Before starting a phone or tablet transfer, make a private inventory of what matters and confirm that you can still access the accounts needed to continue. Check the current backup and synchronisation state without assuming that everything is included. Make the source stable, powered and available. If it is broken, locked or compromised, stop the routine process and seek the relevant specialist or provider.
Start here
Get ready without losing your place
Check access, content and device conditions while keeping the source intact.
List the important contentIdentify contacts, photos, messages, local files, app-specific records and authenticator access that need later checking.Read this part
Review backup scopeCheck the latest completed backup and its included data, while keeping cloud synchronisation separate from backup.Read this part
Make the transfer practicalConfirm power, Wi-Fi, storage, compatible cables and software conditions before beginning.Read this part
Make a private inventory
List the content you would notice if it were missing: contacts, recent and older photos, messages, local documents, downloads, notes, recordings, app-specific records and access to authenticator apps. This is an inventory for your own checking, not a request to share secret information.
Account access matters as much as copied files. Confirm privately that you know the required account sign-in details and can complete the ordinary recovery method if prompted. Do not write passwords, one-time codes or banking and myGov details into a transfer checklist.
Some apps store important records in their own account or service. Others keep data locally or require a vendor-specific sign-in. Treat the app as a separate item to verify later rather than assuming its presence on the destination proves that its records came across.
Check the latest backup and sync state
On Apple devices, Apple’s documented route is Settings, your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup, then Back Up Now. Stay connected until the process completes and check the last successful backup time shown below the control. Read Apple’s iCloud backup guidance for the current labels. Existing iCloud storage limits may affect completion; do not automatically buy storage or delete source content just to make room.
On Android, Google’s documented route is Settings, Google, All services, then Backup under Backup and restore, followed by Backup now. Labels can vary by device and software version. Review Backup details as well as the completion state. Some apps do not restore every setting or piece of data, and a backup from a higher Android version cannot be restored to a lower one. See Google’s Android backup guidance.
Backup and synchronisation complement each other. Apple’s explanation of iCloud sync and backup is useful when deciding what to verify separately. Do not switch off backups or delete sources to clear space.
Make the conditions workable
Charge both devices and keep a compatible cable available if the chosen method needs one. Use reliable Wi-Fi and check that the destination has enough storage for the planned content. Review current software and device compatibility before starting; there is no fixed transfer duration and no universal upgrade requirement.
Do not begin by resetting the new device or erasing the old one. If the destination is already in use, assess its existing data first. If the source is broken, locked, or suspected to be compromised, pause the ordinary transfer and contact the relevant device specialist, manufacturer or account provider.
A transfer may leave downloads, cloud content or app setup pending. Keep a short private list of what still needs checking after the copy process. That list is more useful than relying on a single completion screen.
What to read next
If you’d rather have local help, see our phone and tablet setup and migration help.