Tech

Set Up a New iPhone or Android

Back up your old phone, transfer everything cleanly, migrate two-factor authentication, and safely wipe the old device for trade-in.

18 steps · ~120 min

Track your progress in the Check app Free · works offline · print & export

Back Up Old Phone

iPhone: run iCloud Backup (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) and confirm it completes
Android: run Google One Backup (Settings > System > Backup) and verify the timestamp after it finishes
Plug the old phone into a computer and run a local backup as a second copy — iTunes for iPhone, or just copy the DCIM folder for Android
Screenshot your home screen layouts — you'll want to recreate them on the new device

iPhone: use the 'Quick Start' proximity transfer when prompted during new iPhone setup — keep both phones plugged in and near each other
Android: use 'Switch to Android' (iOS) or Google's built-in setup wizard — follow the on-screen cable or Wi-Fi transfer
Wait for the transfer to finish completely before touching either phone — interruption corrupts the backup
Verify that all contacts, photos, and apps are present on the new device before moving on

If using Google Authenticator, export codes before wiping the old phone (Authenticator > three-dot menu > Transfer accounts)
If using Authy, confirm your Authy account is synced to the cloud and log in on the new device from the Authy app
If using 1Password, log in to 1Password on the new device and verify your 2FA codes are accessible
Test logins for your 5 most critical accounts (email, bank, work) before wiping anything

Re-enable Face ID or fingerprint unlock and require it for app purchases
Set up Apple Pay or Google Pay with your cards — you'll need to reverify with your bank
Re-pair Bluetooth devices: AirPods, car, smartwatch — these don't always transfer automatically

Factory reset the old phone only after confirming the new one is fully functional — Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content
Sign out of your Apple ID or Google account on the old phone before erasing — this removes Activation Lock
Check your carrier and Apple/Google trade-in values before going to a third-party reseller — first-party trade-ins often include promotional credits

Save this checklist Check off steps, sync across devices, print to take with you.