Transferring data from one smartphone to another: Working methods

Changing a smartphone is always an adventure, especially if a lot of data has accumulated on the old device, and we want to not only save it, but also transfer it to a new device. Let’s figure out which systems support easy and safe data transfer, which methods work best, and what you should pay attention to in order to avoid pitfalls. So, let’s consider transferring data from one smartphone to another, as well as working methods and transfer practices.

Operating systems for smartphones

Modern smartphones run on two main operating systems – Android and iOS. Each system has its own approaches and tools for transferring data, so it is important to understand the features of each before starting the process:

• Android: offers built-in tools such as Google One or Google Drive that make it easy to transfer data between Android devices.
• iOS: Apple also takes care of its users by offering an iCloud backup feature and a special “Move to iOS” tool for users switching from Android to iPhone.

Moving data from one smartphone to another

Moving data can be intra-system, that is, between devices with the same OS, and cross-platform, when users switch from Android to iOS or vice versa.

The main data that most users want to transfer include:

• Contacts and messages
• Photos and videos
• Apps and their data
• Call history and notes
• Music and media files

Working methods and practice of transfer

There are proven methods that will help you transfer data without loss and headaches.

1. Backup and restore is a suitable option when you need to transfer data within one operating system. You can create a backup copy via Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iOS and restore it on a new device.
2. Cable connection – can sometimes be faster and more reliable, especially when transferring large amounts of data. For example, Apple suggests using a special cable to transfer data when setting up an iPhone.
3. Wi-Fi and applications is a suitable option for transferring between devices with different operating systems. Apps like Move to iOS or Samsung Smart Switch use Wi-Fi to transfer data, which is especially useful when you don’t have a computer at hand.

Transferring data within one system

The easiest way to transfer data is within one system, whether it’s iOS-to-iOS or Android-to-Android. For example, from Android to Android, you can use Google’s built-in tools Google – Google One and data backup. By connecting a Google account to a new device, you can restore all your data, including settings and even desktops.

Similarly, on iOS, you just need to activate the iCloud backup function, after which the data will be automatically transferred when you first set up a new device.

Cross-platform data transfer

Exchanging and transferring between iOS and Android (or vice versa) is more complicated, but quite possible. Here are some proven methods:

1. Move to iOS software – provides the ability to transfer contacts, message history, photos and videos, as well as browser bookmarks, email accounts and calendars from iPhone to Android and vice versa.
2. Google Drive – you can back up important information from iPhone to Google Drive and use it to transfer digital information to Android. Suitable for saving contacts, calendars, photos.
3. Cloud services – such as Google Photos or Dropbox, can be a great solution for transferring photos and videos. Just upload them on the old device and download them on the new one.

Features and risks

While most data transfers go smoothly, there are some caveats and risks to keep in mind:

• Compatibility. Some apps don’t save data when transferring between different OSes (for example, WhatsApp chats between iOS and Android will require an additional app).
• Privacy. Cloud services are often a target for hackers, so when transferring data via the cloud, you should only choose trusted services and enable two-factor authentication.
• Data loss. Make sure you back up all your data before transferring – this will help avoid accidental loss.

Now you know the main ways to transfer data from one smartphone to another, as well as the risks and nuances that you may encounter along the way. Choose the method that suits you and make the transition to a new smartphone as simple and safe as possible.