How to transfer all apps from one Android to another

Changing a smartphone is always stressful, associated not so much with the loss of a physical device, but with the risk of losing digital history. Modern users store dozens and sometimes hundreds of applications in their gadgets, each of which requires logging in, setting up notifications and saving custom settings. Simply reinstalling software from the store is not enough, as it does not transfer logins, game progress, or specific interface settings.

Fortunately, the ecosystem Android offers many tools for migration, ranging from built-in cloud functions to advanced methods using root access. The choice of a specific method depends on the version of the operating system, the availability of the Internet and how deeply you want to transfer data. Some methods allow you to copy only APK files, while others even save the state of a specific window in the application.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the available migration options: from the simplest recovery via Google Drive to manual transfer via ADB. You will find out what data is actually transferred automatically, and where your intervention is required. We will also touch on the nuances of working with banking applications and instant messengers, which often require special attention when changing devices.

Automatic transfer via Google Account

The most obvious and least labor-intensive way is to use Google's built-in backup mechanism. When setting up a new smartphone for the first time, the system will offer to restore data from the cloud. This method is ideal for most users, since it does not require the installation of third-party software and works out of the box.

However, it is important to understand the limitations: Google saves a list of installed applications and their basic settings, but cannot always restore authorization in each of them. Banking clients, apps with two-factor authentication, and some games with their own servers will require you to enter your password again. However, application icons will appear on the desktop automatically, and all you have to do is log in to your accounts.

To activate this function on your old device, you need to log in Settings → System → Backup. Make sure the "Copy to Google Drive" switch is enabled. The system will show the date of the last backup. If it is old, click “Start copying” manually before turning off the old phone.

The recovery process on the new device starts automatically when you turn it on and connect to Wi-Fi. The system will prompt you to select a backup from the list. Once selected, applications will begin downloading in the background. You can continue to use your phone while the icons fill up.

⚠️ Attention: When restoring from the cloud, applications will be downloaded one by one. If you have more than 100 of them, the process may take several hours and greatly drain the battery of the new device.

Use of manufacturers' proprietary utilities

Smartphone manufacturers have long recognized the need of users for an easy transition to new models of their brands. As a result, most large vendors, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and OnePlushave developed their own utilities for data migration. These tools are often more effective than the standard Google solution, since they can transfer not only applications, but also the desktop layout, alarm clocks and system settings.

For example, owners Samsung use an application Smart Switchthat allows you to transfer data even from iOS or via cable. Users Xiaomi engage Mi Mover. The main advantage of such utilities is the ability to transfer data directly via Wi-Fi Direct or a USB-C cable, which is much faster than downloading from the cloud and does not consume mobile traffic.

Usually the process is as follows: you install the companion application on both devices (on new ones it is often pre-installed), scan the QR code for pairing and select categories of data to transfer. In the “Applications” list, you can select a custom installation or transfer everything at once.

It is worth noting that branded utilities work best when moving between devices of the same brand. When you try to transfer data from Huawei to Samsung the functionality may be limited to only contacts and media files, and the list of apps will not be restored automatically.

Brand	Utility name	Support iOS	Connection type
Samsung	Smart Switch	Yes	Wi-Fi / Cable / PC
Xiaomi / Redmi	Mi Mover	No	Wi-Fi Direct
Huawei / Honor	Phone Clone	Yes	Wi-Fi Direct
OnePlus / OPPO	Clone Phone	Yes	Wi-Fi Direct
Sony	Xperia Transfer 2	Yes	Cable / Wi-Fi

Transferring applications using Titanium Backup (Root)

For advanced users who have root access on both devices, the application remains the gold standard Titanium Backup. This is the only way that allows you to transfer an application along with absolutely all of its data: cache, databases, game saves, and even the state of the open document. Conventional methods without superuser rights do not provide such depth.

The essence of the method is to create a full backup copy (Backup) of each application on the old phone, transfer the archive to the new phone and subsequent restoration (Restore). It is important that the Android versions and processor architectures on both devices are as close as possible, otherwise some system applications may not work correctly.

The process requires preliminary preparation. On the old device, you need to open Titanium Backup, provide superuser rights and in the “Backups” menu select “Batch actions” → “Back up all user applications”. Once completed, the archive file (usually located in a folder /sdcard/TitaniumBackup) must be copied to the new device.

How to transfer a Titanium Backup archive without a computer?

You can create an archive directly in the Titanium Backup application (menu → Create an archive from backups), then send this single ZIP file via Bluetooth, ShareIt or upload to the cloud to download on the new phone.

The new smartphone will also require root access and installed Titanium Backup. After copying the backup folder to the appropriate directory, go to the application, update the list and use the “Batch actions” → “Restore all applications with data” function. The system will automatically install the APK and embed the data files in the required directories.

⚠️ Attention: Restoring system applications from one Android to another (especially different versions) may lead to a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot). Restore only user software.

Manual export of APK files and installation

If you do not have root access, and proprietary utilities are not suitable for some reason, you can use the method of manually exporting installation files. This method allows you to transfer the apps themselves, but does not transfer their data. You will receive a blank application that you will need to log into again.

To implement this method, you will need an exporter application, for example APK Extractor or Send Anywhere. These utilities scan installed apps, extract the installation package (.apk) from them and allow you to save it to internal memory or immediately send it to another device.

The algorithm of actions is simple: launch the extractor on your old phone, select the desired applications from the list and click “Export” or “Send”. On the new device, accept the file and start the installation. The Android system will ask for permission to install from unknown sources - it must be provided for the file manager or browser through which the installation is taking place.

Particular attention should be paid to applications that use technology Android App Bundle (.aab). Such applications do not have a single APK file, but consist of many parts (base module, modules for different screens and languages). Simple extractors may not handle them correctly. In such cases, it is better to use specialized tools like SAI (Split APKs Installer).

Using ADB for advanced migration

For those who are not afraid of the command line and have access to a computer, The tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB) opens up opportunities for flexible management of backups without the need to obtain root access. The command adb backup allows you to create a complete backup of applications and their data, which can then be restored on another device with the command adb restore.

To use this method, you must enable “USB Debugging” in the “Developer Options” menu on both smartphones. Connect your old phone to your PC and enter the command to create a backup copy of all user applications:

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

A request to confirm the backup will appear on the phone screen. You can set a password to encrypt the backup, which will increase data security. After the process is completed, you will have a file backup.ab. Disconnect the old phone, connect the new one (also with debugging enabled) and enter the restore command:

adb restore backup.ab

This method is often more reliable than Google cloud copy, since it creates a local copy of the data. However, from Android 9 onwards, many app developers prohibit the creation of backup copies of their products via ADB for security reasons. In this case, you will see a message in the log about skipping the application.

⚠️ Attention: Some modern versions of Android may ignore the command adb backup for system applications or require unlocking the bootloader for full access to data sections.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure you have ADB drivers installed for your phone model. Try replacing the USB cable or switching the port on your computer. Also check whether the file transfer mode (MTP) is in the phone notifications.

Features of transferring instant messengers and banking applications

A separate category consists of applications with increased security and instant messengers. Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, Revolut) and government services (Government services) almost always require complete re-registration when installed on a new device. This is done to protect against fraud: even when transferring data through Titanium Backup, the application may request re-binding of the device or entering a PIN code.

The situation with messengers more difficult. Telegram stores the entire chat history in the cloud, so you just need to enter your phone number and all chats will be loaded automatically. Secret chats are not transferred, since they are tied to a specific device.

In the case of WhatsApp i Viber it is critically important to create a local or cloud backup of the chats within the messenger settings before the transition. When installed on a new phone, the application will automatically detect a copy (in Google Drive or in the device memory) and offer to restore the history. Without this step, you will get an empty list of contacts.

• 📱 WhatsApp: On the old phone: Settings → Chats → Backup → Create. On the new one: when logging in, agree to restore.
• 💬 Telegram: Just log into your account. To transfer secret chats, you will have to create them again.
• 🔒 Viber: You need to create a backup in the settings (Viber → Advanced → Backup). Restoration is only possible to the same phone number.
• 🏦 Banks: Be prepared for the fact that an SMS confirmation and possibly a call to support will be required to unlock access from the new device ID.

Do not forget that authentication applications such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, require a special approach. Simply transferring the application is not enough - the codes are generated by being tied to the hardware. You must first use the function of exporting codes (via a QR code) inside the authenticator application itself and scan it with a new phone before resetting the old one.

What should you do if, after transferring, applications crash on startup?

This is a common problem when transferring data between different versions of Android. Try clearing the cache of the problematic application in the settings (Applications → Select application → Storage → Clear cache). If it doesn’t help, delete the application and install it again from Google Play by logging into your account manually.

Can I transfer applications from Android to iPhone?

Direct transfer of installed applications (.apk) is not possible due to different operating system architectures. However, many services (WhatsApp, Telegram, some games) allow you to transfer correspondence history or progress through special utilities during the initial setup of the iPhone, if the data supports cross-platform.

How long does it take to transfer 50 applications?

When using Wi-Fi Direct or a cable (branded utilities), the process takes from 15 to 30 minutes. When restoring from the Google cloud, the time depends on the Internet speed and can take 1-2 hours, since each application is downloaded separately from the store.

Do you need to reset your old phone to factory settings before transferring?

No, this is not necessary. Moreover, it is recommended to first transfer to a new phone, make sure that everything works correctly, and only then perform a reset (Wipe) on the old device for sale or disposal.

Are passwords saved in the browser transferred?

If you use synchronization through a Google account (Chrome) or another browser (Firefox, Yandex), the passwords will be loaded automatically after logging into your account on a new device. Locally saved passwords will not be transferred without synchronization.