Smartphones

How do I move contacts to a new phone?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

You can move contacts to a new phone by syncing them with a cloud service or transferring them via a SIM card. Ensure both phones are compatible with the chosen method.

Transferring contacts to a new phone can be done through cloud services, SIM card transfers, or using specific apps designed for this purpose.

Steps

  1. 1

    Sync Contacts with Google (Android)

    On your old phone, go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Account sync and enable 'Contacts'. On your new phone, log into the same Google account to sync.

  2. 2

    Sync Contacts with iCloud (iPhone)

    On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and toggle on 'Contacts'. On your new iPhone, sign in to the same iCloud account to sync.

  3. 3

    Transfer via SIM Card

    On your old phone, go to Contacts > Settings > Export to SIM. Insert the SIM into your new phone and import contacts from the SIM.

  4. 4

    Use Transfer Apps

    Download a transfer app on both phones, follow the on-screen instructions to connect the devices, and select contacts to transfer.

Using Cloud Services

Sync your contacts with a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud. This method is ideal for seamless transfers across devices.

Using a SIM Card

If both phones use the same type of SIM card, you can transfer contacts directly by inserting the old SIM into the new phone.

Using Transfer Apps

Apps like 'Move to iOS' or 'Samsung Smart Switch' can help you transfer contacts and other data easily between devices.

Watch out for

  • Ensure both phones are compatible with the chosen transfer method, as some features may vary by brand and model.

FAQ

What if my new phone is from a different brand?

You can still transfer contacts using cloud services or transfer apps that support multiple brands.

Will I lose my contacts if I reset my old phone?

If your contacts are synced with a cloud service, they will remain safe and can be accessed from your new phone.

Can I transfer contacts without an internet connection?

Yes, you can use a SIM card or a direct transfer app that doesn't require internet access.