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Transferring Data from Android to Your New Fairphone

Moving from an old Android phone to your new Fairphone is often the easiest switch, especially with the built-in Android setup tools. You can usually transfer most of your apps, contacts, messages, photos, and settings.

ⓘ Some of these steps only work if your Fairphone has Android 13 or above. Find out How to check and update your software version.

 

Preparation

  • Charge both phones to at least 50%.
  • Connect both phones to a stable Wi-Fi network.
  • Ensure your old Android device is backed up to your Google Account. You can usually check this in your phone's settings under System > Backup.
  • Have a USB-C to USB-C cable handy if you prefer a wired transfer. If your old phone uses Micro-USB, you'll need a Micro-USB to USB-C cable or an adapter.

 

How to transfer data using a cable? (Recommended)

This is usually the fastest and most reliable way to move your data.

  1. Turn on your new Fairphone and tap Start.
  2. Connect to a mobile network:
    • Insert a SIM card or tap Download a new eSIM.
    • Or tap Skip.
  3. Connect to Wi-Fi:
    • Tap your network name to connect.
    • Or tap Set up offline.
  4. To Copy apps & data, tap Next until you're asked to find a cable.
    Tip: This is usually the cable used for charging.
  5. Insert the cable into your old device, then tap Next.
  6. Insert the other end into your new Fairphone.
  7. Unlock your old device and tap Copy.
  8. Follow the setup process.

 

How to transfer data without a cable? (Wireless)

  1. Turn on your new Fairphone and tap Start.
  2. Connect to a mobile network:
    • Insert a SIM card or tap Download a new eSIM.
    • Or tap Skip.
  3. Connect to Wi-Fi:
    • Tap your network name to connect.
  4. To Copy apps & data, tap Next until you're asked to find a cable.
  5. Tap No cable → Copy without cable → Next.
    Tip: Copying your data without a cable may take longer.
  6. Open the Google app on your old device.
  7. Tap Search and type "set up my device".
  8. Follow the setup process.

 

Something went wrong during data transfer? 

Here are troubleshooting tips:

  • If the transfer fails: Check your Wi-Fi connection, ensure both devices are charged, and try again. Sometimes, a simple restart of both phones can help.
  • Not all apps or data transferred? Some app-specific data (like game progress or chat histories) may not transfer directly. For specific apps like WhatsApp, you might need to use their built-in backup and restore features.
  • Photos/Videos not appearing? Ensure your old phone had Google Photos enabled and synced.
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