Home / Blog / How-To Guides / How to Transfer Data from Old Phone to New Phone
How-To Guides

How to Transfer Data from Old Phone to New Phone

Complete guide to transferring all your data from old phone to new phone. Step-by-step instructions for iPhone, Samsung, and Android devices.

The Upgrade Experience

Getting a new phone is exciting, but the thought of transferring all your data can be overwhelming. We help customers with phone setup and data transfer at our Decatur location regularly, so we've learned what works best.

At Unlimited Cheap Talk Wireless, we've assisted hundreds of customers with phone migrations. Whether you're upgrading from iPhone to iPhone, switching between Android brands, or even crossing platforms, we know the process.

Before You Start: Backup Everything

This is the most important step, and many people skip it. Always backup your old phone before starting any transfer process.

For iPhone Users

  • iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Ensure you have enough iCloud storage (you may need to purchase more).
  • iTunes/Finder Backup: Connect to computer, open iTunes (or Finder on Mac), and click "Back Up Now"
  • Photos: Ensure iCloud Photos is enabled or manually transfer photos to computer

For Android Users

  • Google Backup: Settings > System > Backup. Enable backup to Google Drive
  • Google Photos: Ensure photos are backed up to Google Photos
  • Manual backup: Connect to computer and copy important files

Transfer Methods by Phone Type

iPhone to iPhone (Easiest Method)

Apple makes this remarkably simple with Quick Start:

  1. Turn on both phones and place them next to each other
  2. On old iPhone, you'll see "Set Up New iPhone" prompt - tap Continue
  3. Use camera on new iPhone to scan animation on old iPhone
  4. Enter passcode on new iPhone
  5. Choose "Transfer from iPhone" and wait (this can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on data amount)
  6. Keep phones close and plugged in during transfer

This transfers everything: apps, photos, messages, settings, even your Home screen layout.

Samsung to Samsung

Samsung's Smart Switch app makes transfers seamless:

  1. Download Smart Switch on both phones (usually pre-installed)
  2. Open Smart Switch on new phone and select "Receive data"
  3. On old phone, select "Send data"
  4. Choose connection method (Wi-Fi Direct is fastest)
  5. Select what to transfer (contacts, photos, apps, settings)
  6. Wait for transfer to complete

Other Android to Android

Google's backup system works for most Android transfers:

  1. On old phone, ensure Google backup is enabled (Settings > System > Backup)
  2. When setting up new phone, sign in with same Google account
  3. During setup, choose to restore from backup
  4. Select what to restore (apps, contacts, settings, etc.)

iPhone to Android or Android to iPhone

Cross-platform transfers are trickier but possible:

  • Contacts: Export from old phone, import to new
  • Photos: Upload to cloud service (Google Photos, iCloud) then download on new phone
  • Apps: Must be downloaded fresh from respective app stores
  • Messages: Can't transfer between platforms directly

We recommend using apps like Move to iOS (for Android to iPhone) or Google's transfer tools for smoother cross-platform migration.

What Gets Transferred (And What Doesn't)

Understanding what transfers automatically helps manage expectations:

Typically Transfers:

  • Contacts
  • Photos and videos
  • Apps (and sometimes app data)
  • Settings and preferences
  • Wi-Fi passwords
  • Calendar events
  • Notes and documents

May Not Transfer:

  • App login credentials (you'll need to sign in again)
  • Some app data and game progress
  • Text messages (depends on method used)
  • Authenticator app codes (requires re-setup)
  • Health data (iOS to Android)

Common Issues and Solutions

Transfer Taking Too Long

Large data transfers can take hours. If it's taking unusually long:

  • Ensure both phones are plugged in and charging
  • Keep phones close together (for wireless transfer)
  • Use wired connection if available (faster than wireless)
  • Check that both phones stay awake during transfer

Not Everything Transferred

If some items are missing:

  • Check cloud storage (photos may be in cloud, not on device)
  • Verify backup was complete before transfer
  • Some apps require manual re-download
  • Check settings and preferences - they may need to be reconfigured

Professional Phone Setup Service

At Unlimited Cheap Talk Wireless in Decatur, we offer phone setup and data transfer assistance:

  • Data transfer service: We can help transfer all your data safely
  • App installation: Set up all your apps and accounts
  • Settings configuration: Configure your preferences and settings
  • Training: We'll walk you through your new phone's features

Our setup service is especially popular with customers who aren't tech-savvy or are busy and want everything done right the first time.

Before You Get Rid of Your Old Phone

Important steps before selling or recycling:

  1. Verify transfer: Make sure everything you need is on the new phone
  2. Sign out: Sign out of all accounts (iCloud, Google, apps)
  3. Factory reset: Erase all content and settings
  4. Remove SIM card: If not transferring to new phone
  5. Trade-in value: Bring it to us - we offer trade-in credit on working devices

Visit Our Decatur Location

Need help with phone setup or data transfer? Visit Unlimited Cheap Talk Wireless at 4525 Glenwood Road, Suite J-3 in Decatur, GA. We're open Sunday-Monday 12-5pm, Wednesday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-7pm. Closed Tuesdays.

Call us at (404) 289-4500 to schedule a setup appointment, or stop by and we'll help you get your new phone configured perfectly.