Back up your Android phone before switching devices

Before you reset or trade in an Android phone, check that the information you care about exists somewhere else. A Google backup can help restore many settings and data, but it does not cover every app or every file.

Keep the old phone until you have checked the new one. Menu names differ by manufacturer and Android version, so search Settings for Backup if the path below is different.

Run and inspect the backup

Google's Android backup guide gives this path on supported devices:

1. Open Settings → Google → All services.
2. Under Backup and restore, tap Backup.
3. Check the account shown, then tap Back up now.
4. Review Backup details to see the categories and apps included.

Connect to Wi-Fi and power if practical, and allow the backup to finish. Confirm that you know the Google account password and your old screen lock. Google says some backup data is end-to-end encrypted using the device's PIN, pattern or password, so retaining that information matters.

Android backup can include app data, call history, contacts, device settings and messages. Coverage differs by app: Google warns that not every app backs up or restores all of its data. A listed app is not proof that every document inside it is safely stored.

Check photos and important files separately

If you use Google Photos, open it and confirm backup has completed for the account you intend to use. Check important albums and device folders, especially messaging or camera folders that may have separate backup choices. Google explains how to check photo backup status.

Look in Downloads and any folders where you keep documents, recordings or exported files. Copy anything important to a location you can open from another device. Open a few representative files there to make sure the copies are usable.

Check apps that need their own transfer

Messaging apps, authenticators, banking apps and work profiles may have their own migration or sign-in process. Consult each provider's instructions before wiping the old phone. In particular, make sure you have another way to complete account verification if your authenticator will move.

Also check contacts saved only on the phone or SIM instead of assuming they are in your Google account. If you have offline downloads, expect to sign in and download them again where the service permits.

Restore and verify

During new-phone setup, follow the prompts to copy data or restore a backup. Google notes that restoration varies by device and that a backup from a newer Android version cannot be fully restored to an older one. Check the new phone's Android version and update it if possible.

Once setup is complete, open your photos, contacts and essential apps. Confirm that messages and critical files are present, and test sign-in methods. Only then consider erasing the old phone.