A new phone is easier to love when your old one’s contents come with it. The simplest route is built into Android setup.

Before you start

1. Charge both phones or keep them plugged in.
2. Connect both to Wi-Fi.
3. Back up the old phone. Look in Settings > Google (or Settings > System > Backup) for Backup by Google One and run a backup now.
4. Back up WhatsApp separately. See how to back up your WhatsApp chats.
5. Know your Google account password and your screen lock.

Method 1: copy during setup (best for most people)

1. Turn the new phone on and begin setup.
2. When it asks about copying data, choose to copy apps and data from your old phone.
3. Connect with a USB cable if you have one (faster), or choose the wireless option and follow the prompts on both phones.
4. Pick what to copy: apps, contacts, messages, photos, settings.
5. Wait. Do not use either phone until it says it is finished.

Method 2: your phone maker’s transfer app

Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme and others each have their own transfer tool, often pre-installed. Look in Settings or the app list for a name like Smart Switch, Phone Clone or Transfer. Open it on both phones and follow the steps.

Method 3: restore from a Google backup

During setup on the new phone, sign in with the same Google account and choose to restore from the latest backup.

Method 4: move files by hand

Photos and files can be moved with a cable to a computer, a memory card, or a nearby-sharing feature. Look for Quick Share or Nearby Share in the share menu.

What does not come across automatically

• WhatsApp chats (restore from your WhatsApp backup after verifying the number).
• Two-factor codes in authenticator apps (set them up again, or use the app’s transfer option).
• Banking apps often need re-registration.
• Some app data and passwords.

After the transfer

Check contacts, photos, apps and logins. Keep the old phone until you are sure everything is there. Then erase it: see how to factory reset an Android phone. More general advice is in how to switch phones without losing anything.