Switch to a new Android device

You can move your data to a new Android device from another kind of device, or start fresh with your new Android device.

Important:

Before you begin

Google and Android support the sustainable reuse and recycling of devices. Learn more about Google's commitment to the environment.

Tip: Before you recycle, donate, or trade-in your old device, clear your data and reset your device to the factory settings to protect your personal information. For data removal, trade-in, and recycling instructions, get help from your device manufacturer and mobile carrier.

Switch from an Android device
  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start. If “Start” doesn’t display, you can copy your data manually.
  3. When asked, make sure you connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  4. Choose to copy apps and data from your old device.
    • If you have a cable to connect your devices, follow the on-screen instructions to copy your data.
    • If you don’t have a cable:
      1. Tap No cable? and then Ok.
      2. Tap A backup from an Android phone.
      3. To copy your data, follow the on-screen instructions.
Switch from an iPhone
  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start.
  3. When asked, make sure you connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  4. Choose to copy apps and data from your old device.
    • Recommended: If you have a cable to connect your devices, follow the on-screen instructions to copy your data.
    • If you don’t have a cable:
      1. Tap No cable? and then Ok.
      2. Tap Using an iPhone device?
      3. To copy your data, follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Check your texts, photos, and videos.
Restore data from the cloud
Important: If you don’t have your old device, you need to know your Google Account and password to restore data.
  1. Turn on your new device.
  2. Tap Start.
  3. To set up your device without an old device, follow the prompts.
  4. When prompted, sign in with your Google Account. 
Copy data manually

Important: The options above can help you restore the most data. If none of the other steps work for you, try copying your data yourself.

Sync your contacts

  • If you already use contacts in your Google Account, like in Gmail, they automatically show on your new Android device after you sign in.
  • If your contacts are on a SIM card, learn how to import contacts from a SIM card.

Copy your music

For music services like YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Spotify, download the app to your new device and your music syncs automatically.

Copy photos, videos, files & folders

Copy calendar events

Tip: If your new device is a Pixel, go to our Pixel setup guide.

How your data is handled when transferring your account

When you transfer your account to a new device, certain information is collected to perform services on your device. Some of this functionality uses Google Play services. For example, the following information is collected:

  • Email addresses for app functionality purposes. For example, we show account names during phone setup to allow you to select which accounts you need to transfer. 
  • Usage information, and device or other identifiers for analytics purposes.

The data collected is encrypted in transit.

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