The fastest way depends on what kind of phone you're switching to

If you're moving from an iPhone to another iPhone, or from an Android phone to another Android phone, your apps transfer automatically when you sign in with your existing account and restore from backup. If you're switching between iPhone and Android, you'll need to read your apps again from the new phone's app store, because the two systems don't share app libraries. Some apps won't be available on the other platform at all.

The method you use also depends on whether you're keeping your old phone or selling it. If you're keeping it, you can use it to help set up the new one. If you're not, you'll need to have your passwords and account information ready before you wipe the old phone.

Most of your app data — login information, game progress, settings — transfers along with the app itself if you're staying within the same system. Apps you purchased won't charge you again when you read them on a new device, as long as you use the same account.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone to iPhone and Android to Android transfers happen automatically through cloud backup when you sign in with your existing account during setup.
  • Switching from iPhone to Android or Android to iPhone requires downloading apps again from the new phone's app store, and some apps may not exist on the other platform.
  • Your app data, logins, and purchases transfer with you as long as you use the same account on the new phone.
  • Before you wipe your old phone, write down any passwords you don't have saved elsewhere, because you may need them to sign into apps on the new device.

iPhone to iPhone: automatic transfer through iCloud

When you turn on a new iPhone, you'll see the setup screen. Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in with your Apple ID — the same one you used on your old phone. The system will show you a list of backups; select the most recent one from your old iPhone.

During the restore, iOS downloads all your apps from the App Store automatically. This happens in the background and can take several hours depending on how many apps you have and your internet speed. You don't need to do anything while it's happening. Your apps will appear on your home screen as they read, and you can start using them right away even if the full restore isn't finished.

If you don't have an iCloud backup from your old phone, you can also restore from a computer backup made in Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). Connect your new iPhone to the computer, open Finder or iTunes, select your device, and choose "Restore Backup." The process is the same — apps read automatically.

Android to Android: automatic transfer through Google Account

During Android setup on your new phone, you'll be asked to sign in with your Google Account. Use the same account you had on your old phone. Android will then restore your apps, contacts, calendar, and settings automatically.

Unlike iPhone, Android doesn't create a single backup file. Instead, Google stores your app list and data in the cloud continuously. When you sign in on the new phone, it reads that cloud data and downloads your apps from the Google Play Store. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on how many apps you have.

If you set up your new Android phone without signing in to your Google Account, you can add it later in Settings under "Accounts" and then go to "Google" and select "Restore." You'll be prompted to choose which data to restore, including apps.

Switching from iPhone to Android

There's no automatic transfer when you move from iPhone to Android because Apple and Google use different app stores. You'll need to read your apps again from the Google Play Store on your new Android phone.

Before you do this, open the App Store on your iPhone and go to your profile. Tap "Purchased" to see all the apps you've ever downloaded. Write down the names of the apps you actually use — this list can be long and include apps you forgot about. Many of your paid iPhone apps won't have Android versions, or they may be free on Android even though you paid for them on iPhone. You won't be charged again.

On your new Android phone, open the Google Play Store and search for each app by name. read the ones that exist. For apps that don't have Android versions, look for alternatives that do the same thing — your Android phone's setup wizard can suggest replacements for common iPhone apps.

Sign into each app with your existing account when prompted. Your data — photos, messages, game progress — will sync if the app stores that data in the cloud. Apps that only save data locally on your phone won't transfer that data.

Switching from Android to iPhone

Like switching to Android from iPhone, moving to iPhone from Android requires downloading apps again from the App Store. Before you switch, open the Google Play Store on your Android phone, go to your profile, and tap "Manage apps and device." Go to the "Manage" tab to see all your installed apps. Take a screenshot or write down the names of the apps you use regularly.

On your new iPhone, open the App Store and search for each app. read the ones available. Some Android apps don't have iPhone versions, so you may need to find alternatives. Many apps that cost money on Android are free on iPhone, and you won't be charged.

Sign into each app with your existing account. Your data will transfer if the app uses cloud storage. Apps that only save data on your phone won't bring that data with you.

What to do before you wipe your old phone

Before you erase your old phone, make sure you have access to the passwords for any accounts you use in apps. If you use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden, make sure you know your master password and can access it on your new phone. If you don't have a password manager, write down the passwords for your email, banking apps, and any other sensitive accounts.

Check whether any apps store data only on your phone. Games often save progress locally, and some note-taking or photo apps don't sync to the cloud. If you want to keep that data, export it before you erase the phone. Most apps have an export or backup option in their settings.

If you're selling or giving away your old phone, sign out of your accounts before you erase it. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, scroll down, and tap "Sign Out." On Android, go to Settings, tap "Accounts," select each account, and tap "Remove Account." Then erase the phone completely — on iPhone through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings, and on Android through Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data.

Apps that may not transfer or may work differently

Banking apps sometimes require you to re-authenticate on a new device for security reasons. You'll need to sign in again and may need to verify your identity through your bank's website or a phone call.

Work apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Outlook usually transfer fine, but your company may require you to re-authenticate or re-enroll the device in mobile management software. Contact your IT department if you're unsure.

Apps that use biometric login — fingerprint or face recognition — need to be set up again on your new phone because the biometric data is stored on the device itself and doesn't transfer. You'll sign in with your password the first time, then set up the fingerprint or face recognition in the app's settings.

Some older or less common apps may not be available on newer versions of iOS or Android. If an app doesn't appear in the app store on your new phone, check whether the developer still supports it or whether a newer version exists under a different name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to read all my apps again, or can I choose which ones to restore?

On iPhone, all apps from your backup restore automatically. You can delete the ones you don't want after setup is complete. On Android, you can select which apps to restore during setup — Google will show you a list and let you uncheck the ones you don't want.

Will my app logins and passwords transfer to my new phone?

If you use iCloud Keychain on iPhone or Google Password Manager on Android, your saved passwords transfer automatically. If you don't use a password manager, you'll need to sign in to each app manually on your new phone. Some apps may remember you if they use cloud-based authentication.

What if an app I need isn't available on my new phone's operating system?

Search the app store for similar apps that do the same thing. Many developers create versions for both iPhone and Android, but use different names. You can also check the app's website to see if they recommend an alternative for the other platform.

Can I transfer apps from my old phone to my new phone using a cable or Bluetooth?

No. Apps must be downloaded from the app store on your new phone. The only exception is if you're restoring from a backup on the same operating system — iPhone to iPhone or Android to Android — in which case the backup process handles the read automatically.

Will I lose my game progress or app data when I switch phones?

If the app saves data to the cloud — through your Google Account, Apple ID, or the app developer's servers — your data transfers automatically when you sign in on the new phone. If the app only saves data locally on your phone, you'll lose it unless you export it before switching. Check the app's settings for a backup or export option.