Moving to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment. It’s one thing when you just need to get used to the screen or camera, and quite another when you have to transfer dozens of applications, their settings and data. Many users Android do not even suspect that most of this process can be automated using Google Account. There is no need to manually search for each application in Play Market, remember logins or set up notifications again.

In this article we will look at exactly how synchronization works through Google Account, which applications and data can be transferred, and which will have to be installed separately. You will learn about hidden settings that will speed up the process, as well as common errors due to which applications may not be restored. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions Android (from Android 9 Pie to Android 14) and how to avoid losing important data when moving.

If you have never used the backup function before via Google Drive or you don’t know where to find the synchronization settings - don’t worry. We will go through each step in detail, from preparing the old phone to the final setup of the new device. And at the end of the article you will find FAQ answers to the most frequently asked questions, including problems with authorization, lack of space in the cloud and transferring paid applications.

Why Google Account is the best way to transfer applications

Among all data transfer methods - from manual installation to using third-party utilities like Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi Migration - synchronization via Google Account remains the most universal solution. And here's why:

  • 🔄 Cross-platform: works on any device Android, regardless of the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus etc.).
  • 📱 Automation: applications install themselves after the first logging into your account on a new phone.
  • 🔒 Security: data is transmitted over a secure channel, without the risk of leakage through third-party services.
  • 🆓 Free: unlike some branded utilities, does not require the purchase of a premium version.

In addition, Google Account saves not only the list of installed applications, but also part of their data (for example, progress in games, if they support Google Play Games), system settings (Wi-Fi networks, wallpaper, language preferences) and even some SMS (with the option enabled). This eliminates the need to set up your phone from scratch.

However, there are limitations. For example, not all applications support backup of their data via Google Drive. Some banking applications (like Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) require re-authorization for security reasons. Also, files stored on the internal memory (photos, videos, music) are not transferred - you will have to use other methods for them (we will discuss this below).

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Preparation of the old phone: what needs to be done before transferring

Before you begin the transfer, make sure your old phone is ready for the process. Skipping at least one of the steps may result in applications not being restored on the new device or not being restored completely.

Login to Google Account (if not already logged in)

Check Wi-Fi connection

Update all applications in the Play Market

Enable backup in settings

Free up space in Google Drive (if necessary)

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First and most important - authorization in Google Account. Without this, there will be no synchronization. Go to Settings → Accounts and make sure your profile is connected. If you use several accounts, select the one that will be the main one on the new phone.

Next, check whether it is enabled backup. The path may vary slightly depending on the version Android, but usually it is: 

Settings → System → Backup → Copy data to Google Drive

Make sure the switch is active. If the option is disabled, enable it and wait for the process to complete (this may take from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of data).

⚠️ Attention: If installed on your phone custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) or services are disabled Google (as on some Chinese smartphones), backup may not work. In this case, you will have to use alternative transfer methods.

We also recommend updating all applications to the latest versions via Play Market. This will help avoid compatibility issues on your new device. If your phone is low on space, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card/computer. Remember that Google Drive only provides 15 GB free space, and if it is full, the backup will not be created.

Step-by-step guide: how to transfer applications via Google Account

Now we move on to the transfer process itself. We will break it down into two stages: setting up the old phone and setting up the new one. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Create a backup copy on your old phone

  1. Open Settings and go to the section System → Backup (on some phones the path may be called Google → Backup).

  2. Make sure the option "Copying data to Google Drive" is enabled. If not, activate it. it.

  3. Click Create a copy now (or Start copying). The process may take several minutes.

  4. After completion, check that the copy has been created: go to Google Drive through the browser, open the menu and select Backups. A fresh entry with the name of your phone should appear there.

Stage 2: Recovering on a new phone

  1. Turn on the new phone and connect to Wi-Fi (required! Without the Internet, recovery will not start).

  2. At the system setup stage you will be prompted to log in Google Account. Use the same account as on your old phone.

  3. When the system asks if you want to restore data from a backup, select Yes and indicate the desired copy (if there are several).

  4. Wait for the process to complete. The time depends on the number of applications and Internet speed.

After recovery, the phone will reboot and you will see icons of installed applications appear on the desktop. Some of them may require additional configuration (for example, re-entering your login/password).

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If the applications are not restored automatically, go to Play Market, open the menu (profile icon) and select Manage applications and devices → Installed. There will be a list of applications from the old phone - you can install them manually.

Which data is transferred and which is not

Not all applications and not all data can be transferred via Google Account. Here's what exactly will be restored:

Data type Transferred? Notes
List of installed applications ✅ Yes All applications from Play Marketexcept system ones
Application data (settings, progress) ⚠️ Partially Only if the application supports Google Drive Backup
Contact ✅ Yes If synchronized with Google Contacts
SMS and call history ⚠️ Partial Only if the option is enabled in the backup settings
Photos and videos ❌ No You need to use Google Photos separately

But here's what not transferred automatically:

  • 📁 Files on internal memory (documents, downloads, music).
  • 🔐 Passwords from Wi-Fi (only networks are transferred, but not passwords to them on some devices).
  • 🎮 Save games if they are not synchronized via Google Play Games.
  • 🏦 Banking application data (requires re-authorization).

Important: applications installed not from the Play Market (APK files) will not be transferred. You will have to install them manually, having first copied the files to the new phone.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with proper configuration, sometimes failures occur. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Applications were not restored after logging into your account

Possible reasons:

  • 🔌 No Internet connection (check Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • ⏳ The backup has not been created yet (wait 10-15 minutes and check Google Drive).
  • 📱 Automatic recovery is disabled on the new phone (enable it in Settings → Google → Recovery).

Problem 2: Not enough space in Google Drive

Solutions:

  • 🗑️ Delete old backups in Google Drive → Backups.
  • 📤 Transfer photos/videos to another cloud (Yandex Disk, Dropbox).
  • 💰 Buy additional space (from 100 GB for ~139 ₽/month).

Problem 3: Some applications require re-authorization

This is normal for applications with a high level of security (banks, instant messengers, mail). Just log in again. If you do not receive an SMS with a code, check whether your new device is blocking it (sometimes a reboot helps).

⚠️ Attention: If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) in some services (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram), before transferring, make sure that you have backup codes or access to email/SMS. Otherwise, you risk losing access to your account!

Alternative methods of transferring applications

If for some reason transfer via Google Account is not suitable (for example, there is no access to an old phone or there is not enough space in the cloud), you can use alternative methods:

  • 📲 Branded utilities:
    • Samsung Smart Switch (for phones Samsung).
    • Xiaomi Migration (for Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco).
    • Huawei Phone Clone (for Huawei/Honor).
  • 🔗 Third-party applications: Clone App, App Backup & Restore (save APK files and data).
  • 💻 Manual transfer via PC: copy folder /data/app (requires root access).

Each of these methods has its pros and cons. For example, branded utilities are usually more reliable, but only work within one ecosystem (you cannot transfer data from Samsung to Xiaomi via Smart Switch).Third-party applications are universal, but may not correctly restore data from some apps.

If you choose manual transfer via ADB or a file manager, remember: without root access you can only copy APK files, but not application data root there is a risk of disrupting the system. This method is only suitable for experienced users.

How to transfer applications without a Google Account?

If you do not have access to the old one phone or you don’t want to use Google, you can use local backup via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). To do this:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → For Developers).

2. Run the command:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

3. Copy the file backup.ab to a new phone and restore via:

adb restore backup.ab
Attention: This method requires command line skills and may not work on new versions of Android due to security restrictions.

Transferring paid applications and purchases

All paid applications and purchases within them (for example, premium functions in games) are tied to yours Google Account, not to the device. This means that after restoration on a new phone:

  • 💳 Paid applications from Play Market will be available for installation without re-payment.
  • 🎁 In-app purchases (for example, skins in PUBG Mobile or subscription to Spotify) will also be restored if you log into the same account.
  • 📥 Some applications may require confirmation of purchase - just click "Restore" when prompted.

However, there are nuances:

  • If you purchased the application on another account, it will not be transferred. You will have to log in using the account from which the payment was made.
  • Some applications (especially from small developers) may not support synchronization of purchases. In this case, you will have to contact support.
  • Subscriptions (for example, YouTube Premium or Google One) are automatically linked to your account, but their action is not interrupted when you change the device.
⚠️ Attention: If you sell or give your old phone to another person, be sure to sign out of your Google Account and reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). Otherwise, the new owner will be able to restore your data!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer applications from iPhone to Android via Google Account?

No, Google Account does not synchronize applications between iOS and Android. To do this, use special utilities, for example, Google Drive (transfer contacts, photos) or Move to iOS (but it only works in the opposite direction - from Android to iPhone). Applications will have to be installed manually.

How long does it take to transfer applications?

The time depends on the number of applications and Internet speed. Typically the process takes from 10 minutes to 1-2 hours. If there are a lot of applications (100+), it may take longer. We recommend starting the transfer when the phone is connected to charging.

Why were some applications not restored?

Possible reasons:

  • The application was deleted from Play Market.
  • The application is incompatible with the new version Android.
  • Installation from unknown sources (for APK) is disabled on the new phone.
  • The backup was not completely created (check Google Drive).

Try to find the application manually in Play Market and install it.

How to transfer application data if it is not synced via Google?

If the application does not support backup via Google Drivetry:

  • Use the built-in export/import function in the application itself (if any).
  • Copy the folder with application data via file manager (requires root).
  • Contact the developer for instructions on transferring data.

For example, WhatsApp allows you to create a local copy of chats in Settings → Chat → Backup.

Is it possible to transfer applications without the Internet?

Partially. You can copy APK files applications from your old phone to a new one via Bluetooth, USB cable or SD card, but:

  • Without the Internet, it will not be possible to update applications via Play Market.
  • Application data (settings, progress) will not be transferred.
  • Some applications (for example, games) may not work without a network connection.

For a complete transfer, the Internet is still necessary.