28 May 2026

Reminder of steps for transferring/upgrading Android phones

  1. Buy a clear case if not already
  2. 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)
  3. Check data backed up and sync is complete
    1. backup of phone in Google One
    2. photos
    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. Disable SIM protection in antivirus before transferring over
  4. Swap SIM card over
  5. Regular transfer with USB-C (much faster) when prompted. It is asking for the old phone's password, not the Google account.
  6. Check all apps installed between the home screens
  7. 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
  8. 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, Instagram
    7. etc
  9. 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
  10. Reset + wipe old phone + 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.
  11. Check Rewards Gateway/Topcashback has tracked the purchase