How to Transfer Photos to a New Android Phone

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Enable cloud backup on your old device

   Open the Google Photos app on your old phone and tap your profile icon. Select Photos settings, then tap Backup and ensure the toggle is set to On. Allow the upload process to complete by keeping the device connected to Wi-Fi and power.

   Note: Verify the backup status at the top of the Photos tab before proceeding.
2. 1 min

   Sign in to your new device

   Power on your new Android device and complete the initial setup prompts. Enter the same Google account credentials used on your previous phone when prompted to sign in.

   Note: Use the same email address to ensure your data syncs correctly.
3. 1 min

   Restore data via the setup wizard

   When prompted during setup, select the option to Copy apps and data from your old device. If you are past the setup screen, ensure you have signed into your Google account in Settings > Passwords & accounts.

   Note: If you skipped this, factory reset the device to restart the migration flow.
4. 30 sec

   Activate Google Photos sync

   Open the Google Photos app on the new device. Sign in if prompted and accept the request to turn on Backup. This will initiate the automatic download of your cloud-stored images.

   Note: The time required depends on the total file size of your library.
5. 1 min

   Transfer files via Quick Share

   For files not included in cloud backups, select the images in the old device's file manager or gallery. Tap the Share icon, select Quick Share, and choose your new device from the list of available targets.

   Note: Ensure Quick Share is enabled in Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share on both phones.