On this page
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.
The quick verdict
Move your number first by swapping the SIM or activating an eSIM through your network, then transfer your data with the official tools: Quick Start for iPhone to iPhone, Google's setup or Smart Switch for Android, and Move to iOS or Switch to Android when changing platform. Back up WhatsApp separately, and only factory reset your old phone once everything is safely across.
Moving to a new phone at a glance
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Move your number | Swap the Nano-SIM or activate an eSIM | Your number stays with your network |
| iPhone to iPhone | Use Quick Start or restore from iCloud | Easiest transfer on the market |
| Android to Android | Copy apps and data, or Samsung Smart Switch | Syncs contacts, passwords and app data |
| Switching platform | Move to iOS or Switch to Android | Official apps built for migration |
| Back up inside the app's settings | It uses its own backup process | |
| Wipe the old phone | Factory reset once you are sure | Protects your privacy before selling |
1. 馃摓 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. 馃捑 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鈥檚 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. 馃攧 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. 馃敀 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.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move my mobile number to a new phone?
If both phones use the same size SIM, turn them off and swap the SIM card into the new phone. If the new phone uses an eSIM, contact your network provider or use its app to activate the eSIM profile, often within minutes.
How do I transfer data from one iPhone to another?
Make sure the old iPhone is updated and has Bluetooth on, then place the phones together and turn on the new one to start Quick Start. Choose Download from iCloud or Transfer Directly from iPhone, keeping both plugged in until finished.
How do I move from Android to iPhone?
Use Apple's Move to iOS app on the old Android phone during the initial iPhone setup. Move to iOS transfers contacts, message history, camera photos, videos and mail accounts.
How do I move from iPhone to Android?
Download Google's Switch to Android app on the old iPhone. Switch to Android connects the phones wirelessly and guides you through transferring photos, videos, contacts and calendar events to your Google Account.
Will my WhatsApp chats transfer automatically to a new phone?
Not necessarily. WhatsApp has its own backup and restore process, usually to iCloud or Google Drive, which must be managed inside the WhatsApp settings.
Should I wipe my old phone before selling it?
Yes. Once you are sure all your data is on the new phone, factory reset the old one. On iPhone use General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, and on Android use System > Reset Options.
