How to Move Your Apps to a New Android Phone
Getting a new phone is exciting. Re-downloading and logging into every app isn't. Android's built-in transfer tools do most of the work for you.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and keep them close together.
- On the old phone, open Settings → Google → Backup and tap Back up now.
- Make sure you know your Google account password and your screen lock PIN.
Transfer during setup
- Turn on the new phone and follow the setup steps.
- When asked to copy apps and data, choose to copy from your old Android phone.
- Connect with a USB-C cable for the fastest transfer, or wirelessly.
- Select what to bring over: apps, photos, messages, contacts and settings.
Already set up the phone?
Open the Play Store, go to Profile → Manage apps & device → Manage, switch the filter from Installed to Not installed, tick the apps you want and tap the download button.
Apps that need extra steps
- WhatsApp: back up chats in Settings → Chats → Chat backup first, or use the built-in transfer to a new phone.
- Authenticator apps: export accounts or turn on cloud sync before wiping the old phone, or you may get locked out.
- Banking apps: usually require you to register the new device again.
- Games: link progress to Google Play Games or the game's own account before switching.
Finish up
Keep the old phone for a few days until you're sure everything works, then remove your Google account from it and do a factory reset before selling or recycling it.