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How to Easily Transfer Your Data and Apps When You Buy a Refurbished Phone

How to Easily Transfer Your Data and Apps When You Buy a Refurbished Phone

When you buy a refurbished phone, the process of transferring your data and apps can seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be! 

In this blog post, we will talk about the different ways you can transfer your data quickly as well as considerations for buying a refurbished phone.

Tips on Buying a Refurbished Phone

Before we talk about how to transfer your data and apps, let’s tackle important things you should know before purchasing a refurbished smartphone.

For many people, buying a preloved or second-hand phone is a great way to get a new device at a fraction of the cost. But you have to exercise caution to ensure that you get a device you can use for many years.

The first thing you need to do is check if the phone is locked to a specific carrier. If it is, you'll need to get it unlocked before you can use it with your current carrier. 

Second, make sure the phone has been wiped clean of all previous data; otherwise, you may end up with someone else's information on your new device. 

Finally, take a close look at the phone to ensure it has no physical defects. Try using the phone to check if all parts are working properly. Don’t forget to test the charger, too.

Considering all these factors is key to getting a long-lasting refurbished phone that meets your needs. 

Steps in Transferring Your Data and Apps to Your New Refurbished Phone

  1. Make sure your old device and your newly purchased second-hand phone are turned off.
  2. Remove the SIM card from your old phone and insert it into the new one. 
  3. If you're moving from iPhone to Android or vice versa, you'll need to back up your data before you can transfer it. 
  4. For iPhones, this can be done with iCloud or iTunes. For Android phones, there are a number of different backup options available. 
  5. Once you've backed up your data, you can use a transfer cable to move it from one phone to the other.

Moving from Android to Android

  • Ensure that both devices are charged.
  • Ensure that you can unlock the old device with a PIN, pattern, or password.
  • Sign in with your Google Account on your old device.
  • Check if you have an active Google Account by entering your email address. 
  • If you don't have a Google Account, create one
  • Back up your data. Learn how to back up your data.
  • Check that you have a Wi-Fi connection.
  • Turn on the new device.
  • Tap Start. If “Start” doesn’t display, you can copy your data manually.
  • Connect to the Wi-Fi network when prompted.
  • Select the option to copy the apps and data from your old device.
  • If you will use a cable to connect the devices, follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to copy your data.
  • If you don’t have a cable:
    • Select “No cable?” and then Ok.
    • Select “Backup from an Android phone.”
  • Follow the on-screen instructions on the screen to copy your data.   

Moving from Android to iPhone

  • On your Android device, ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on. 
  • Turn on your new iOS device and your Android device.
  • Make sure that all of the data that you're moving will fit into your new iOS device so check the memory space available.
  • When you set up your new iPhone or any iOS device, look for the Apps & Data screen. 
  • Then select “Move Data from Android”. (Note: If you've already finished the setup process, you'll need to erase your iOS device and start again. If you don't want to start again, you may opt to transfer your content manually.)
  • On your Android device, download and open the Move to iOS app.
  • Continue and read the terms and conditions that appear. 
  • Agree with the terms and conditions to continue.
  • On your iPhone or iOS device, tap Continue when you see the Move from Android screen then wait for a ten-digit or six-digit code to appear. 
  • If your Android device displays an alert stating that you have a weak internet connection, you may ignore it. 
  • Move from Android screen on iPhone showing code. Use the code and enter the code on your Android device.
  • Your iOS device will create a temporary Wi-Fi network. When prompted, connect to that network on your Android device. Stand by for the Transfer Data screen to appear.
  • On your Android device, select what you want to transfer and tap Continue. 
  • When your Android device shows that the process is completed, don’t close it. You are not yet done. Leave both devices alone until the loading bar that appears on your iOS device has finished. 
  • Make sure your devices are plugged or fully charged when you perform the transfer. Make sure the devices are close to each other as well. The transfer may take several minutes depending on the amount of data being transferred.

Moving from iPhone to Android

  • Ensure that both devices are charged.
  • Ensure that you can unlock the old device with a PIN, pattern, or password..
  • Sign in with your Google Account on your old device. 
  • Check if you have an active Google Account by entering your email address. 
  • If you don't have a Google Account, create one.
  • Back up your data. Learn how to back up your data.
  • Check that you have a Wi-Fi connection.
  • Turn on the new device.
  • Tap Start.
  • Connect to the Wi-Fi network when prompted.
  • Select the option to copy the apps and data from your old device.
  • Recommended: If you will use a cable to connect the devices, follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to copy your data.
  • If you don’t have a cable:
    • Select “No cable?” and then Ok.
    • Select “Using an iPhone device?”
  • Follow the on-screen instructions on the screen to copy your data.
  • After copying, check your texts, photos, and videos.

Moving from an Old Samsung Phone to a Refurbished Samsung Phone

It will be very easy to transfer the content of your old phone to a new one if both are Samsung devices. Thanks to the Samsung app called "Smart Switch". 

  • Install the app on both devices. 
  • You should plug in the phones before the transfer is initiated.
  • Pair both phones by launching the Smart Switch app. Ideally, the devices should not be over four inches apart. 
  • To initiate the wireless transfer, tap “Send Data” on the old device and choose “Wireless”. 
  • On your Samsung refurbished phone, tap on “Receive Data” then “Wireless”. 
  • Go back to your old device and tap “Allow”. 
  • Choose the data you want to transfer on your new device, then tap “Transfer”.
  • Once the transfer is complete, you will get a prompt to tap on “Close”.

You will find instructions on how to do wired transfer or transfer to a Windows phone (plus others more) using Smart Switch on Samsung's website. 

So, as you can see, transferring your data and apps to a refurbished phone is no different from moving them to a brand-new phone. There are a few things that you need to take into account, but overall, it's not a complex process. 

Moreover, you can always search YouTube as many videos explain the transfer process in detail. Just type in "Transfer from [old model] to [new model]". 

Clearly, you shouldn’t worry about not being able to transfer your old phone’s content when you get a refurbished phone. It can be done quickly. Plus, there are various resources available online to help you accomplish this task.

Are you thinking of getting a refurbished phone? Click here to view our preloved Apple and Samsung smartphones. If you have any questions about transferring your data, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them. 
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