If you've decided to buy a new Android smartphone and want a quick and easy way of moving all of your contacts, photos, calendar, and other information over, we've got the solution for you. There are a few ways you can choose to move your data – all of which have their merit. However, depending on which phone you used to have, the phone you have now, and what type of data you want transferred over, some of the methods you read about may or may not work for you.
We're here to help take out the work, and break down the easiest and fastest ways of getting all of your data from one Android to another, with these 5 methods:
So, to transfer the files from your old Android phone to your new one, both wirelessly and as quick as possible, you can use wireless file sharing services like Shareit. Just follow the below.
Read on to learn about the best ways to get the data you need, in the order we would recommend you try them in if you find one isn't for you.
WiFi File Transfer This is one of the most downloaded apps in its category. WiFi File Transfer allows you to upload and download files to and from your phone/tablet and computer through an easy-to-use web interface. That interface also lets you delete, copy, rename, zip or unzip files quickly. Macs don't include MTP support, so you'll want to install the Android File Transfer app on your Mac and use it to transfer files back and forth when you connect your device. The app will automatically open whenever you connect an Android device to your Mac.
Method 1: Device-specific data transfer apps
We're recommending this method first because it is, without a doubt, the fastest, most reliable, and easiest way to transfer all your Android smartphone data. However, the biggest drawback is that it is brand-dependent – meaning that you may not be able to use this method, depending on which brand actually manufactures your smartphone. Visual boy advance psp emulator. However, if your manufacturer has created a data transfer program, this process will be incredibly easy for you.
Currently, the brands with data transfer app programs available are:
If your brand isn't listed here, skip on down to method 2, transferring information with the Google backup and restore.
The steps will be similar for all apps above to move all data to your new android phone:
- Open the Google Play Store on your old and new Android devices and search for the app.
- Select it, and tap Install to begin downloading it.
- Give the app permission to access your personal data and information.
- Follow the app-specific prompts on your phone(s) to transfer data.
Typically, these apps will have you make a connection between the phones, either with a USB cord, and NFC connection, or a Bluetooth connection. You will then select from a checklist what information from the old phone you want copied over, and then wait for the transfer to complete.
What this will transfer: You get to choose when transferring, but essentially, this method transfers absolutely all data on your old phone to the new device. Including:
- App data
- Passwords
- Browser histories
- Photos
- Videos
- Music
- Files
- Contacts
- SMS text messages
- Call logs and history
- Calendar
- Reminders
- Notes
- Alarms and saved timers
- Saved Wi-Fi passwords and connections
- Wallpapers
- Home screen layouts (from Samsung Galaxy to Samsung Galaxy only)
If you don't have one of these apps available to you in the Google Play Store, check out our next method below that will show you how to backup and move your information using your Google account.
Method 2: Google account backup and restore
https://torcotica1983.mystrikingly.com/blog/folderssynchronizer-5-0-9. This method is useful because it requires very minimal effort, but can back up all of your data to Google Drive using your Google account. If you don't have or want a Google account (which is unlikely if you're using Android), skip on down to our third method, making an NFC connection between your old and new phone.
- To do this, open your Settings app on your old Android phone.
- Tap Cloud and Accounts.
- Tap Backup and Restore.
- Tap the Back Up My Data
This will ensure your information is backed up to a Google account. You can choose which account you want to use if you have multiple Google accounts by tapping Backup Account and entering your Google email address.
- Once you've completed that, open the Settings app on your new Android, and once again, tap Cloud and Accounts, and then Backup and Restore. This time, tap Restore
- Sign into your Google account with email and password, and then follow the device-specific prompts on your screen. This method should take no more than a few minutes to restore the data from your old phone and load it on your new device.
What this will transfer: Most of the data on your old phone, and anything linked to your Google account.
- Passwords
- App data
- Call history
- Google Chrome web browsing history
- Device Settings
- Calendar
- Contacts
- Photos
- Videos
- SMS text messages
- Emails
If you don't have a Google account, or it has been compromised for some reason, try using a method that doesn't require an Internet connection, like using NFC to transfer Android data.
Android 5 File Transfer Not Working
Method 3: NFC connection
This method involves a little more manual work, as you will need to select the files and information you want to switch from one device to another, and move them individually (or in batches). This method is convenient however, as it does not require any cords, and is generally more or less instantaneous once the connection is established.
If both of your devices are NFC (Near-Field Communication) compatible, then this method will work great – all you'll need is to get both of your smartphone devices, put them right next to each other (back-to-back works best), and ensure your NFC is enabled.
To enable NFC on Android:
From the home screen, swipe down from the top of your screen. Then tap the NFC icon.
If this icon doesn't appear in your quick settings menu, find the Settings Program to edit music tracks. app from your home screen and tap to open. Then tap Connections.
From there, tap the toggle switch to enable 'NFC and payment.'
Once this is enabled on both devices, putting them side-by-side or back-to-back will trigger the NFC connection. https://technologies-soft.mystrikingly.com/blog/infographics-for-pages-3-1-1-download-free. From there, follow the prompts on your device to select files to transfer from one device to another. You may select more than one file type at once to make the transfer occur more quickly.
What this will transfer: All of the data you manually choose to transfer. Including:
- Photos
- Videos
- Music
- Files
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Notes
If NFC isn't compatible with your old or new Android device, try using the method below, which only requires your phone charging cord and a computer to work.
Android 5 File Transfer Files
Method 4: Direct USB connection file transfer
This method is very similar to the method mentioned above, and differs only in that it requires a cord to connect both your old and new Android phones to a PC or Mac computer. Though this method requires a lot of manual work, it is very simple, and reliable.
To switch files from one Android to another, plug your old Android phone in to a USB cord (your charger cord should work fine) and plug the USB end into your computer. Once the connection has been established (which should only take a few seconds) follow these steps to transfer whichever files you're interested in putting on your new Android phone.
- On your computer, open a file folder. You can create a new one, or use any folder you typically use. You will want it to be an empty folder though, so the information you transfer won't be mixed up with other information on your computer that you don't want on the phone. Then, open the Android device on your computer (you will be prompted when you plug it in).
- In the Android device folder, search through the various folders to select files you want to copy to your new device. You can also select all of the folders if you want all data copied. Right-click with your mouse, and click Copy. Then open the new folder you created, right-click, and click Paste.
- Once you copy the files, unplug your old Android phone, and plug your new phone into the computer. Essentially, follow the same steps as before, but this time, open the folder for the new Android device when prompted, and copy the files from the PC to the new Android.
You can check the progress of the transfer on your computer screen. Depending on how much information you are trying to move, this can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Make sure not to unplug your Android device until the transfer is complete.
What this will transfer: All of the data you manually choose to transfer from your old phone.
- Photos
- Videos
- Music
- Files
- Contact Information
- App data (depending on the app)
Method 5: Use a third-party app for data transfer – proceed with caution
If none of these methods have worked for you, or seem too hands-on or complicated, there is a simpler final solution we would suggest: using a third-party app to move Android data. One thing we want to mention immediately is that even though most third-party services are harmless and aim to help make your life easier, it is possible they can harm your device in some way, or intend to gain access to your device in order to obtain your personal information.
That's why this is our final suggestion – more of a last resort if nothing else is working for you, but that doesn't mean this method isn't useful. These apps take all the extra work out of the data transfer, so ideally, you need only tap a few buttons, and the app does all the work for you. They can be based on making an NCF or Bluetooth connection, using a USB, or creating an Internet-based storage account – all of which are valid ways of transferring your data.
No matter what app you download (see our list of suggestions below), the basic steps will be the same:
- Search for the app you want to use in the Google Play Store on your old and new Android devices.
- Select it from the results, and download and install it by tapping Install.
- Give the app permission to access your data.
- Follow the app-specific prompts on your phone(s) to transfer your data.
There are a few third-party data syncing apps you can choose from, so make sure you select the one that works best for you. Try reading some reviews before installing an unfamiliar app on your phone, and remember – an overall 4/5 review with over 100,000 reviews is more trustworthy than a 5/5 review with only 20 reviews.
Here are some third-party data backup and sync/transfer apps with 4+ star user ratings:
- Samsung Smart Switch (new device must be a Samsung)
What this will transfer: Potentially – all of your data. Whatever you give the third-party app access to when giving it permission to access your device. This will also depend on which app you choose to download.
And now you know the best methods for moving Android data from one device to another. If you want to learn more, including great Android tips and tricks, check out our helpful Android articles here.
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While you can always use Google Photos or Google Drive to download files from your Android to Ubuntu, it's often tedious. For a brief period of time, I also tried the WhatsApp web to send files to and fro from my Android device. However, if you do this too often, having a permanent mechanism in place will save you more time.
For instance, a mechanism like FTP or peer-to-peer file transfer not only lets you quickly share large files but instantly access your Android files right from your laptop. With that in mind, here are the best Wi-Fi file sharing apps for Ubuntu to Android.
Best WiFi File Transfer Apps Ubuntu to Android
I am not gonna be including AirDroid or PushBullet because of the times these apps have a file-sharing limit or pop-up shady ads asking you to subscribe or register. I'll rather list down alternatives that are free in the truest sense and offer unlimited file transfer.
1. Snapdrop
Snapdrop is probably the easiest Wi-Fi file sharing app on this list. It works on any device that has a web browser. You just have to open the Snadprop web app on your device and drag and drop files to share with the nearby device. Snapdrop works only within a Wi-Fi network.
It is a free open-source app that works on a peer-to-peer architecture, meaning, it doesn't involve an intermediate server while sending files. This ensures that the data you share between the devices stay private. The server is only involved while routing and authenticating devices. The server and its data are open for the public to see.
What's good?
- Peer-to-Peer architecture for sending files faster
- Data is not routed via a server to ensure the utmost privacy
What's not?
- Works only within the same Wi-Fi network
- Requires internet to access the web app
Visit Snapdrop for Ubuntu
2. FileZilla
You can always do an old-school FTP to transfer data from your Ubuntu to Android. You would need an FTP client app on your Android to access the FTP server on Ubuntu. Vice-versa, you would need an FTP server app for Android. FileZilla, hands down, is the best FTP app for Android.
Once you start the FTP server on mobile, you can access the files on your Android via the Ubuntu terminal. The only caveat is that FTP is unencrypted and can be threatening to use on a public Wi-Fi. Moreover, if you move to SFTP to get secure transfers, you will experience slower than file transfer speeds like in Snapdrop.
3. Resilio Sync
Resilio Sync, formerly known as BitTorrent Sync is another peer-to-peer file sending app. It works on a more proprietary peer-to-peer algorithm, unlike Snapdrop. Resilio Sync is a command-line tool unlike the other apps in this list. Once you have installed it, use the following command to start the service.
You can access the UI at 'localhost:8888' and link your Android device with your Ubuntu laptop. Apart from sending files, you can configure to sync a folder between your Android and Ubuntu within Resilio Sync. Resilio Sync is free to use between 2 devices and additional services like multiple devices, cloud backup, selective sync, etc.
What's good?
- Entire folder sync between devices
- Works on P2P transfer
- Secure transfer between certified devices
- Option to encrypt and share folder
What's not?
- Setting up devices can be tedious
Download Resilio Sync for Linux | Resilio Sync for Android
4. Sweech
Sweech is a python-based open-source CLI tool for transferring files via Wi-Fi. Unlike Resilio Sync, Sweech works on HTTP and more of like FTP. After you have installed the Android app on your device, you need to add the IP Address in the '~/.config/sweech.json' file on your Ubuntu machine. Following is the format for the entry of the Android device.
Now, whenever you have to share a file or folder from Ubuntu to Android, just use the command 'sweech push'. Similarly to receive a file, use the 'sweech pull' command. For more commands and configuration, you can visit the GitHub page.
The only problem with Sweech is that it works on static IP addresses. Hence, you would need to assign static IPs to the connected devices on your router.
What's good?
- Command-line based on HTTP
- FTP-style commands to send and receive files
What's not?
- Works on static IPs
- No option to switch to HTTPs
Download Sweech for Ubuntu
5. GSConnect
GSConnect is a whole package to bridge your Android and Ubuntu device. File Sharing is just a small part of GSConnect. GSConnect lets you reply to your notifications, see calls, share the Android clipboard, etc right from your Ubuntu machine. GSConnect, if the name rings a bell is a GNOME extension built over KDConnect. On your Android device, you would still have to use the KDEConnect app.
GSConnect won't work if KDEConnect is installed on your desktop.
You can either choose to send individual files from your Android to Ubuntu or share a folder and access all the files within the file manager. Additionally, GSConnect also allows your Android to remotely execute commands, control media play, act as a wireless mouse, etc. All in all, if you are on Ubuntu and have an Android device, GSConnect is a must-have app.
What's good?
- Can send multiple files and folders
- Option to access Android files system under Nautilus
- Additional options to set up a reply to notifications, call alerts, share clipboard, etc.
What's not?
- Too much of a setup for a new device
- SFTP is slower than P2P while sending huge files
Download GSConnect for Ubuntu
Closing Words
As I said, GSConnect is a must-have app in case you have a Ubuntu machine and an Android device. For larger files or a one-off case, Snapdrop is the ideal option. I would recommend Sweech over FTP as the commands and set-up are pretty much similar.
For more issues or queries, let me know in the comments below.
Also Read:This App Lets You Share Your Ubuntu & WiFi With Android Window snapshot windows 7.