Got a new Android phone and need to move everything across? Transferring apps and data from one Android to another is faster and more reliable in 2026 than it has ever been — if you use the right method. This guide walks through every working approach, from the built-in transfer that runs during setup (the one most people should use) to Google backup, Samsung Smart Switch, and brand-specific tools. It also covers what to do when a transfer fails, and which apps you’ll need to reinstall manually.
The fastest way to transfer apps from Android to Android: the built-in setup transfer
The single best method for transferring apps and data between Android phones is the one built directly into Android setup. When you power on a new device, Android offers to copy your apps, data, and settings from your old phone — over a cable or wirelessly. This is the method Google itself recommends, and it moves the most data with the least effort.
One critical thing to know: you can usually only run this transfer once, during initial setup. If you skip it, the option may not be available later without factory-resetting the new phone. So don’t rush past it.
- Charge both phones and set aside time — a transfer can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours depending on how much data you have.
- Power on the new phone and start setup. When prompted, choose Copy apps & data.
- Use a USB-C to USB-C cable if you can — it’s significantly faster and more stable than wireless. If your cable doesn’t fit both phones, an adapter works.
- On the old phone, tap Copy and follow the prompts. Sign in to your Google account for the most complete transfer.
- Choose what to copy — apps, photos, messages, call history, settings — or transfer everything. If storage on the new phone is tight, deselect large media.
- Leave both devices alone until the transfer completes. The new phone shows a progress estimate and what’s been moved.
This works across virtually all Android brands — Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others — because it’s part of core Android. A recent improvement even lets you scan a QR code to share Wi-Fi details and speed up the wireless setup.
How to transfer apps with Google backup (cloud method)
If you’ve already set up your new phone, or you prefer a cloud-based approach, Google’s backup is the fallback. It syncs apps, app data, contacts, SMS/MMS, call history, photos, and settings to your Google account, then restores them on the new device.
First, back up your old phone:
- Open Settings → Google → All services → Backup.
- Enable Backup by Google One, then select the data categories you want included.
- Tap Back up now to capture your latest data rather than waiting for the automatic backup.
Then, on the new phone during setup, choose to restore from a backup, sign in to the same Google account, select the most recent backup, and tap Restore. Google One gives you 15GB free; paid plans start around $1.99/month for 100GB if your backup is larger.
The cloud method is reliable but slower than a cable transfer, and very large photo or video libraries can push you past the free 15GB tier. It also won’t carry over every third-party app’s local cache or some brands’ proprietary app data.
Samsung Smart Switch: the best option for Galaxy phones
If your new phone is a Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Smart Switch transfers more than the standard Android method — including Samsung-specific settings, notes, and app layouts. It works three ways: USB cable, wireless, or via external storage (SD card or USB drive).
- Cable: connect both phones directly — the fastest option.
- Wireless: put both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and pair them in the Smart Switch app.
- External storage: back up to an SD card or USB drive, then restore onto the new Galaxy.
Smart Switch works when moving from any Android (5.0 or later) to a Galaxy, so it’s useful whether you’re upgrading from an older Samsung or switching from another brand. Keep both devices charged and avoid interrupting the transfer to prevent incomplete restores.
Brand-specific transfer tools (OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others)
Most manufacturers offer their own migration apps, which can move data the standard Android transfer sometimes skips:
- OnePlus Clone Phone: local device-to-device transfer with a simple interface.
- Xiaomi Mi Mover: migrates apps, photos, and files between Xiaomi and other Android phones.
- Motorola, Oppo, and others ship comparable tools, usually found in Settings or preinstalled.
For most people, the built-in Android transfer covers everything these tools do. Reach for a brand tool only if you’re staying within one ecosystem and want its extra settings carried over.
Apps you’ll need to reinstall or re-authenticate manually
No transfer method moves everything. For security reasons, some apps deliberately don’t carry their login state across devices. Expect to manually handle:
- Banking and payment apps — these almost always require fresh login and re-verification on a new device.
- Two-factor authentication apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) — migrate these before wiping the old phone, or you can lock yourself out of accounts. Use the app’s built-in export/transfer feature.
- WhatsApp and Signal — use their own in-app chat backup and transfer, not the general Android transfer, to preserve message history.
- Games — check whether titles support Google Play Games progress sync; otherwise link the game to a Google, Facebook, or developer account before switching.
If you also want to lock down and locate your new device, our guide to Samsung SmartThings Find covers setting up device tracking from day one, and our overview of optimizing a new Android phone helps you start fresh without bloat.
Transfer security: keep your data safe during migration
A device transfer moves your entire digital life in one go, so a few precautions matter:
- Use a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network (WPA3 where available) for wireless transfers — never a public hotspot.
- Prefer a cable transfer for sensitive data: it never leaves the two devices.
- Use only official transfer tools (Android’s built-in transfer, Smart Switch, OnePlus Clone Phone). Avoid unofficial third-party “transfer” apps, which are a common malware vector.
- Before selling or recycling the old phone, factory reset it and remove your Google account so your data can’t be recovered.
Transfer failed? Common errors and how to fix them
When an Android-to-Android transfer stalls or comes up incomplete, it’s almost always one of these:
- Not enough storage on the new phone — free up space or deselect large media, then retry.
- Android version mismatch — you can restore a backup onto the same or newer Android version, not an older one. Update the new phone first.
- Weak Wi-Fi during wireless transfer — move closer to the router, or switch to a cable.
- Wrong Google account — restores only work with the exact account used for the backup.
- App won’t open after transfer — update it in the Play Store, then clear its cache (long-press the app → App info → Storage → Clear cache).
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer apps from Android to Android?
The fastest way is the built-in transfer during setup: power on the new phone, choose “Copy apps & data,” connect the two phones with a USB-C cable (or wirelessly), sign in to your Google account, and select what to copy. This is best done during initial setup, as the option may not be available afterward without a factory reset.
How do I transfer apps from an old phone to a new phone without a cable?
Use the wireless option in Android’s setup transfer, or restore from a Google One backup. Back up the old phone via Settings → Google → Backup, then on the new phone choose to restore from the cloud and sign in to the same Google account. A cable is faster, but wireless works fine on a stable Wi-Fi network.
Does transferring apps move my app data and logins too?
Mostly. The built-in transfer and Google backup carry most app data and settings. But banking apps, two-factor authentication apps, and messaging apps like WhatsApp usually require manual re-login or their own backup process for security reasons.
How do I sync apps from my old phone to my new phone after setup?
If you’ve passed setup, restore from a Google One backup or use your phone maker’s tool (Samsung Smart Switch, OnePlus Clone Phone, Xiaomi Mi Mover). The one-time setup transfer generally can’t be re-run without factory resetting the new device.
How long does an Android data transfer take?
Anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much data you have and whether you use a cable or wireless. A USB-C cable transfer of a moderately full phone typically takes 20–45 minutes.
Can I transfer apps between different Android brands?
Yes. The built-in Android transfer and Google backup work across brands — Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, and others — because they’re part of core Android. Brand-specific tools add extra settings but aren’t required for a cross-brand move.