Why Back Up Before Switching?

When you get a new phone, you want all your contacts, photos, messages, apps, and settings to come across. A proper backup means you do not lose anything in the transition, and setting up your new phone takes minutes instead of hours.

Even if you are not switching phones, regular backups protect you from data loss if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Backing Up an iPhone

Method 1: iCloud Backup (Recommended)

This is the easiest way. Your backup is stored in Apple's cloud and can be restored to any new iPhone.

Connect your phone to Wi-Fi
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
Tap iCloud Backup
Toggle Back Up This iPhone on (if not already)
Tap Back Up Now
Wait for the backup to complete — do not disconnect from Wi-Fi

What is included: Contacts, photos, app data, messages, settings, home screen layout, ringtones, and passwords saved in Keychain.

Storage: You get 5GB free with iCloud. If your backup is larger, you can upgrade:

50GB: $1.49/month
200GB: $4.49/month
2TB: $14.99/month

Method 2: Computer Backup (Mac or PC)

If you prefer a local backup or have limited iCloud storage:

On Mac (macOS Catalina or later):

Connect your iPhone with a cable
Open Finder
Select your iPhone in the sidebar
Click Back Up Now
Tick Encrypt local backup to include passwords and health data

On Windows:

Install iTunes (or Apple Devices app on Windows 11)
Connect your iPhone with a cable
Select your iPhone
Click Back Up Now
Tick Encrypt local backup for a complete backup

Checking What is in Your Backup

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage
Tap Backups
Tap your device to see what is included and the backup size

Backing Up an Android Phone

Method 1: Google Backup (Recommended)

Google automatically backs up most of your data if you have a Google account.

Go to Settings > System > Backup (path may vary by phone brand)
Make sure Back up to Google Drive is turned on
Tap Back up now
Wait for the backup to complete

What is included: Contacts, call history, app data, SMS messages, device settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and photos (if Google Photos backup is enabled).

Method 2: Google Photos Backup

Photos are backed up separately through Google Photos:

Open the Google Photos app
Tap your profile picture in the top-right
Tap Photos settings > Backup
Toggle Backup on
Wait for all photos and videos to upload

Storage: Google gives you 15GB free across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. If you need more:

100GB: $2.49/month
200GB: $4.49/month
2TB: $12.49/month

Samsung-Specific Backup

If you have a Samsung phone, you can also use Samsung Cloud:

Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud
Tap Back up data
Select what to include
Tap Back up now

Backing Up Work Apps and Accounts

Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive)

Your work emails, Teams chats, and OneDrive files are stored in the cloud and do not need manual backup. When you set up your new phone:

Install the apps (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive)
Sign in with your work email
Everything syncs automatically

Authenticator Apps

This is the most important step many people forget.

If you use Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator for two-factor authentication, you must transfer your accounts before wiping your old phone.

Microsoft Authenticator:

Open Microsoft Authenticator on your old phone
Tap the three dots menu > Settings
Enable Cloud Backup (iCloud for iPhone, Google for Android)
On your new phone, install Microsoft Authenticator
Sign in and select Begin recovery

Google Authenticator:

Open Google Authenticator on your old phone
Tap the three dots menu > Transfer accounts
Tap Export accounts
A QR code will appear
On your new phone, install Google Authenticator
Tap Import accounts and scan the QR code

If you do not transfer your authenticator app, you may be locked out of your work accounts. Contact your IT team before switching phones if you are unsure.

Setting Up Your New Phone

New iPhone (from iCloud Backup)

Turn on your new iPhone
Follow the setup steps until you see Transfer Your Apps & Data
Select From iCloud Backup
Sign in with your Apple ID
Choose your most recent backup
Wait for the restore to complete

New Android (from Google Backup)

Turn on your new phone
Follow the setup steps
When prompted, sign in with your Google account
Select your backup
Choose which apps and settings to restore

Transferring Directly Between Phones

Both iPhone and Android support direct phone-to-phone transfer:

iPhone to iPhone: Place phones next to each other during setup and follow the Quick Start prompts
Android to Android: Use a USB-C cable to connect the phones, or transfer wirelessly during setup
Android to iPhone: Download the Move to iOS app on your Android phone before starting

Checklist Before You Switch

Before wiping or returning your old phone:

[ ] iCloud or Google backup completed
[ ] Photos backed up (iCloud Photos or Google Photos)
[ ] Authenticator apps transferred or backed up
[ ] WhatsApp chat backup completed (if you use WhatsApp)
[ ] Check any banking apps for transfer requirements
[ ] Note down any app-specific passwords you may need
[ ] Test that your new phone is working correctly with all accounts
[ ] Factory reset your old phone only after confirming everything transferred

Need Help?

For help setting up a new work phone or transferring business apps, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.

How to Back Up Your Phone Before Switching to a New One