You've just received your refurbished phone? Only one thing left: move everything you have on the old one, from contacts to photos, messages and apps. Apple and Google already provide free tools for this, and in most cases it's almost automatic. Here are the routes, depending on the phone you had and the one you received.
In this article
Before you start:
- Make a backup of the old phone (iCloud or Google)
- Make sure both phones are charged and on the same Wi-Fi network
- Know the password for your Apple or Google account
1. First, make a backup
Before fiddling with the new phone, ensure the old one is saved:
- iPhone: Settings, your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup, and tap "Back up now".
- Android: Settings, Google, Backup, and tap "Back up now".
Thus, even if something goes wrong midway, you lose nothing.
2. If your new phone is an iPhone
- Did you switch from another iPhone? Use the Quick Start. Turn on the new iPhone and place the old one beside it: a menu appears to transfer everything directly, without wires.
- Did you switch from an Android? Install the free app Move to iOS on the old phone. During the iPhone setup, choose "Move data from Android", read the code and transfer contacts, photos, messages and calendar.
3. If your new phone is an Android
Works for Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands:
- Did you switch from another Android? On first boot, sign in to your Google account and restore the backup. On a Samsung, the Smart Switch copies everything from the old phone, via cable or wirelessly.
- Did you switch from an iPhone? Use the assistant Move to Android (or Samsung's Smart Switch) and follow the steps to transfer contacts, photos and messages.
4. WhatsApp and messages
WhatsApp has its own transfer feature, and it's the proper way not to lose chats:
- Between iPhones or between Androids: when you install WhatsApp on the new phone, restore from the backup (iCloud or Google Drive).
- From iPhone to Android, or vice-versa: open Settings, Chats, "Transfer chats" and follow the steps on screen.
Avoid paid "WhatsApp transfer" apps that appear in ads. WhatsApp itself warns they can cause issues, and the native transfer does the same for free.
5. That's it
Once done, the new phone has your life inside it: contacts, photos and chats in place. Apps return when you sign in to the App Store or Play Store. Since your refurbished device arrived clean and tested, just set it up your way.
Still choosing a phone? Before buying a used one from a private seller, see how to check if it’s locked before paying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer data from an Android to an iPhone?
Install the free Move to iOS app on the Android and, during iPhone setup, choose "Move data from Android". Transfer contacts, photos, messages and calendar.
Can I move WhatsApp from iPhone to Android without losing chats?
Yes. Use the "Transfer chats" option within Settings, Chats, in WhatsApp. It’s free and official.
Do I need a cable?
In most cases no. Quick Start, Move to iOS and the Google account work over Wi-Fi. Samsung’s Smart Switch offers both options.
And my apps?
Apps return when you sign in to the App Store or Play Store. The data inside each app depends on the backup and each service.
An honest note: these tools are from Apple and Google, and they’re free. iOutlet doesn’t need any additional software for this. If you get stuck part-way through, write to us: we’re 100% online and reply by email within 48 hours.
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