Buying a new smartphone is a moment that combines enthusiasm for innovation with the worry of losing one’s data. In an era where the phone has become the guardian of our digital life — an archive of photos, conversations, contacts, and documents — switching from one device to another can seem like a complex operation. In Italy, where the smartphone is a daily companion for the vast majority of the population, this need is particularly felt. Fortunately, data migration procedures have become much simpler and safer, transforming what was once a technical obstacle into a process accessible to everyone.
This complete guide illustrates the most effective methods for transferring data between smartphones, covering all possible scenarios: from Android to Android, from iPhone to iPhone, and between the two operating systems. Whether you are a digital native or someone less accustomed to technology, you will discover that saving your memories and important information is a task within everyone’s reach. We will see how the tradition of our memories can meet technological innovation, ensuring a serene and lossless transition.
Preparation: Essential Steps Before You Start
Before starting any transfer procedure, careful preparation is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly. The first step, and the most important one, is to perform a complete backup of the old device. The backup acts as a safety net, a spare copy of all your important data that can save you in case of unexpected events. For Android users, the go-to service is Google One (which integrates Google Drive and Google Photos), while for Apple users, it is iCloud. These cloud services automatically save contacts, photos, settings, and much more, making restoration an almost automatic process.
In addition to the backup, there are two other practical aspects to consider. Make sure both smartphones, old and new, have sufficient battery charge (ideally above 50%) or, even better, are connected to power. A power outage during the transfer could corrupt data. Furthermore, a stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial, as most wireless transfer methods rely on it to move large amounts of data quickly and securely. Finally, keep the credentials for your main accounts handy, such as your Google Account and Apple ID, because they will be needed to authorize the process and restore purchases and app data.
From Android to Android: System Continuity
Switching between two Android smartphones is now an extremely fluid operation, thanks to deep integration with the Google account. During the initial setup of a new device, the system will ask if you want to copy apps and data from an old phone. By choosing this option, you can transfer most content wirelessly or via cable. Contacts, calendar events, SMS, device settings, and even the wallpaper are automatically restored once you log in with your Google account. Even apps previously installed from the Play Store will be automatically downloaded to the new device.
Manufacturer Tools
In addition to the standard Google method, many manufacturers offer proprietary tools that make the switch even more complete. Applications like Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi Mi Mover, or OPPO Clone Phone are designed to transfer an even wider range of data, including files, home screen layouts, and system app-specific data. These tools work similarly: you install the app on both devices, establish a connection (usually via Wi-Fi Direct), and select the content to migrate. Using these software tools is often recommended when staying within the same brand, as they guarantee maximum compatibility.
From iPhone to iPhone: The Apple Ecosystem
Transferring data between two iPhones is a shining example of the efficiency of the Apple ecosystem, designed to offer a simple and integrated user experience. The most immediate method is the Quick Start feature. By bringing the new iPhone close to the old one during the setup phase, the two devices will automatically recognize each other. By following the on-screen instructions, you can transfer all your settings, data, and apps directly from one device to the other, via a Wi-Fi connection or cable. This process effectively clones the old phone, making the new one immediately familiar.
An equally valid alternative is restoring from an iCloud backup. If you have enabled automatic backup on your old device, you just need to log in with your Apple ID on the new iPhone and choose to restore from the latest available backup. This option is ideal if you don’t have the old device at hand. For those who prefer an offline solution, it is always possible to perform an encrypted backup of the old iPhone on a computer (via Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows) and then restore it to the new device by connecting it with a cable. This choice, although more traditional, remains one of the safest and most complete.
The Big Leap: From Android to iPhone
Switching from an Android operating system to iOS might seem like a daunting task, but Apple has developed a specific tool to facilitate this transition: the Move to iOS app. Available for free on the Google Play Store, this application must be installed on the old Android smartphone. During the setup of the new iPhone, at the “Apps & Data” screen, select the option “Move Data from Android”. On your Android device, open the Move to iOS app and enter the code that appears on the iPhone. A temporary Wi-Fi network will be created to securely transfer the selected content.
The Move to iOS app is capable of migrating a large amount of information, including contacts, message history, camera photos and videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, and calendars. Free apps that were installed on Android will also be transferred if available on the App Store. However, some data such as music, PDFs, and downloaded files may require manual transfer, for example via a computer or a third-party cloud service. Choosing a new phone can also be an opportunity to evaluate convenient purchase options, such as those discussed in our guide to buying an iPhone in installments.
Back to Basics: From iPhone to Android
The reverse path, from iPhone to Android, has also been significantly simplified. The most common method relies on Google Drive. By installing the Google Drive app on your iPhone, you can back up contacts, calendar, and photos directly to your Google account. Once you start the new Android smartphone and set up the same Google account, this data will be automatically synced. During initial setup, many Android devices also offer a wizard that allows you to connect the two phones with a cable (Lightning to USB-C) for a direct and more complete transfer.
One of the biggest concerns for those making this switch regards the migration of WhatsApp chats. Fortunately, there is now an official feature within WhatsApp that allows you to transfer your entire chat history from iPhone to Android. This operation requires a cable to connect the two devices and must be performed during the initial setup of WhatsApp on the new phone. For those looking for a completely new experience, switching to another operating system is also the right time to find out about the best mobile phone offers available on the market.
In Brief (TL;DR)
Discover how to easily and quickly transfer all your data – contacts, photos, apps, and settings – from your old to your new smartphone with our complete guide.
We will analyze step-by-step the best procedures for moving contacts, photos, and apps, both between devices with the same operating system and between Android and iOS.
Discover the most effective procedures for every scenario, whether you need to transfer data between identical systems (Android/iOS) or different ones.
Conclusions
In conclusion, transferring data from an old to a new smartphone is no longer the technical and risky operation it used to be. Thanks to the integrated tools offered by Google and Apple, such as account synchronization and dedicated apps like Move to iOS, the process has become safe, fast, and accessible to anyone. Whether you stay within the same ecosystem or decide to switch from Android to iOS or vice versa, there are guided solutions for every need. Preparation, through a preventive backup and ensuring you have stable battery and Wi-Fi, remains a crucial step for a stress-free experience. Facing this step with the right information, such as that provided in this guide or in our guide to choosing your first smartphone, allows you to fully enjoy your new device, with the certainty of having brought your digital world with you, made of memories, contacts, and precious information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before starting the transfer, it is crucial to perform a complete backup of your old device using services like Google One for Android or iCloud for Apple users. Ensure both smartphones have a battery charge above 50 percent or are connected to a power source to prevent data corruption during the process. Additionally, verify that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and keep your main account credentials, such as Google Account or Apple ID, accessible to authorize the restoration of apps and purchases.
To switch from Android to iOS, you should use the Move to iOS app, which is available for free on the Google Play Store. During the setup of your new iPhone, select the option to move data from Android and enter the code displayed on the screen into the app on your old device. This tool creates a temporary Wi-Fi network to securely migrate contacts, message history, camera photos, videos, mail accounts, and calendars.
Yes, transferring WhatsApp chats from iPhone to Android is now supported through an official feature. This operation requires connecting the two devices using a Lightning to USB-C cable. You must initiate the transfer during the initial setup of the new Android device and the subsequent installation of WhatsApp. This ensures that your conversations and media are moved directly and securely to the new operating system.
The most efficient method for transferring data between iPhones is the Quick Start feature. By simply bringing the new device close to the old one during the initial setup, they will recognize each other. You can then follow the on-screen instructions to clone your old phone, transferring settings, apps, and data wirelessly or via cable. Alternatively, restoring from an iCloud backup is ideal if you do not have the old device with you.
Yes, many Android manufacturers provide proprietary applications to facilitate data migration within their ecosystem. Tools such as Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi Mi Mover, and OPPO Clone Phone are designed to transfer a comprehensive range of data, including home screen layouts and system settings. These apps usually establish a connection via Wi-Fi Direct and are recommended for ensuring maximum compatibility when upgrading to a new phone of the same brand.
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