Computer help
Setting up a new phone or tablet without the stress
By Bhavesh Narsai · Published 1 July 2026 · Updated 13 July 2026
A new phone or tablet should be exciting, but the setup, and the worry about losing your photos, contacts and apps, puts a lot of people off. The good news is that moving everything across is easier than it used to be, as long as you do it in the right order.
Quick answer
Back up your old device first, then use the built-in transfer tool during setup to move everything across. iPhone to iPhone uses Quick Start, Android to Android uses the Google setup, and both can move photos, contacts, messages and apps. Keep your old device until you have checked everything came over.
1. Back up the old device first
Before anything else, make sure the old phone or tablet is backed up (iCloud for iPhone, Google for Android). That way your photos, contacts and messages are safe no matter what happens during the move.
2. Use the built-in transfer during setup
When you switch on the new device, it offers to bring everything across from your old one. Have both devices to hand and follow the prompts:
- iPhone to iPhone: Quick Start moves it all across when you hold the phones near each other.
- Android to Android: the Google setup copies your apps, contacts and settings.
- Switching between the two (Android to iPhone or the other way) is doable but fiddlier, and the bit people most often want a hand with.
3. Check everything came across, then wipe the old one
Once set up, check your photos, contacts, messages and key apps are all there and you can sign in. Only when you are happy should you wipe the old device, and do wipe it before selling or passing it on, so none of your personal information goes with it.
In Bolton and would rather not risk it, especially switching between Apple and Android? I can set up your new phone or tablet, move everything across safely, and make sure nothing is left behind on the old one. Patient help, no jargon, all ages welcome.
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Common questions
How do I transfer everything to my new phone?
Back up your old device first, then use the built-in transfer tool during setup. iPhone to iPhone uses Quick Start and Android to Android uses the Google setup; both move photos, contacts, messages and apps across for you.
How do I move data from an iPhone to an Android?
Switching between the two takes a little more care than a like-for-like move, but photos, contacts and calendars transfer through your Google or Apple account and dedicated switch apps. The key is not to wipe the old phone until you have checked everything arrived.
Should I keep my old phone after setting up the new one?
Yes, keep it until you have confirmed everything came across: photos, messages, contacts and any app logins. Only once you are sure should you wipe it. Then erase it fully before selling, recycling or passing it on.