Switching to a new or refurbished smartphone is exciting - but making sure your contacts, photos, apps, and files come with you can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest model or choosing a certified refurbished phone from Mobile Reborn, the key is to transfer data safely and securely.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to move your data without losing valuable information or exposing your personal details.
1. Back Up Your Old Phone
Think of this as creating a safety net. Backing up your phone means everything important - your photos, messages, contacts, and apps - is saved, just in case.
If you’re on iPhone
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Connect to Wi-Fi.
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Head to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
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Turn on iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.
Prefer using a computer? Plug your iPhone into your computer, open iTunes (or Finder on newer Macs), select your device, and hit Back Up Now.
💡 Want to save your passwords and health data too? Make sure to tick Encrypt local backup.
If you’re on Android
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Open Settings > Google > Backup.
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Switch on Back up to Google Drive.
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Tap Back Up Now.
Got a Samsung? You can also use Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud for a full backup.
💡 Always back up before you reset or recycle your old phone. It’ll save you headaches later.
2. Use the Built-In Transfer Tools
Most phones have transfer tools built in - and they’re surprisingly easy to use.
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iPhone to iPhone: Use Quick Start - just place your new phone near your old one and follow the prompts.
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Android to Android: Use Google’s Data Transfer Tool during setup.
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iPhone to Android (or vice versa): Apps like Move to iOS or Samsung Smart Switch will walk you through it.
It’s basically a “follow the screen” process - no tech wizardry required.
3. Move Your Photos and Files
Photos and videos are usually the biggest files, so you’ll want to make sure they come with you.
You’ve got two easy options:
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Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Photos, Dropbox) - great if you want access across devices.
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USB cable to a computer or external drive - perfect if you prefer having a local backup.
4. Check Your Apps and Accounts
Before saying goodbye to your old phone, double-check your important apps:
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Reinstall them on your new phone.
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Log back into your accounts.
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Turn on two-factor authentication for extra security.
Start with essentials like email, banking, and password managers - they’re the ones you’ll want right away.
5. Wipe Your Old Phone
Once everything’s on your new phone and working fine, it’s time to clean the slate.
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On iPhone: Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
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On Android: Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
That way, your personal data is completely removed before you recycle, sell, or pass your old device along.
Final Thoughts
See? Switching phones doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you back up, transfer, check, and wipe, you’ll be enjoying your new or refurbished phone in no time.
And if you’ve just picked up a device from Mobile Reborn, you can rest easy knowing it’s been fully tested and certified - so you can focus on enjoying your refurbished smartphone.
✨ Ready to upgrade? Take a look at Mobile Reborn’s range of certified refurbished smartphones today.
