PHONES GUIDE
How to Transfer Texts to a New Phone Before Selling the Old One
Transfer your messages and check them on the new phone before erasing or handing over the old one. The best route depends on whether you are moving between iPhones, between Android phones or between the two systems. Keep both devices available until you have checked the result.
Prepare the two devices
Check available storage on the destination, charge both phones and connect to a reliable network. Have the appropriate cable available if the transfer instructions call for one. Update the relevant software and keep access to your own Apple or Google account and verification method.
A SIM transfer and a message-history transfer are different tasks. Confirm that your mobile service works on the new device as well. Messaging apps can use separate backups, so a successful SMS transfer does not establish that every chat app has moved.
iPhone to iPhone
Use Apple's Quick Start instructions while setting up the new iPhone. Keep the old device connected to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth and place the new device nearby. Follow the prompts to choose a direct transfer or the supported iCloud route.
For a direct transfer, wait until both devices finish before using them. With an iCloud download, some content continues arriving in the background. Keep the phones nearby and connected to power as Apple directs. Open Messages on the new phone and check several conversations, including older threads and attachments that matter to you.
Android to Android
During setup, choose to copy apps and data from the old Android device and follow the new phone's instructions. Google recommends a cable where supported; wireless transfer is available on compatible devices. Select the data you want to copy and allow the process to complete.
Check Google's switching guide. If using a backup, verify its date and contents first. Google's backup guidance lists SMS and MMS, with RCS messages included when using Google Messages. Other messaging apps may need their own transfer process.
Android to iPhone
Use Apple's Move to iOS process during the new iPhone's setup. Choose the Android transfer option and follow the app and onscreen instructions. Apple lists message history and SMS messages among the supported data.
If the iPhone is already set up, read Apple's options before changing anything: using this setup route may require erasing the destination and starting again. Back up any new information on that iPhone first. Do not erase the Android phone merely because the transfer has started.
iPhone to Android
Follow Google's iPhone-to-Android guide for your destination phone. Its current table includes messages in the classic cable route and the upgraded wireless or cable route. The classic Android Switch wireless method does not copy messages. Your devices and software determine which options are available, so check the table before starting.
Google also directs switchers to turn off iMessage so future texts reach the new Android phone. Verify incoming and outgoing messages after moving your service. A copied conversation and working new-message delivery are both worth checking.
Check before preparing the old phone for sale
Look for important conversations, dates and attachments on the new phone. If anything is missing, keep the old phone and consult the appropriate official guide before resetting either device. Avoid sharing chat exports or verification codes with a buyer.
Once the transfer is checked, follow the manufacturer's account-removal and erasure instructions. Tell EXE the old phone's model, storage, condition and any unresolved issue. Our team reviews the details before discussing an offer and agreed handover.
Sources and further guidance
Follow the official instructions for your own device and software version.
support.apple.com — 102659support.google.com — 6193424support.google.com — 2819582support.apple.com — 118670support.google.com — 13626960Tell us what you have.
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