How to Move Your Apps to a New Android Phone

Getting a new phone is exciting. Re-downloading and logging into every app isn't. Android's built-in transfer tools do most of the work for you.

Before you start

Charge both phones and keep them close together.
On the old phone, open Settings → Google → Backup and tap Back up now.
Make sure you know your Google account password and your screen lock PIN.

Transfer during setup

Turn on the new phone and follow the setup steps.
When asked to copy apps and data, choose to copy from your old Android phone.
Connect with a USB-C cable for the fastest transfer, or wirelessly.
Select what to bring over: apps, photos, messages, contacts and settings.

Already set up the phone?

Open the Play Store, go to Profile → Manage apps & device → Manage, switch the filter from Installed to Not installed, tick the apps you want and tap the download button.

Apps that need extra steps

WhatsApp: back up chats in Settings → Chats → Chat backup first, or use the built-in transfer to a new phone.
Authenticator apps: export accounts or turn on cloud sync before wiping the old phone, or you may get locked out.
Banking apps: usually require you to register the new device again.
Games: link progress to Google Play Games or the game's own account before switching.

Finish up

Keep the old phone for a few days until you're sure everything works, then remove your Google account from it and do a factory reset before selling or recycling it.