Quick answer: keep your old phone handy when you set up the new one. iPhones use Quick Start, Pixels offer to copy from your old phone, and Samsung phones use Smart Switch. Move WhatsApp chats with WhatsApp's own transfer tool, and don't set WhatsApp up on the new phone first.
Copy everything during setup
iPhone
- Quick Start: turn on the new iPhone and put it next to your unlocked old one, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
- Follow the prompts, and activate your mobile service if asked.
- Choose to download from iCloud or transfer directly from your old iPhone.
- Keep both phones close together and plugged in until it finishes.
Android (Google Pixel)
- On a Pixel 8 or later, choose Pixel or Android device and scan the QR code with your old phone. You can copy over Wi-Fi or with a cable.
- On older Pixels, choose Copy apps and data, then Express or Customise.
- Coming from an iPhone? Choose the iPhone option and follow the steps.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Smart Switch: Settings > Accounts and backup > Bring data from old device.
- Tap Receive data, then pick Galaxy/Android or iPhone.
- Choose wireless or cable. Samsung says both phones need at least 500MB free.
Moving WhatsApp chats
WhatsApp has its own transfer tool. Google notes the Pixel setup copy doesn't bring WhatsApp history with it, so use these steps.
Use the same phone number
WhatsApp says you need the same number on both phones. Don't register WhatsApp on the new phone before you transfer.
Android to Android
On the old phone: ⋮ > Settings > Chats > Transfer chats > Start. On the new phone, choose Transfer from old phone and scan the QR code.
iPhone to iPhone
On the old phone: tap your profile picture, then Chats > Transfer Chats to iPhone > Start.
iPhone to Android
On the iPhone: Chats > Transfer chat history > Transfer to Android, then follow the steps on the new phone.
Android to iPhone
Use Apple's Move to iOS app while setting up the iPhone. It must be new or reset, with iOS 15.5 or later.
WhatsApp says payment messages and Channels media don't transfer, and WhatsApp Business chats can't be moved with these tools.
Don't forget your number
Your phone number moves with your SIM or eSIM, not with your data. See how to move an eSIM. Switching network too? See how to switch and keep your number.
Ready for a better deal?
SIM-only plans on every big network from £5 a month. Keep your number when you switch.
FAQs
Can I move my data after I've set up the new phone?
Usually yes. Samsung's Smart Switch works any time from Settings. On iPhone, you'd normally need to reset the new phone and set it up again to use Quick Start.
Do my photos move automatically?
During setup, yes. If you use iCloud Photos or Google Photos, they also sync once you sign in to the same account.
Why didn't my WhatsApp chats come across?
Phone setup tools don't always include WhatsApp. Use WhatsApp's own Transfer chats option, with the same number on both phones.
Should I wipe my old phone?
Once you've checked everything moved, sign out of your accounts and factory reset the old phone before you sell or recycle it.
Steps checked on 2 November 2026 against official help pages: Apple: Quick Start · Google Pixel help · Samsung UK: Smart Switch · WhatsApp: Android · WhatsApp: iPhone · WhatsApp: iPhone to Android. Menu names can vary slightly by phone model and software version.