How to Transfer Data to a New Phone (Android & iPhone, Step by Step)
The easiest way is to use the built-in transfer tool that almost every new phone offers during setup. When you turn on the new phone, it asks if you want to copy data from your old phone — say yes, and follow the on-screen steps to move contacts, photos, messages, apps, and settings. For Android-to-Android, use the phone's built-in copy tool or your Google account. For old-phone-to-iPhone, Apple's Move to iOS app handles it. Always make sure both phones are charged and on Wi-Fi, and back up your old phone first so nothing is lost.
Before you start
- Charge both phones (or keep them plugged in) — transfers can take a while.
- Connect to Wi-Fi — moving photos and apps over mobile data is slow and uses your data.
- Back up your old phone first — to Google account (Android) or iCloud (iPhone), so you have a safety copy even if the transfer is interrupted.
- Keep both phones nearby throughout — many transfer methods need them close together.
Method 1 — Use the new phone's setup transfer (easiest)
This is the method to try first, because it is built for exactly this job.
- Turn on the new phone and start setup.
- When it asks to copy apps and data from another device, choose yes.
- Follow the prompts — usually you connect the two phones (by cable or wirelessly) or sign in to your account.
- Select what to transfer (contacts, photos, messages, apps, settings).
- Wait for it to finish, keeping both phones close and awake.
Most modern phones walk you through this clearly. If you have already finished setup, you can often still trigger it from settings or re-run setup.
Method 2 — Android to Android
- Built-in copy tool: during setup, choose to copy from your old Android. You connect the two phones and pick what to move.
- Google account: if your old phone backed up to your Google account, sign in on the new phone and your contacts, calendar, photos (via Google Photos), and many app settings sync automatically.
- Photos specifically: Google Photos backup is the simplest way to carry your entire photo library across.
Method 3 — Old phone to iPhone
- Use Apple's Move to iOS app, which you install on your old Android phone.
- During the new iPhone's setup, choose Move Data from Android, then open Move to iOS on the old phone and follow the code/prompts.
- It transfers contacts, message history, photos, and more.
Method 4 — iPhone to iPhone
- During setup, bring the old iPhone close to the new one and use Quick Start, or restore from an iCloud backup.
- This carries across almost everything, including app layout and settings.
What usually transfers — and what might not
| Usually transfers | May need manual setup |
|---|---|
| Contacts | App logins / passwords (re-enter) |
| Photos and videos | Two-factor authentication apps (re-set up) |
| Messages (method-dependent) | Some chat app histories (use the app's own backup) |
| Apps (re-downloaded) | Bank/payment apps (re-verify for security) |
| Calendar and settings | Files stored only locally (copy manually) |
Important: for chat apps and banking/payment apps, use each app's own backup/transfer process and expect to log in and verify again on the new phone — this is normal security, not a failure.
After the transfer
- Check that contacts, photos, and important apps are all present.
- Log in to the apps that need it and re-enable two-factor authentication.
- Keep the old phone until you have confirmed everything moved — do not wipe or sell it until you are sure.
- When ready, sign out of accounts and factory reset the old phone before selling or giving it away (especially remove any account lock).
What to do next
- Just got a new phone? Make sure it was a smart buy — read how to choose a phone in Nepal.
- Want to keep the new battery healthy? See how to make your phone battery last longer.
- Selling the old one? Check it is genuine and reset properly with our spot a fake or refurbished phone guide.
Evergreen how-to, reviewed as phone software changes.
Ready to choose a phone?
Compare real phones prices in Nepal — official vs market, verified seller offers, warranty and stock.