We're 254 Repair, a veteran-owned repair shop in Killeen. After every Christmas, people come into the shop with a shiny new phone in one hand and the old one in the other, asking how to get everything across. The good news: Apple, Google and Samsung all have built-in tools for it. The trick is doing things in the right order, so you don't lose photos or get locked out of your bank because your two-factor codes stayed on the old phone. Here's the order I recommend.
Before you unwrap it: back up the old phone
Do this first, even if you plan to transfer directly from phone to phone. A backup is your safety net.
- iPhone: turn on iCloud Backup and check the date of the last backup in Settings. If it isn't recent, run a backup now while connected to Wi-Fi.
- Android: turn on Google backup in Settings and make sure your photos are syncing to your account.
- Both: charge both phones and keep them on Wi-Fi during the transfer.
iPhone to iPhone: Quick Start
Apple's Quick Start lets you set up a new iPhone using your current one. You turn on the new iPhone, bring it close to your old one and follow the steps on screen. You can transfer data directly from your old iPhone or restore from your iCloud backup. Leave the phones next to each other until it's done. A big transfer can take a while, so start it when you won't need either phone for a bit.
Android to iPhone
Apple's Move from Android to iPhone page explains how to use the Move to iOS app on your Android phone during iPhone setup. It moves things like contacts, messages, photos and other data. Some apps have to be downloaded again from the App Store, and you may need to sign in to them again.
iPhone to Android, or Android to Android
- From iPhone to Android: Google's switch page walks you through moving to an Android phone.
- From an old Android phone: Google explains how to switch to a new Android device by copying data during setup.
- Samsung Galaxy: Samsung's Smart Switch moves data to a new Galaxy phone.
Don't lose your two-factor codes
This is the step people forget, and it's the one that hurts most. If you use an authenticator app for your bank, email or work and military logins, those codes may not move automatically.
- Move your authenticator app to the new phone before you erase the old one. Many apps have a transfer or export option. Otherwise, save your backup codes somewhere safe.
- Check your trusted phone numbers for your Apple Account and Google Account. Apple explains two-factor authentication, and Google explains 2-Step Verification.
- Test logins on your most important accounts from the new phone before you wipe the old one.
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp have their own backup settings. Check each app's chat backup before you switch.
What to do with the old phone
Don't rush to erase it. Keep it for a week or two until you're sure everything moved. Then you have options:
- Keep it as a backup phone, for travel, field time or emergencies.
- Hand it down to a family member. Sign out of your accounts and erase it first.
- Sell or trade it in. Sign out of your Apple or Google account and erase it, so the next owner can set it up. Our used phone checklist explains why that step matters to buyers.
If the old phone has a cracked screen or a tired battery, it can often still be fixed and handed down. See iPhone screen repair and battery replacement.
Old phone won't turn on?
If the old phone won't turn on, don't give up on your photos. Bring it in for a free diagnostic. A dead battery, a charging problem and a damaged screen can look the same, and the diagnostic finds out which one it is. Data recovery is quoted in the shop after a free diagnostic, because what can be recovered depends on the device and the damage. See laptop and computer repair for data recovery from computers too.
Before you bring any device in, read how to prepare your device for repair. We're at 3921 East Stan Schlueter Loop, Ste 103, in Killeen, open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm, and walk-ins are welcome. Active duty, veterans and military families can ask for our military discount, and se habla español. PCSing soon too? See the Fort Hood PCS device checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move everything to my new iPhone?
Back up your old iPhone first, then use Apple's Quick Start: turn on the new iPhone, bring it close to the old one and follow the steps on screen.
Can I move from Android to iPhone?
Yes. Apple's Move to iOS app moves things like contacts, messages and photos during iPhone setup. Some apps have to be downloaded again.
Will I lose my two-factor codes?
They may not move automatically. Move your authenticator app or save your backup codes before you erase the old phone, and test your important logins on the new phone.
Should I erase my old phone right away?
No. Keep it for a week or two until you're sure everything moved. Before you sell or hand it down, sign out of your accounts and erase it.
Can you get data off a phone that won't turn on?
Bring it in for a free diagnostic. Data recovery is quoted in the shop, because what can be recovered depends on the device and the damage.