Switching to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment. Even if you're happy about the update, the process of transferring data can turn into a headache: contacts will disappear somewhere, application settings will be lost somewhere, and your favorite photos will suddenly end up in the wrong folders. According to statistics, 38% of users lose some data when changing devices - and this is not always their fault. Manufacturers offer their solutions (like Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi Migration), but they often work only within one brand and do not cover all types of files.

In this article we will examine 7 universal ways data transfer between any Android devices - from budget Redmi to flagship Google Pixel. You will learn how to save not only contacts and photos, but also call histories, Wi-Fi settings, game progress and even data from some banking applications. And also - what SMS/MMS, call history, Wi-Fi settings, game progress and even data from some banking applications. And also - what Google imposes hidden restrictions on backup in 2026 and how to get around them.

1. Preparing for the transfer: what you need to do BEFORE buying a new phone

Many users start thinking about transferring data only when they already have a new smartphone in their hands. This is a critical error: some settings and files can be saved only in advance. For example, Google Authenticator does not allow you to export two-factor authentication codes after resetting the old device, and some banking applications are tied to IMEI the phone.

Here is the checklist mandatory actions 1-2 days before changing your smartphone:

Make a backup copy of the codes from Google Authenticator (export → "Transfer to another device")

Download the archive from SMS to your PC via the app SMS Backup & Restore

Check which applications linked to IMEI (list in Settings → Google → Device)

Synchronize all accounts (Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) manually

Make sure that there is enough space on the old phone for temporary files (at least 10% of the volume memory)-->

Pay special attention applications with two-factor authentication. If you use Authy or Microsoft Authenticator, enable cloud synchronization in advance. For Google Authenticator the only way to transfer is to scan the QR code from the old phone to the new one at the moment. settings.

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If you plan to sell your old smartphone, do a factory reset (Settings → System → ResetONLY after checking all the data on the new device In 2026, Google will block access to. backup copies if the old device was reset earlier than 72 hours after the last synchronization.

2. Official tools of manufacturers: pros and cons

Large brands offer their own utilities for data migration. They are usually easier to use, but have compatibility limitations. Let's consider the most popular solutions:

Tool Supported brands What it carries Limitations
Samsung Smart Switch Samsung → Samsung, partially other Android Contacts, SMS, photos, applications, settings Does not transfer data from some games (for example, Genshin Impact)
Xiaomi Migration Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO → Xiaomi All data + themes and wallpapers Works only via Wi-Fi Direct, often crashes at large volumes
Google Backup (built-in) Any Android Contacts, calendars, some settings Does not save SMS, photos in original quality, progress in games
Huawei Phone Clone Huawei/Honor → Huawei All data + browser history Does not work with devices on Google Mobile Services after 2023

The main disadvantage of proprietary tools is that they are optimized for migration. within the same ecosystemFor example, Samsung Smart Switch can transfer data from Xiaomi, but will lose some of the settings. applications And Google Backup does not save SMS photos in full resolution without additional actions.

Official utility of the manufacturer (Smart Switch, Mi Mover, etc.)

Google Account and built-in backup

Third-party apps (Titanium Backup, CloneIt, etc.)

Manually copying files via PC

Did not transfer data, set everything up from scratch-->

3. transfer via Google Account (with nuances)

The simplest method is to use the built-in synchronization with Google Account. It works on any Android device, but has hidden limitations that manufacturers are silent about. Here's what's really transferred:

  • 📇 Contact (entirely, including notes and profile photos)
  • 📅 Calendars and events
  • 📍 Chrome bookmarks and browser history (if enabled synchronization)
  • ⚙️ Some system settings (Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, screen brightness)
  • 🎮 Progress in games (only if the game supports Google Play Games)

And here's what NOT saved automatically (even if you have enabled all backup options):

  • 📱 SMS and MMS (requires a separate application)
  • 📸 Photos and videos in original quality (Google Photos compresses them when storing them for free)
  • 🔊 Calls and call history
  • 📄 Application files (for example, downloaded documents in Word or PDF)
  • 🏦 Banking application data (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc. require re-authorization)

To enable the most complete backup:

  1. Open Settings → Google → Backup
  2. Activate the option "Backup to Google Drive"
  3. Click "Create a backup now" (do not rely on automatic synchronization!)
  4. Make sure that your current smartphone is displayed in the list of devices
How to bypass Google's limitation on backup size?

Since 2026, Google will limit free storage for Android backups to 15 GB per account. If your backup is larger:

1. Delete old backups of other devices in Google Drive → Backups

2. Temporarily buy additional space (50 GB costs ~100 ₽/month)

3. Break the backup into parts: first transfer contacts and settings, then manually copy the files via cable

4. Transfer photos and videos without losing quality

Google Photos compresses media files by default when storing them for free. To transfer photos and videos in original resolution, use one of these methods:

Method 1: Direct transfer via cable (the most reliable)

  1. Connect both phones to the PC via USB (mode File transfer)
  2. On your old phone, open the folder DCIM (photo) and Movies (video)
  3. Copy the files to your PC, then transfer them to the new phone in the same folders
  4. Use Google Photos only for creating albums (not for storing originals)

Method 2: Cloud services supporting original quality

If direct transfer is not possible, use these services:

  • 🖥️ Yandex Disk (up to 10 GB free, no compression)
  • ☁️ Mega (20 GB free, data encryption)
  • 📦 Dropbox (2 GB free, but there is a "Camera Upload" option for auto-upload)
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Before uploading photos to the cloud, sort them by folders (for example, "2023_Vacation", "2026_Family") This will simplify the search on the new device and avoid duplicates.

Method 3: Local network (Wi-Fi Direct)

For large volumes (50+ GB) use applications like Send Anywhere or LocalSend:

  1. Install the application on both phones
  2. On the old phone, select files and generate a 6-digit code
  3. On the new phone, enter this code to receive files
  4. Transfer speed - up to 20 MB/s (depending on the router)
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Never rely on one cloud! Place copies of photos in at least two services (for example, Yandex Disk + external SSD) during the transfer.

5. Transfer of SMS, call history and contacts (including hidden ones)

Standard synchronization via Google does not save SMS call history. To transfer them, use specialized applications:

Appendix 1: SMS Backup & Restore (the most reliable)

  • 📥 Download from Google Play to both phones
  • 🔄 On the old phone: Backup → Local backup (save the file to the memory card)
  • 📤 Transfer the backup file (.xml) to the new phone
  • 🔙 On the new one phone: Recovery → Select file

Appendix 2: Super Backup & Restore (for advanced)

Allows you to transfer:

  • 📞 Call history (including duration conversations)
  • 📇 Contacts with tags and attached photos
  • 📅 Calendars (including recurring events)
  • 🎵 Browser bookmarks and list of installed applications
How to transfer hidden ones contacts?

If you have contacts hidden from the main list (for example, in Truecaller or WhatsApp):

1. Export them to .vcf through the app settings

2. Send the file to your email or messenger

3. Import on the new phone via Contacts → Import/Export

Important: some banking applications (for example SberBank Online) link history SMS s confirmation codes IMEI devices. After the transfer, you may need to re-activate the mobile bank.

6. Transferring applications and games while saving progress

Simply copying .apkapplication files is not enough - you need to save their data too. Here's how to do it correctly:

Method 1: Google Play and built-in backup

  • 📱 On an old phone: Settings → Google → Backup → Enable
  • 🔄 On a new phone: when you first start, select restore from backup
  • 🎮 For games: make sure they are linked to Google Play Games or Facebook

Method 2: Titanium Backup (requires root)

For complete control over application data:

  • 🛠️ Install Titanium Backup (superuser rights required)
  • 🔄 Make a backup of all user applications and their data
  • 📤 Transfer folder TitaniumBackup to a new phone
  • 🔙 Restore data through the app
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If you do not have root access, use App Cloner to create backup copies of individual applications. This works for WhatsApp, Telegram and some games.

Method 3: Manually transfer application files

For applications that store data in folders (for example, KineMaster, VLC):

  1. Connect both phones to PC
  2. Go to /Android/data/[name of application_package]
  3. Copy the folder to the new phone to the same location
  4. Reinstall the application from Google Play
Application Where are stored data Can I transfer without root
WhatsApp /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases Yes (via backup to Google Drive)
Telegram /sdcard/Telegram Yes (copy folder)
Genshin Impact Server data + /Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact Partially (progress is tied to the account)
SberBank Online Encrypted data in /data/data/ru.sberbankmobile No (requires repeated authorization)

7. Transferring system settings and hidden data

Many users are surprised when they have to re-configure devices and even control gestures on a new phone. These settings can be transferred, but this requires special tools. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-devices and even control gestures. These settings can be transferred, but this requires special tools.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings

Use the application WiFi Password Viewer (requires root) or:

  1. Export the list of networks via Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Export (available on some firmware)
  2. Copy the file wpa_supplicant.conf from /data/misc/wifi/ (only with root)

Screen and interface settings

For transfer:

  • 📱 Wallpaper and themes: use Google Wallpapers or Themes (on Xiaomi)
  • ⚙️ Gestures and buttons: reconfigure or use Button Mapper to save patterns
  • 🔊 Sound profiles: export via MacroDroid or Tasker
💡

Settings Always On Display (AOD) and Dark Mode usually not transferred automatically. They will have to be configured again in Settings → Screen.

Hidden data (for advanced)

If you need to transfer:

  • 🔑 Encryption keys (for example, for Signal or ProtonMail): export them manually through application settings
  • 📡 VPN settings: save configuration files (.ovpn, .conf)
  • 🛡️ Password manager data: use the built-in export to 1Password or Bitwarden

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with careful preparation, something can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

  • 🚫 "Not enough space on the new phone": before transferring, clear the application cache (Settings → Storage → Cache) and delete unnecessary files. Use Files by Google to search for garbage.
  • 🔄 "Applications are not restored from backup": check if the option is enabled Auto recovery v Google Play. Some applications (for example, Netflix) block the backup of their data.
  • 📵 "SMS were not transferred": make sure that you used SMS Backup & Restoreand not standard export of contacts. Some operators (for example Tele2) block the transfer of service SMS.
  • 🔒 "Forgot the password from the old phone": if the phone is locked, use Find My Device from Google to unlock (works if synchronization is enabled).
What to do if the new phone does not see the old device when transferring via Wi-Fi Direct?

1. Reboot both phones

2. Turn on Airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn off

3. Check that it is turned on on both phones Wi-Fi Direct (Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced)

4. If you use Xiaomi, disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings

Special situation - data transfer with Huawei without Google Mobile Services (models after 2020). In this case:

  1. Use Huawei Phone Clone to transfer to another Huawei
  2. To transfer to other brands, export data manually via HiSuite (PC version)
  3. Install Google Play on Huawei via LZPlay (unofficial method, requires caution)

Photos or videos were lost

SMS or contacts were not transferred

Applications were not restored from backup

The new phone “did not see” the old device

Everything went smoothly, there were no problems-->

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer data from Android to iPhone?

Yes, but with restrictions. Use the app Move to iOS from Apple. It transfers:

  • Contacts, messages, photos/videos
  • Web browser bookmarks
  • Email accounts
  • Free applications from Google Play (if available in the App Store)

The following are not transferred: call history, Wi-Fi settings, data from most games and paid applications.

How to transfer data if the old phone is broken (does not turn on)?

Options depend on the type of breakdown:

  • 🔋 The screen is broken, but the phone works: connect to PC via USB and copy the files manually
  • 💥 The phone does not turn on: remove the memory card (if any) and read it through the card reader
  • 🔧 Problems with firmware: try restoring via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung), then make a backup

If the phone is completely dead, contact a service center to extract data from flash memory (cost ~1500–3000 ₽).

Will the data be transferred? banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.)?

No, banking applications do not transfer their data through standard backups for security reasons. You will need to:

  1. Install the bank application on a new phone
  2. Pass authorization (usually via SMS or biometrics)
  3. In some cases (for example, VTB) you will need to visit a branch for re-linking

Exception: if the bank supports Google Smart Lock (for example, Revolut), the login information may be saved.

How to transfer progress in games if they are not tied to Google Play Games?

Methods depend on the game:

  • 🎮 Game with cloud saving: log in through the same account (Facebook, VK, email)
  • 📁 Local saving: copy the save folder (usually to /Android/obb/[game_name] or /Android/data/[package_name])
  • 🔗 Game linked to a device: contact game support (sometimes you can transfer progress by IMEI)

For Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail and other miHoYogames, use UID and a linked email - progress is synchronized automatically.

Is it possible to transfer data from Android to Android without the Internet?

Yes, there are several ways:

  1. Direct transfer via cable: use an OTG cable or adapter USB-C to USB-C to connect phones directly
  2. Local network: applications like Send Anywhere or LocalSend work via Wi-Fi Direct without Internet access
  3. Memory card: copy data to microSD, then insert it into the new phone
  4. PC as an intermediary: copy files to your computer, then to a new phone

To transfer applications without the Internet, use APK Extractor (extract .apk from the old phone) + Titanium Backup (for data).