TL;DR
Upgrading your phone is easier with a little preparation: back up your data, confirm app compatibility across operating systems, keep devices charged and on Wi‑Fi, retain the old phone until everything works, and use a password manager. These steps reduce transfer time, avoid lockouts from two‑factor authentication, and help preserve your settings and files.
What happened
Android Police published a guide listing five practical steps to simplify moving to a new smartphone. The advice starts with creating a full backup—most Android phones use Google’s cloud backup and many devices have Auto Backup enabled to run roughly once a day. Users should also verify that important apps are available on the destination platform (for example, Apple Notes isn’t on Google Play) and migrate data to cross‑platform alternatives if needed. The article recommends keeping both devices powered or fully charged and using a stable Wi‑Fi connection during transfers; built‑in tools such as Android Switch or Samsung Smart Switch can help, and a USB‑C cable is an option. It warns against wiping the old phone immediately because two‑factor authentication codes may remain tied to the old device. Finally, the piece encourages setting up a password manager before switching to streamline logins on the new phone.
Why it matters
- A complete backup preserves photos, messages, apps and settings so you can resume normal use on the new device quickly.
- Verifying app compatibility prevents data loss when moving between operating systems.
- Keeping the old phone until setup is finished reduces the risk of being locked out by two‑factor authentication.
- A password manager reduces the time spent reentering credentials and improves account security during the transition.
Key facts
- Most Android devices include a built‑in backup option that uses Google’s cloud service.
- Devices running Android 6.0 or later generally have Auto Backup enabled, which runs about every 24 hours.
- If Auto Backup is active, a backup before transfer usually takes around 20–30 minutes; if disabled, backups can take up to 24 hours.
- Every Google account includes 15 GB of free cloud storage; Google One offers 100 GB for $2.00 per month.
- Google One’s storage manager can help free up space before a transfer by suggesting items to delete.
- Some apps are platform‑specific; the guide cites Apple Notes as an example of an app not available on Google Play.
- Built‑in transfer tools mentioned include Android Switch and Samsung Smart Switch; a USB‑C cable is an alternative.
- Data transfers can consume significant battery power, so keep both devices charged or connected to power.
- Two‑factor authentication codes are often tied to the old device, so don’t wipe it until you confirm account access on the new phone.
- Password managers (examples: NordPass, Bitwarden, LastPass, Dashlane) make signing in on a new device faster and more secure than browser managers.
What to watch next
- Confirm whether Auto Backup is enabled and how much cloud storage remains before initiating a transfer.
- Check that any apps holding important data are available on the target operating system or move the data to a cross‑platform app beforehand.
- Keep the old device available until you’ve logged in to all accounts on the new phone to avoid two‑factor authentication lockouts.
Quick glossary
- Auto Backup: A feature that automatically saves device data to the cloud on a regular schedule, typically about once per day.
- Google One: Google’s paid cloud storage service that expands the free storage included with a Google account.
- Two‑factor authentication (2FA): A security method that requires a second form of verification, such as a temporary code, in addition to a password.
- Password manager: An app that stores and autofills credentials securely, often offering encryption and password generation.
- Android Switch / Samsung Smart Switch: Built‑in tools provided on Android devices to help transfer data between phones.
Reader FAQ
How long will a backup take before transferring to a new phone?
If Auto Backup has been running, expect about 20–30 minutes; if backups were disabled it could take up to 24 hours.
Will all my apps move from iPhone to Android?
Not necessarily—some apps aren’t available across platforms. The article uses Apple Notes as an example; check each app’s availability before switching.
Can I erase my old phone right after the transfer?
No. The guide recommends keeping the old device until you’ve confirmed access to accounts because two‑factor codes may be tied to it.
Do I need to pay for more cloud storage?
Not always. Google provides 15 GB free per account; the guide notes Google One offers 100 GB for $2.00 per month if you need more.
5 tips to make changing devices painless Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police By Jade Lassalle Published 9 minutes ago Jade Lassalle is a Writer for Android Police, based in Hamilton,…
Sources
- 5 tips to make changing devices painless
- 6 Tips & Tricks for Switching to Your New Phone
- 4 ways Android has made switching even better
- I switch phones once a week — here's how I manage the …
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