Getting a new phone is exciting, but the process of downloading all your apps again from scratch, one by one, is tedious. Fortunately, both iPhones and Android phones have a way to restore most of your apps automatically — if you know how to use it.
How it works on an iPhone
If you previously had an iPhone, your apps are linked to your Apple ID. When you set up a new iPhone, you are asked to sign in with your Apple ID. After you do, you will be asked whether you want to restore from a backup. If you backed up your old phone to iCloud or a computer, choosing this option will restore almost everything — apps, settings, photos (if they were in iCloud), and your home screen layout.
If you did not back up, you can still get your apps back. Once the new phone is set up, go to the App Store, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, and tap Purchased. You will see a list of every app you ever downloaded using your Apple ID. Tap the cloud icon next to any app to download it again for free, even if you originally paid for it.
How it works on Android
Android phones are linked to your Google account. During setup, you will be asked to sign in with your Google account and whether you want to restore from a backup. If you had backups turned on, this will reinstall most of your apps and restore their data where possible. The restore process happens gradually over the first few hours after setup, so do not be surprised if not everything appears immediately.
To see apps you have previously downloaded, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, tap Manage Apps and Device, then tap Manage. Change the filter from Installed to Not Installed to see all your past downloads. Tap the ones you want and install them again.
What does not transfer automatically
Even with a full backup, some things do not carry over automatically:
- Apps that are no longer in the app store cannot be reinstalled.
- In-app data for some games and apps may not transfer, depending on whether the app supports cloud saves.
- Some app settings and login sessions will need to be set up again.
- Two-factor authentication apps need special attention — read the instructions for your specific app before switching phones.
A tip for the future
The best time to make sure backups are set up is before you need them. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and make sure iCloud Backup is turned on. On Android, go to Settings, then Google, then Backup, and make sure Backup by Google One is on. With these running, you are protected for the next time you change your phone.