How to Transfer All Data to
a New Android Phone in India
Switching phones? Contacts, WhatsApp chats, photos, GPay, PhonePe, and bank apps each need their own steps. Here's the complete checklist — done in the right order so nothing gets lost.
Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read
Do the backup steps on your OLD phone first
Everything in Step 1 and 2 must happen on your current phone before you hand it in or reset it. Once it's reset or gone, the data is gone too.
Step 1: Back Up WhatsApp (Do This First)
WhatsApp does not automatically back up unless you've set it up. Check right now and trigger a manual backup.
Open WhatsApp on your OLD phone → tap ⋮ (three dots) → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup
Make sure a Google account is connected. If not, add one — use the same account you'll use on the new phone.
Tap "Back Up Now" and wait for it to complete. For large chats, this can take 10–30 minutes on a slow connection.
Check that Google Drive has enough free space (at least as much as your WhatsApp folder size, shown on this screen).
Optional: enable "Include videos" — but this will increase backup size significantly. Decide based on your Drive storage.
Step 2: Back Up Everything Else via Google
Google Backup handles contacts, call log, SMS, app list, Wi-Fi passwords, and device settings. Make sure it's enabled and trigger a manual sync.
Settings → Google → Backup → make sure "Back up to Google Drive" is ON
Tap "Back up now" and wait for it to complete. Check the last backup time shown — it should say "Just now".
Also open Google Photos → Profile → Google Account storage → make sure photo sync is complete (no "Waiting for Wi-Fi" warning).
For contacts: open the Contacts app → ⋮ → Settings → Sync contacts. Or go to contacts.google.com on a browser to verify they're all there.
Step 3: Set Up Your New Phone
During the initial setup of your new Android phone, sign in to the same Google account and restore from your old phone's backup.
Turn on the new phone. When asked to set up, choose "Restore from backup" or "Copy from old device"
If both phones are nearby, use the "Cable / Quick Transfer" or tap-to-transfer method for faster speed
Sign in to your Google account. The restore screen will show backups from your old phone — select the most recent one
Wait for apps to reinstall and data to restore. This can take 20–60 minutes on mobile data — use Wi-Fi if possible
Step 4: Restore WhatsApp on the New Phone
Install WhatsApp from the Play Store
Verify with the SAME phone number — WhatsApp will detect the Google Drive backup automatically
Tap "Restore" when prompted. All your chats, media, and voice notes will be downloaded from Drive
If the restore doesn't appear, make sure you're signed into the same Google account as on the old phone
Step 5: UPI and Banking Apps (Needs Special Steps)
UPI apps don't transfer automatically — they must be re-registered on the new phone because they bind to the device's SIM and hardware ID. Put your SIM in the new phone first.
Google Pay (GPay)
- Install GPay → sign in with your Google account
- Verify your mobile number via SMS (your SIM must be in this phone)
- Set up a new UPI PIN if prompted — or your existing UPI PIN continues to work
- Your GPay history syncs from your Google account automatically
PhonePe
- Install PhonePe → enter your registered mobile number
- Verify via OTP (SIM must be in this phone for auto-read, otherwise enter manually)
- Your account, linked banks, and history will load after verification
- You may need to re-enter UPI PIN once for each linked bank account
Paytm
- Install Paytm → login with your mobile number and OTP
- Paytm wallet balance transfers automatically
- Re-link your bank account if using Paytm UPI
- Enable Paytm app lock again under Profile → Security
Bank Apps
- Install your bank's app on the new phone
- Login with your customer ID and internet banking password
- Re-register for mobile banking — most banks send an OTP to your registered number
- Re-enable biometric login under the app's security settings
Final Checklist
WhatsApp chats restored and visible
Contacts synced (check a few numbers)
Google Photos loading correctly
GPay and PhonePe working — test a ₹1 payment
Bank app logging in and balance showing
Gmail, email apps set up
Raksha reinstalled and family circle reconnected
SIM working correctly in new phone (calls, SMS, data)
Old phone backed up and ready to sell/return (factory reset it — Settings → Factory Reset)