Switching phones? Keep the old one until these checks are done

A new phone is ready when your important stuff works on it—not just when the home screen appears. Give yourself a little overlap with your old device before preparing it for a trade-in or sale.

Changing carriers as well? Use our number-porting guide for account details, transfer PINs, and official status links before moving your line.

Before the move

Make a fresh backup and check what it includes. Google notes that not every Android app backs up or restores all of its settings and data. Use Google’s backup guide to review your Android backup, or Apple’s iCloud backup guide for iPhone.

Make sure you know your main account password and have access to account recovery methods. Check the transfer instructions for your authenticator, banking, messaging, and password-manager apps. Don’t assume they all move in the same way.

On the replacement phone

• Place a call and check texts and mobile data.
• Open your photos, contacts, calendar, and important messages.
• Sign in to the accounts you use most.
• Confirm that your authentication codes or approval prompts work.
• Check that a new backup is configured.

Only then prepare the old phone

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for signing out, removing device locks, and erasing it before handing it to someone else. Keep it until you’re confident you can access your accounts without it.

Still choosing a replacement? Start with your next phone and confirm storage, network status, and condition before ordering. A little preparation makes the switch feel a lot less like starting over.