones of the same system, a backup is enough (Google Drive on Android, iCloud on iPhone). Between Android and iPhone, use the transfer option offered by WhatsApp or by the migration tool. In all cases, make a manual backup just before changing.

After the transfer

  • Open your banking and two-factor authentication applications: many require a new activation.
  • Check that all your photos are there before erasing the old phone.
  • Reset the old phone and sign out of your accounts if you give it away or resell it.

You prefer us to take care of it?

If you order on our site with free pickup in a GSMCLINIQUE store in Antibes, Pau or Lescar, come with your old phone: you will be able to ask your questions in person at the time of pickup.

Are you still looking for your next phone? See our guide to choosing a new smartphone, our selection of the best new smartphones under €300, or browse the new Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and iPhone.

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