How to Move Everything From Your Old Phone to Your New Phone

This is for you if… you have a new phone, you are about to upgrade, or you are worried about losing photos, contacts, WhatsApp messages or important apps during the move.

A while ago, I was helping someone in Red Lodge set up a new phone. The phone itself was ready in minutes, but the important part was checking the things that mattered: photos, contacts, email, WhatsApp and banking. That is where a careful transfer makes all the difference.

A new phone should feel exciting, not stressful. The key is to prepare before wiping, selling or trading in the old one.

Start With a Backup

Before moving anything, make sure the old phone has a recent backup. On iPhone, check iCloud backup. On Android, check your Google backup settings.

A backup gives you a safety net if the transfer pauses, fails or misses something.

Keep Both Phones Nearby

Keep both phones charged, connected to Wi-Fi and near each other. Modern phones can often transfer data directly, but they need time and a steady connection.

Do not wipe the old phone until you have checked the new one properly.

What Usually Moves Across?

• Contacts

• Photos and videos

• Apps

• Text messages

• Call history

• Some settings

What May Need Extra Attention?

• Banking apps

• Email accounts

• WhatsApp backups

• Authenticator apps

• Smartwatches

• Printers or smart home apps

These are the things people often notice after the basic phone transfer looks finished.

Check Photos Before Wiping Anything

Open the photos app on the new phone and look for older photos, not just the newest ones. Check videos, albums, screenshots and anything important.

If photos are in iCloud Photos or Google Photos, they may take time to appear. Let the phone sit on Wi-Fi and power.

Check WhatsApp

WhatsApp messages may need a separate backup or restore. Check WhatsApp on the old phone before setting it up on the new one, especially if you are also changing phone number.

A Simple Moving-Day Checklist

1. Charge both phones.

2. Connect both to Wi-Fi.

3. Check the old phone has backed up.

4. Start the new phone setup.

5. Transfer the data.

6. Check photos, contacts, WhatsApp, email and banking.

7. Only wipe the old phone once you are happy.

A Simple Rule to Remember

Do not erase the old phone until the new phone has been checked.

If You Need Help Moving Phones

I can help move things across, check backups, make sure your important photos and contacts are there, and deal with the awkward apps that need extra attention.

If you live in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Suffolk and would like ongoing help and peace of mind with phones, tablets, backups, accounts and everyday tech confidence, take a look at the Confident With Tech Membership. If you only need one-off help with a specific problem, you can book a friendly one-to-one visit.