How to Transfer Everything to a New Android Phone

The new phone is unboxed and everything worth keeping is still on the old one. The full copy is not something Android offers later from inside Settings; it is offered once, during first-time setup, and tapping past that screen is what forces a factory reset or a slower backup restore.

Start the copy on the first setup screen

Power on the new phone, choose a language, join Wi-Fi, and wait for the Copy apps & data screen. Tap Next rather than Don't copy. When asked what the old device is, choose the Android phone option.

Connect the old phone

Use the cable that came in the box, with the supplied adapter if the two ports differ. Unlock both phones and confirm the matching shapes or codes shown on each screen. If the cable will not work, pick the option to copy over Wi-Fi instead, and keep both phones on a charger for the duration.

Choose what gets copied

The list covers apps, photos and videos, messages, call history, contacts, and device settings such as wallpaper and saved Wi-Fi passwords. Leave everything ticked unless the new phone has less storage than the old one. Sign in to the same Google account when prompted, then leave both phones alone until the transfer reports that it is done. Apps continue downloading in the background after the home screen appears.

Restore from a Google backup if setup is finished

On the old phone, open Settings, System, Backup, then tap Back up now. A backup can only be applied to a new phone during setup, so either factory reset the new phone and start again for the complete copy, or sign in with the same Google account and restore what the Settings, System, Backup prompts or the Google One app offer.

Use Smart Switch between two Samsung phones

Open Settings, Accounts and backup, Smart Switch on both phones and follow the pairing prompts. It carries more than the standard copy, including some app data, notes, alarms, and home screen layout.

Restore WhatsApp separately

Back up first on the old phone under Settings, Chats, Chat backup, Back up. Then install WhatsApp on the new phone, verify the same number, and accept the restore prompt when it appears.

Moving the eSIM is its own step. Service does not follow the data. On the new phone open Settings, Network & internet, SIMs and use the transfer option, or contact the carrier for a new activation code.

Keep the old phone until everything is verified. Check messages, photos, banking apps, and two-factor codes on the new phone before wiping, selling, or trading in the old one.