9 MIN READ | Last updated: Jan 22, 2024 |
Transfer All Your Data From One Android Device to Another
Transferring data to a new phone can be stressful, but the Android file transfer process is painless, and we’re going to walk you through it. Keep reading to discover how to transfer data from Android to Android without losing your personal files in 3 different ways.
Quick Guide: How to Transfer Data From Android to Android
- Open the Google One app on your new phone
- Go to the Settings menu
- Select Restore from your backup
- Choose which files you want to restore
What to Do Before You Transfer Data
Before you start the Android to Android transfer:
- Charge both phones.
- Make sure both phones can connect to a Wi-Fi network.
On your old device:
- Sign out of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) on Google Messages – see below.
- If you don’t use google contacts, go to Settings > Google > Settings for Google apps > Google Contacts sync > Also sync device contacts.
- Select Automatically back up & sync device contacts.
- Perform a Google Drive backup (unless you have enabled the Google One automatic backup) to ensure you have all of your data in case the data transfer fails.
Why you need a vpn on your new phone:
We take our phones with us everywhere, filling them with photos, contacts, and tons of other sensitive personal data. To make sure you’re safe online, no matter where you are, it’s always a good idea to use a VPN. CyberGhost VPN encrypts your internet connection so no one can read your data, keeping you safe on any network.
How to Sign Out of RCS
Rich Communication Services (RCS) lets you send text, videos, photos, and GIFs as encrypted messages. If you use Google Messages for text messages, you need to turn off RCS on your old phone so you don’t miss any messages. Otherwise, skip this step.
On your old phone, go to the Google Messages app and follow these steps:
- Select more options
- Select Settings
- Select Chat features
- Toggle off Enable chat features
How to Transfer Data from Android to Android
Depending on your device and preferences, you’ve got a few options to transfer data from one Android to another.
Android’s Built-In Transfer Tool
Android has a built-in data transfer app that appears on the screen when you first start your new device. The default transfer app is supported on all Android 12 devices. This method lets you transfer data from your old phone with a cable.
Follow these steps:
Using a cable:
- Turn on your new phone.
- Select Start.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Choose which apps and data you want to copy.
- Use the cable to connect the two phones.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Without a cable:
- Turn on the new phone.
- Select Start.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Choose which apps and data to copy onto the new phone.
- Select OK.
- Click on No cable.
- Select Backup from an Android phone.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Smart Switch (for Samsung)
Samsung has a specific app called Smart Switch to transfer your data from any device to a Galaxy Phone. You can transfer between phones wirelessly, with a USB cable, or with external storage like a microSD card or a flash drive.
Follow these steps:
Using a cable:
- Connect the two phones with a USB cable.
- Turn on both phones.
- Open the Smart Switch app on both phones.
- Go to Settings > Smart Switch on the new phone.
- Select Transfer data and click Continue.
You can also transfer your data wirelessly. If you decide to do it that way, make sure your phone is charged, and don’t place the phones more than 4 inches apart.
- Accept the app permissions.
- Select Send data on the old device, then Cable or Wireless.
- Select Receive data on the new phone.
- Select Galaxy/Android and then Cable or Wireless as per your preference.
- Allow the scan to complete.
- Select the transfer option you prefer and click on Nex
- Once the transfer is complete, select Done on your new phone and Close on your old phone.
Google Drive Backup
Google Drive is a convenient alternative if you use Google services and have a good internet connection. It backs up your app data, call history, contacts (Google Contacts app only), settings, photos, text messages, and videos.
To perform a Google Drive backup, go to Settings > Google > Backup > Back up now. You can also search for backup in settings.
To restore the backup on your new device:
- Go to the Google Drive App settings and select Backups.
- Select Restore the backup.
Make sure you get all of your data before it’s deleted. You’ll be able to access it for 57 days after you stop using your old Android device.
Google One Backup
Alternatively, if you use Google One, you can turn on automatic backup of:
-
- 📱 App data
- 📱 Call history
- 📱 Contacts
- 📱 Device Settings
- 📱 Messages
- 📱 Photos and Videos
Simply follow these steps:
- Open the Google One app on your old phone.
- Select the Storage tab at the bottom of the page.
- Select Show details.
- Select Set up data backup.
- Select Manage backup.
- Select Allow permissions.
- Configure your backup settings.
- Select Back up now.
- Open the Google One app on your new phone.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Restore from backup.
- Select the files you want to restore
Manually Transfer Data
You also have the option to manually transfer data from one device to another. You will need a USB cable to connect to your computer.
Follow these steps on a PC:
- Connect your old phone to your computer with a USB cable.
- On your phone, go to Settings > Connected Devices > USB.
- Go to Use USB for and select File transfer.
- Create a new folder on your PC’s desktop.
- Go to File Explorer on your PC.
- Select your device.
- Copy the folders you want into the new desktop folder.
- Once the transfer is complete, unplug your old phone.
- Plug in the new phone and repeat steps 2 and 3.
- Find the phone in File Explorer.
- Drag the desktop files into the corresponding folders on your new phone (e.g., photos to the photos folder).
- Once the transfer is complete, unplug your new phone
Follow these steps on a Mac:
- Download and open the Android File Transfer app.
- Connect the old phone to your computer with a USB cable (you may need a USB port adapter if your phone USB cable isn’t compatible with your Mac).
- On the phone, go to Settings > Connected Devices > USB.
- Go to Use USB for and select File transfer.
- Create a new folder on your Mac.
- Go to the Android File Transfer window.
- Drag the files you want to the new folder.
- Once the transfer is complete, unplug the old phone.
- Plug in your new phone and repeat steps 3 and 4.
- Go to the Android File Transfer window and drag files to the corresponding folders on your new phone (e.g. photos to the photos folder).
- Unplug the new phone once the transfer is complete.
Other Apps
If you don’t want to manually transfer data, use the default transfer app or Google Drive. You can use a paid app to transfer data from one phone to another. However, we don’t recommend this option as third-party developers might take your data. The free options are just as handy as using paid options.
What to Do with Your Android Device after You Transfer Data
It’s easy to forget your old phone once you replace it with something shiny and new. However, your old device still remembers you — until you wipe all your data. Once you’ve transferred all your data, wipe your device and perform a factory reset to avoid anyone else getting their hands on your personal information. This is particularly important if you plan on selling your device.
Our smartphones know everything about us, including our browsing history, location data, and spending habits. Many people also store their passwords, bank information, and sensitive content on their phones. We recommend installing a VPN on your new Android device to protect your personal information from snoops and cybercriminals.
Should I Install a VPN on My New Phone?
You have plenty of hassle-free options to transfer your apps, files, and other data. Most new Android devices have a built-in transfer app that pops up when you start your new phone. If you’re transferring between Samsung phones, the Smart Switch app is an easy, user-friendly choice.
You can get CyberGhost VPN to protect your data during the transfer process and beyond. Our military-grade encryption keeps your devices safe from tracking, snooping, and cyber attacks.
We offer a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try CyberGhost VPN risk-free.
FAQ
What is the best way to transfer data from Android to Android?
The default transfer app is the best way to transfer data from one Android device to another. It’s quick and easy and transfers most of your data. However, if you’re transferring data between two Samsung devices, the Smart Switch app is a more streamlined option. It transfers all your files, apps, and settings to your new phone.
How do I transfer from Android to Android?
You can use the built-in Android transfer app, Samsung’s Smart Switch app, Google Drive backup and restore, or transfer data manually via your PC. Paid apps also exist, but the free options are just as good.
Get CyberGhost VPN to keep your data protected during the transfer process.
Can I transfer apps from my old Android to my new one?
Yes, the built-in transfer app lets you choose which apps to transfer. Samsung has an app match and recommendation tool as part of their Smart Switch app. Unfortunately, the feature is only available to US users.
You can also sign in to your Google account and manually download each app from the Play Store, but this takes much longer.
If you’re wondering whether your CyberGhost VPN app will automatically transfer, it should. If you don’t have CyberGhost VPN on your phone yet, it’s a great way to keep your activity and data private. Download the CyberGhost Android app from the Play Store to protect your new device.
Should I completely wipe my old Android after transferring my data?
Yes, you should always wipe data from your old phone to prevent your precious data from getting into the wrong hands. This is especially important if you decide to sell or recycle your old phone.
How do I set up my device from my old phone?
The process depends on which devices you’re using. See our guides on how to transfer data from Android to Android, from Android to iPhone, from iPhone to Android, and from iPhone to iPhone.
How do I transfer everything from my old phone to my new Samsung phone?
If you’re transferring data between two Samsung phones, you can use the Samsung Smart Switch app from Play Store. If you’re switching between two Android phones but one isn’t a Samsung device, use the default transfer app. Otherwise, see our guide on how to transfer files from iPhone to Android.
Charles Street
Charles Street is an American freelance writer based in France. He loves to travel and has lived in five different countries. Charles is passionate about data privacy and overcoming censorship.