28 May 2026

Transferring/upgrading Android phones

  1. Buy a clear case if not already
  2. Apply screen protector before registering fingerprints
  3. First boot - skip through all settings except connect to Wifi, to ensure latest OS updates installed, then reset (as may come with previous month's update)
  4. Check data backed up and sync is complete
    1. backup of phone in Google One
    2. photos (including locked folders)
    3. browser data
    4. now playing history
    5. documents & downloads etc
    6. Whatsapp
    7. game progress (e.g. Swordigo no longer transfers)
    8. projects like in Sketch
    9. config for IoT devices like cameras, SSH and VPNs
    10. Passkeys, SSH keys
    11. Authenticator apps
    12. Disable SIM protection in antivirus before transferring over
  5. Remove cards from wallet (they cannot be transferred)
  6. Transfer
    1. Swap SIM card over
      1. Also transfer over any eSIMs
    2. Regular transfer with USB-C (much faster) when prompted. It is asking for the old phone's password, not the Google account.
  7. Check all apps installed between the home screens
  8. Updates
    1. System update (you should have already updated it in Step 1)
    2. Google Play system update
    3. System services (search for this in Settings)
    4. all apps in Play Store
    5. Google Play app itself (under its own Settings)
    6. Languages (Translate app > settings > Offline languages)
    7. Offline maps (Google Maps)
    8. Offline Speech Recognition
  9. Check all data transferred that may have been missed:
    1. hidden directories
    2. Downloads (start FTP with Cx File Explorer)
    3. SMS and MMS messages
  10. Sign in to all apps and check they are up, and deactivated/deregistered on the old phone AFTER setting up the new phone:
    1. find my device
    2. authenticators and passwords
    3. banking
    4. antivirus including enabling SIM protection
    5. Steam Guard
    6. Facebook, Whatsapp (use the Transfer Chats option in the app), Instagram
    7. etc
  11. Apply settings
    1. gestures
    2. remove animations
    3. Bluetooth devices (only wifi networks get transferred)
    4. random MAC disable
    5. disable sync for unused accounts
    6. home screen icon shortcuts to browser, e.g. BBC News or Duolingo as their apps are terrible
  12. Teardown
    1. Log out of Google accounts
    2. Reset + wipe old phone
    3. Record a continuous video showing the phone's flawless physical condition, the on-screen IMEI (*#06#), the factory reset process, and sealing the device in the return box.
    4. Retain the drop-off receipt showing the exact package weight. This is your only leverage if a third-party trade-in processor claims the box arrived empty.
    5. Return in packaging, remember to use bubble wrap so it doesn't get damaged on delivery and then you aren't eligible for the full trade-in value.
  13. Check Rewards Gateway/Topcashback has tracked the purchase