Moving On: Your Guide to Transferring Data and Numbers to Your New Phone
Upgrading to a new phone should be exciting, but the task of moving your entire digital life—photos, messages, apps, and contacts—can feel daunting. Thankfully, both Apple and Android have streamlined the process, making data transfer easier and more secure than ever. Here is your definitive guide to transferring your mobile number and all your data to your fantastic refurbished upgrade.
1. 📞 Transferring Your Mobile Number (The Quickest Step)
Your mobile number is managed by your network provider, not the data on your phone. You have two main ways to move it:
- Physical SIM Swap: If your new phone uses the same size SIM card (Nano-SIM is standard), simply turn off both devices, physically swap the SIM card from the old phone into the new one, and turn the new phone on.
- eSIM Activation: If your old phone used a physical SIM and your new phone supports eSIM (Electronic SIM), or if both used eSIMs, you will need to contact your network provider or use their dedicated app to activate the eSIM profile on your new device. This process is often completed within minutes and removes the need for any physical card.
2. 💾 Transferring Your Data: Same Operating System
iPhone to iPhone (Using Quick Start/iCloud)
This is the easiest transfer process on the market, relying on the Quick Start feature.
- Ensure your old iPhone is running the latest iOS version and has Bluetooth switched on.
- Place the two phones next to each other and turn on the new iPhone. The Quick Start screen will appear on the old device.
- Follow the prompts, including verifying your identity using your old phone’s camera.
- Select either Download from iCloud (restores from a recent cloud backup) or Transfer Directly from iPhone (a faster, local transfer).
- Keep the phones near each other and plugged into power until the process is complete.
Android to Android (Using Google or OEM Apps)
Android makes use of cloud backups and manufacturer-specific apps.
- Before starting, ensure your old phone has a recent backup to Google Drive (Settings > Google > Backup).
- On the new Android phone, during the initial setup, you will be asked to 'Copy apps and data' from your old device.
- Choose to connect via Wi-Fi or a cable (recommended for speed).
- Sign in with your Google Account. Your contacts, Wi-Fi passwords, and app data will sync immediately.
- If you are moving to a Samsung device, you can use the manufacturer's Smart Switch app/tool for a more comprehensive transfer, including certain secure data.
3. 🔄 Transferring Your Data: Cross-Platform
Moving between iOS and Android is now remarkably smooth thanks to official apps designed specifically for migration.
- Android to iPhone: Use Apple's Move to iOS app (downloaded on the old Android phone). This must be done during the initial iPhone setup. It transfers contacts, message history, camera photos, videos, and mail accounts.
- iPhone to Android: Use Google's Switch to Android app (downloaded on the old iPhone). This app connects the devices wirelessly and guides you through transferring photos, videos, contacts, and calendar events to your new Google Account.
Note on Messaging: Critical apps like WhatsApp have their own dedicated backup and restore protocols (usually backing up to iCloud or Google Drive) which must be managed inside the app settings.
4. 🔒 The Essential Final Step: Wipe the Old Phone
Once you are 100% sure that your new phone is fully functional and all data is present, the final, most crucial step is to securely wipe your old device before you sell it or trade it in.
Use the factory reset option (under General > Transfer or Reset iPhone on Apple, or System > Reset Options on Android) to perform a full factory wipe. This ensures all personal data is erased, protecting your privacy before the phone is handed over for reuse.
Ready to responsibly retire your old device now that your data is safe? Get an instant quote for professional reuse when you sell your old handset. Or, find a fully tested and guaranteed upgrade today when you buy a refurbished smartphone.
