This checklist is to help you migrate your data from one Smartphone to another (best for Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone) with important steps that you don’t want to miss when you want to set up your new phone yourself. Following these steps should minimize any chance of missing information, error messages and reduce the overall time spent on the entire process.
We also provide customized device setup and data migration service at our store if this is too much for you and you’d much rather have someone else doing most of this work for you instead. When you visit our location, please try to bring your logins (find/reset any passwords you may not remember if possible), especially any gmail or Apple ID accounts, in case they may be needed during the transfer process and make sure to have at least 30-90 minutes available (more if you have lots of data).
Backup!
Estimated Time: 1-120 minutes (Optional, but highly recommended)
[Note: This is not included in the ETA for the transfer process mentioned]
One of the first things you should do before you start transferring data to a new phone is to perform full backups on your current one where possible. This may be important as sometimes you may find that you’ve missed something in the transfer process and having a full backup can help you restore that information.
For Apple devices, if you’ve purchase sufficient iCloud storage, you should be able to have a complete backup uploaded to the cloud. If you have turned on automatic backups, you may be able to find one saved already and can skip to the next step. Otherwise, if you download iTunes to your Mac or PC, you should be able to have a full backup saved to your computer.
For Samsung devices, you may be able to save a full backup to your desktop or laptop computer by using Samsung Smart Switch.
If you’re doing any full backup to the cloud for the first time, it’s best to make sure you’re connected to a fibre optic Internet connection (or check to ensure you’re using a 5G+ cellular plan) where possible, because using a cable Internet connection or basic 4G & 5G plans may often give you upload speeds of only 30-50Mbps or so, but fibre optic or 5G+ cellular may give you up to 2Gbps (2000Mbps) or more. When you’re backing up a 256GB device, it could mean the difference for completion in only minutes (often 5-45mins) instead of hours or days, so you may want to consider bringing some take-out and ask your friends or family to borrow their Wi-Fi if you have a slow connection at your home.
For all other devices, you may check the manufacturer’s official website to see if they provide any software you may use to perform a full backup. Even if you are not able to perform a complete backup, you should still check individual apps you use often, as some of them may be able to store a backup of the data from the app to the cloud on your iCloud or Google account. For example, some apps such as WhatsApp or Viber may have a backup option where you can “restore” to a new phone the first time you log in.
Locate or Reset Passwords
Estimated Time: 2-30 minutes
During the transfer process, you may find that due to encryption or security reasons, you may need to re-enter usernames and/or passwords so it’s best to find all of your logins (if you’ve written them down) or reset any that you might have forgotten. By doing this before you start the transfer process, you will find that it is much less frustrating when you need to set up your new phone.
Most websites and apps will have a “forgot password” link to help you reset your password as needed, but make sure you have access to your phone number and email address you used to register, because most often they will need to use at least one of those to verify your account before you can choose a new password.
Once you get your passwords changed, make sure to write each one of them down so that you won’t need to go through this process the next time you migrate to another phone. Store any important information such as passwords and usernames in a secure location such as your personal safe (best to use fire and water resistant models) or bank safety deposit box.
Clean Up Unused/Unwanted Data
Estimated Time: 15-60 minutes
Now that backups are done and everything have been properly synchronized with your cloud accounts, it is a good idea to take some time to clean up your apps, files and photos to remove any unnecessary or duplicate data.
By doing so, not only will you have more space freed up, the data transfer process will also be faster since there should be less data that needs to be migrated to your new device.
Install Device Protection on NEW Device
Estimated Time: 5-15 minutes
You are now ready to get started on the new device. Please turn it ON to make sure that the screen works and there’s no damages or defects on the phone.
Once you have checked to make sure everything looks OK, you should install any screen protector and/or phone case (in that order) you may have purchased for your new phone to prevent any accidental damage. It is important to do this now and not later, to keep your new device looking great for a long time.
In the past, we’ve seen too many times and heard from customers as well, that phones get dropped and cracked or dented on the very first day, so we do highly recommend that you install device protection as soon as you take the device out of the box – don’t wait till it’s too late!
Software Update & Reset
Estimated Time: 10-60 minutes
Once the device powers ON and precautions have been taken to keep the device safe, skip through all of the setup prompts (don’t transfer any data or log in yet) to get to the home screen of the device. At this point, you should first connect to Wi-Fi and check for any software updates. If any are available, update your device to improve security and ensure that any possible bug fixes are installed.
In general, manufacturers often try to produce devices quickly to get devices on the shelf for sale, but intial releases may sometimes include software glitches that can cause data transfer to fail or have other problems with connectivity.
For every software update completed, it’s best to restart the phone, wait 2 minutes and then check again for any additional updates before you continue. Repeat as necessary.
Once you are all up to date, you should perform a factory reset (erase all content and settings, but “KEEP eSIM” if the device asks you) on the new phone, so that you are ready to begin the data transfer process.
Transfer Data / Restore
Estimated Time: 20-75 minutes
On your old device, if you don’t have any lock on your screen or device set up, make sure to temporarily set one up so that there’s less security requirments during the data transfer process. For example, set a PIN code to 8888 for the lock screen for easy access. Having all of your login credentials handy for this step will be useful in case it’s needed.
Start the data migration process by following the prompts on your new device and connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi. Read each prompt carefully before you tap, because you may need to perform a factory reset or uninstall/re-install to start over if you’ve missed something important (like a prompt asking if you’d like to restore a backup and/or select what to restore).
Many device manufacturers and apps may force the download/restore of certain data to Wi-Fi only to save you from using up your mobile data plan, so make sure to be connected to high speed Internet for this step where possible.
Double Check Preferences and Settings
Estimated Time: 5-15 minutes
WARNING: After the data transfer is competed, DO NOT wipe or factory reset your old one yet! We’ll circle back to this, but it may be very important that you don’t delete anything yet at this point!!
On the new device, the operating system (OS) most often will be newer with more and/or updated default settings as well. Take a few minutes now to review your settings in detail to make sure it’ll work the way you want it to. Main sections to review should include display settings, sounds & notifications, screen locks, mobile connections (network/roaming/data), locations & sharing, accessibility, security and safety & emergency settings (medical info/emergency contacts/broadcasted emergency alerts), etc.
For those who may be using a tablet or data only plan with no voice calls included, especially if you’re using an iPhone, it will be extrememly important to check and make sure “Live Voicemail” is turned OFF, or you will be paying lots of money for every single spam caller that dials your number, because your phone will answer the call for you automatically using pay-per-use minutes.
Enable / Disable Cloud Sync
Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes
To ensure that you have important data backed up and ensure that stuff that is worthless isn’t consuming space, it’s best to check each of your cloud drive accounts such as iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc and make sure that you enable or disable sync features to your preference. Even if you think that the settings should already be correct, you should always double check on the new device in case something got changed accidentally over the years (or you ran out of cloud storage space).
Verify Mobile Wallets & Security Apps
Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes
For mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, etc), bank apps and security apps, most likely there will be additional security verification required when using them on any new device even if things get “transferred” from your old phone. If you have your card(s) with CVV and/or passwords, take a few minutes to check to make sure you’re able to access your accounts and payment cards on the new device. If you are unable to complete verification immediately, you may want to turn ON the hotspot of your new phone to give you temporary access on your old device so that you can still go on about your day until you get home and can find the cards and info you need to regain access.
Move Physical SIM or Transfer eSIM(s)
Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes
Now that everything is all set, it’s time to carefully move your physical SIM to your new phone or transfer your eSIM to it. If you use a physical SIM, but don’t have a SIM eject tool handy, you may want to try to look for a small paper clip, earring or other needle or pin that you may have nearby to help you remove the SIM slot. If your device or carrier doesn’t support eSIM transfers, you may need to buy an eSIM voucher (QR code on a card) and/or visit your local store with your ID for additional assistance.
Test Mobile Data & Voice Calls (In & Out)
Estimated Time: 1-5 minutes
Once you have the SIM (or eSIM) in your new phone set up, it’s best to power cycle the device – turn it OFF completely and then turn it back ON.
If it’s an iPhone, as a proactive measure, you should reset the network settings by going to iPhone Settings / Genera / Reset/Transfer / Reset / Reset Network Settings, but please be aware that you will need to re-enter any previously saved Wi-Fi passwords. Resetting the network settings ensures that the device better understands your mobile carrier’s network so that speeds are faster and connections are more reliable.
Android phones typically pick up the updated network settings automatically, but if you run in to any unusual connectivity issues, it doesn’t hurt to reset the network settings at that time.
When the phone powers back on, try calling someone and have them call you back to make sure that calls work. Also, open up any app that connects to the Internet to test your mobile data.
If data doesn’t work, make sure your mobile data is turned ON and double check to update any APN settings for your mobile service provider if required (usually may be needed for overseas devices).
Pair Bluetooth Devices & Wearables
Estimated Time: 5-15 minutes
Most of the time, Smart Watches made by the phone manufacturers (Apple, Google, Samsung, etc) may get transferred and will reconnect automatically on your new device, but turn OFF your old phone to double check to make sure it’s working with your new one.
For other Bluetooth devices, you’ll likely need to re-pair them individually with your new phone before they will work. If you drive, make sure your new phone is connected to your vehicle BEFORE YOU START DRIVING so that you don’t get nervous or startled if a phone call comes in.
Test / Check Volume Settings
Estimated Time: 1-5 minutes
For sounds and notifications, it’s a good idea to double check the settings so that you know exactly how your phone will sound when you get any alerts.
Although volume settings may be transferred to match your old phone’s preferences (if it’s from the same manufacturer as the new one), “100% volume” might actually sound louder/softer on one phone vs another due to differences in the phsyical hardware that’s installed on the phone so you should see if any adjustments are required.
Ensure All Apps are Working!
Estimated Time: One Week
Now that most of the functions and features are set up, you’re ready to use your new phone. However, DO NOT ERASE your old phone yet!! Some apps have encryption built in and may not fully transfer to your new device, while others may require a button press or code from a “secure device” before you’re able to log in to a new one. Due to app security, when required, it’s sometimes easier to reset any forgotten passwords on an existing device instead of on the new one. Fully charge and keep the old phone with you just in case, and make sure every single app you use is fully functional over the course of the next few days.
If there are old apps you no longer use, remove them so they don’t use up your batter or take up space, and so that your device will have a lower chance of any security breach. Fewer apps usually means fewer doors that have the potential to be hacked in to.
Check Data for Completeness
Estimated Time: First Week
While you use your new phone, whenever you think of anything important that might be stored on your phone, please do double check to make sure that data is still accessible. Photos or other media from apps and old messages don’t always get transferred automatically during the initial migration process and manual steps may need to be taken to back things up.
Turn OFF “Find My…” & Erase Old Phone
Estimated Time: 5-75 minutes
After about a week, once you have checked your data for completeness and the new one is tested to be fully functional, you may now prepare the old device for its next life. Regardless if you would like to hand down the phone to another user in the family or trade in the phone to get money for it, the following steps are very important, not only to protect your personal information (because you may trust your family member), but also to ensure that accounts that may be synchronized don’t get messed up.
For Smartphones, always look for and turn OFF the “Find My…” settings so that your accounts can be unlinked from your device. For this step, you may do it first right after you complete the intial data transfer so that you don’t forget.
Once you’re ready, you’ll want to perform a “Factory Data Reset” to erase all content and settings from your device. You may typically find this option under General or Device Management in your settings.
A Second Life for Old Phones
For older or broken phones that have low trade in values (or may not have any trade in value at all), some of them may be refurbished to be put into TELUS Mobility for Good programs to help people in need. These programs may include support for seniors or youth in need, government-assisted refugees, Indigenous women at risk, and more.
For “ancient” devices too old to reuse or too damaged to salvage, parts may be stripped down so that materials may be recycled where possible and any hazardous substances safely disposed.
Knowing that the old phones doing nothing, but sitting in your drawer at home may be put to good use (or at least responsibly recycled to protect the environment), make sure to find them and bring them in to our store!