Can I move my stuff from an old iPhone to a new Android phone?

Yes. During setup, Android asks where you are moving from and has an option for iPhone. You can connect the two phones with a cable or wirelessly and copy contacts, photos, messages and calendar across. It takes about half an hour and works well. We handle this during visits if you would rather not do it yourself.

Do I need a Google account to use an Android phone?

Technically no, but practically yes. Without one, you cannot install apps, back up photos, or restore from a previous phone. Setting up a free Gmail account during first boot is the normal path, and it takes about two minutes.

What should I do with my old phone after the transfer?

Once you have double-checked that everything came across, do a factory reset on the old phone before selling or donating it. Settings, System, Reset, Erase All Data. This wipes everything so the next person cannot see your data. We can walk you through this during the same visit if you want.

Help Guides

How do I set up a new Android phone?

Opening the box on a new phone should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Here is the setup from start to finish, in the order it will happen, without the jargon.

Quick Answer

Turn the phone on, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Google account, and let it copy your stuff across from the old phone or a backup. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much you are moving. Do it somewhere you can sit comfortably and keep both phones charging.

Not confident about doing this yourself? That is completely reasonable. We set up new phones every week in Durham Region homes and make sure nothing gets left behind. Give us a call.

Work through these in order

Turn it on and pick your language

Hold the power button on the side of the phone for a few seconds. The phone will vibrate and show a welcome screen. Tap Start, pick English (or your preferred language), and confirm your country. Take your time on this first screen. You will not see it again.

Connect to your home Wi-Fi

The phone will ask you to pick a Wi-Fi network. Tap your home network and type the password carefully. If you cannot find your Wi-Fi password, our Wi-Fi password guide walks through where to look. The phone needs an internet connection to finish setup, so do not skip this step.

Sign in to your Google account

If you already have a Gmail address, sign in with it. This is the single most important step on an Android phone. Your Google account stores your contacts, calendar, photos and app purchases, so signing in here brings most of your old phone back in minutes. If you do not have a Gmail address, you can create one in the same screen.

Would you rather we handled this?

We take care of this during visits across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa. One visit, flat fee, no jargon.

Book a Visit

Transfer your stuff from the old phone

Android can copy apps, contacts, photos and settings from another Android phone, an iPhone, or a Google backup. The phone will ask which option you want. If your old phone is nearby, pick the matching option and follow the on-screen steps. If you do not have the old phone handy, choose Restore from Google backup and sign in to the same account. The transfer can take ten to thirty minutes depending on how much data you have.

Set up fingerprint or face unlock

For security, the phone will ask you to set a PIN or password, and most Android phones also offer fingerprint or face unlock. Use these. They are far faster than typing a PIN every time and just as secure. Follow the prompts to scan your fingerprint (you will usually need to press the sensor six or seven times from slightly different angles). Our strong password guide covers the PIN side.

Install the apps you actually use

Once setup is done, open the Play Store (the multi-coloured triangle). Search for the apps you need, one at a time: WhatsApp, your bank app, Google Maps, the apps for any streaming services you pay for. Do not bother with apps you might use one day. You can always install them later.

A few things that make the first week easier

Once the phone is set up, there are three small things worth doing before you put it away. Make sure photo backup is turned on (open Google Photos, sign in, and accept when it asks about backup). Turn on "Find My Device" in Settings, Security, so you can track the phone if it gets lost. And check Settings, Display, and set the text size to something comfortable for your eyes. Our bigger text guide walks through it.

When to call us instead

Call us if the transfer from your old phone has stalled, if your Google account password has been forgotten, or if you would simply rather have someone sit with you while it is all set up. We do this during visits across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa and it is one of the more enjoyable visits we run. We also cover this during tech tutoring sessions where we walk through how to actually use the phone afterwards.

Get help today

We set up new Android phones in Durham Region homes and make sure everything from your old phone comes across safely.

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FAQ

Common questions about new Android phones

Can I move my stuff from an old iPhone to a new Android phone?: Yes. During setup, Android asks where you are moving from and has an option for iPhone. You can connect the two phones with a cable or wirelessly and copy contacts, photos, messages and calendar across. It takes about half an hour and works well. We handle this during visits if you would rather not do it yourself.
Do I need a Google account to use an Android phone?: Technically no, but practically yes. Without one, you cannot install apps, back up photos, or restore from a previous phone. Setting up a free Gmail account during first boot is the normal path, and it takes about two minutes.
What should I do with my old phone after the transfer?: Once you have double-checked that everything came across, do a factory reset on the old phone before selling or donating it. Settings, System, Reset, Erase All Data. This wipes everything so the next person cannot see your data. We can walk you through this during the same visit if you want.