We’ve all been there: You’re eyeing up that new iPhone, but you’re hesitant to make the switch. Upgrading your phone means committing to the drawn-out hassle of moving all of your phone data and personal information from the old phone to the new one. But it doesn’t have to be that hard: most modern smartphones are set up for smart backups and easy data migration. You can go through all the steps seamlessly in less than an hour, in most cases.Here’s what you need to know about upgrading your phone without losing a single thing:
Most phones are set up to automatically back up your multimedia on a periodic schedule, and if your phone isn’t already set up to do so, it’s definitely an option. Take the time to see if your phone’s automatic backup process is set up, or if it needs configuring. The process is slightly different depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android:
With iPhones, you use iCloud to configure automatic backups. Start by connecting to Wi-Fi, since the entire process requires a steady internet connection (and you probably don’t want your copious amounts of data running up your 4G bill).
With Android phones, the process can sometimes get a little sticky. Android manufacturers have some free reign over the interface, so you might find that backing up your Nexus looks a little different than backing up your Galaxy did.Look for wording that might be similar, but not exactly the same as the default instructions that we give here. For instance, your phone may direct you to go to Settings > Account instead of Settings > Personal.For most phones, the following steps work:
Your phone automatically starts backing up your data on a schedule, so you’re ready to go. iPhones sync these backups to iCloud, while Android phones sync backups to Google Cloud. When you’re ready to download your information on the new phone, simply log in to the correct cloud service and download the latest backup.
Manual backups are similar in process to automatic backups. The flexibility of backing up your phone when you want to rather than waiting for a weekly automatic backup means that you can conduct a backup the same day you get your new phone, ensuring that any data you transfer moves over seamlessly.
Backing up your iPhone is similar to setting up an automatic backup schedule, but instead of hitting the “iCloud Backup” switch, there’s a separate option for manual backups. As always, make sure you’re on Wi-Fi first.Here’s how:
Confirm your backup by going to Settings > [Your iCloud name/e-mail] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and checking the date and time of the last backup.
When you’re done, hit the back button until you’re back in the Personal screen, and scroll down until you see the date of the last backup. This will confirm that your backup worked successfully.
The next step is to make sure that any subscription accounts are logged out on your old phone before you log in on the new phone. With accounts such as HBO Go, Netflix, and Google Play Music, logging in via multiple devices at once can trigger a security alert or render your account unusable.Double-check that you know your login info (all too often, users leave passwords saved on a device and eventually forget what they actually are) before logging out, and if you use a password management service like LastPass, be sure to update that account on the new device as well.
Two-factor authentication is becoming increasingly commonplace. Chances are, any time you access your bank app or email from a new device, you receive a text message to your phone or a push notification to a third-party authentication app, asking you to confirm that it’s really you who triggered the security check.Avoid getting locked out of your necessary accounts by updating account authentication before you migrate to the new phone. If your phone number is changing along with the phone, update that number on any accounts or apps that use two-factor authentication. If you use a third-party app for your own authentication purposes, then be sure to remove the app from the old phone and activate it on the new phone before logging into any apps that request authentication.
There’s only one step left, and it’s the least labor-intensive. Congratulations! It’s time to remove your SIM and SD cards from the old phone, and replace them into the new phone. The process is slightly different, depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone.
If you have an iPhone, locate the SIM and SD card slots or trays on the side opposite from the volume controls. You’ll need a small paperclip that you’ve straightened. Simply insert the paperclip into the hole until you feel a small pop. Immediately remove the paperclip. The tray should be loose enough for you to remove with your fingers now.Be cautious when swapping: be careful not to touch any metal or contact surfaces on the SIM or SD card, to avoid damaging it. Also, be careful to insert the SIM and SD cards in the same orientation in the new phone as they were in the last.
Find the SIM card tray on the right-hand side of the device. Most trays pop out with a small switch that you can feel with your fingertips. Apply light pressure until the tray pops out, then gently pull it out until you can remove the cards. Androids vary in terms of hardware and configuration, so some models do use a hole switch the way iPhones do. If yours is one of them, simply use a paperclip to pop the switch instead.Before you remove SIM or SD cards from any device, double-check that the device is completely powered off to avoid causing damage to your data. Insert the cards into the new device while it’s fully powered off, as well, and turn the new phone on once the tray is securely back into place.From automatic backups to SD cards and everything in between, you’ve officially followed every step to make sure you don’t lose any valuable data or media in your phone switchover. Great job! What’s the next step? If you’re looking to sell your used phone once the transition is complete, consider a phone diagnostic service like PhoneCheck to get the full value out of your hardware.
