Moving to a new phone is mostly automatic now: connect the two phones, follow the setup prompts, and your apps, photos, contacts, and messages copy across. The part that needs your attention is the checking — back up first, verify the photo count and the important apps on the new phone, and only wipe the old phone once you are sure nothing is missing.
Before you start: back up and prepare
Start with a full backup of the old phone, on Wi-Fi, while it is charging. Then check that the backup actually finished: look for the time and date of the last backup in settings, and open your photo service on another device to confirm recent photos are there.
Make sure you know your main account password and can receive a verification code — moving to a new phone is the worst time to discover you cannot sign in to your own email. Charge both phones fully, and set aside an hour without interruptions. Our article on how to choose a new smartphone without paying for features you will never use covers picking the new phone itself; this one covers getting your life onto it.
The transfer itself
Most phones offer a direct transfer: place the two phones near each other, or connect them with a cable, and follow the prompts. A cable is usually faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, especially with years of photos. The transfer copies your apps, photos, contacts, messages, and most settings. Start it when you have time and leave both phones alone.
What to check on the new phone
- Photos: compare the photo count with the old phone, and open a few recent ones.
- Contacts and messages: search for a few names and open a recent conversation.
- Apps: open your bank, email, and maps, and sign in where asked.
- Two-factor codes: move or re-set up your authenticator app before wiping the old phone.
- Music and downloads: re-download anything saved offline; these rarely transfer.
- Accessories: pair your watch, headphones, and car Bluetooth again.
Your number, SIM, and old phone
Your phone number belongs to your account, not to the device. Most current phones use a digital SIM that moves during setup, and your carrier can send a new one if the transfer stalls. If your old phone has a physical SIM, move the card across with the small ejector pin. Test a call and a text on the new phone before you leave the house.
Once you are confident everything moved, sign out of your accounts on the old phone and wipe it. A full factory reset removes your photos, messages, and accounts, which is the right step whether you sell it, pass it on, or recycle it. If the old phone is nearly full, how to free up storage on your phone without losing photos applies to old phones too, and how to make your smartphone battery last all day can help if it becomes a spare. For the files on your computer, see back up computer files.
Key takeaways
- Back up the old phone and check the backup before you start.
- Transfer on Wi-Fi with both phones charged and plenty of time.
- Check photo counts, contacts, and messages on the new phone before wiping the old one.
- Banking apps and two-factor codes usually need a separate step.
- Keep the old phone for a week as a safety net.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before moving to a new phone?
Back up the old phone fully, check the backup is complete, make sure you know your account passwords, and charge both phones. Do the transfer on Wi-Fi with plenty of time, not in a rush before leaving the house.
Will my photos transfer to the new phone?
Yes, if your photos are backed up to your account's cloud service or included in the phone-to-phone transfer. Check the photo count on the new phone before you wipe the old one.
Do I need to move my SIM card or number?
Your number stays with your account, not the phone. Most current phones use a digital SIM that transfers during setup, or a physical SIM you move across. Your carrier can help if the transfer stalls.
What does not transfer automatically?
Some things need a separate step: banking apps and two-factor codes, saved passwords in some browsers, downloaded music and films, and chats in apps that keep their own backup. Check each one before you wipe the old phone.
Moving phones feels risky because everything you own is in one small box, but the transfer itself is mostly automatic now. The work is in the checking: back up, transfer, verify, then wipe the old phone.
