Switching to a new smartphone is a process that requires careful preparation to avoid losing data and encountering access issues with important services. Anna Kashnitskaya, founder of the Unisimka project, shared with Gazeta.Ru four key points to ensure your transition to a new device is fast, safe, and smooth. Here is a detailed breakdown of her recommendations, with practical steps and additional tips.

1. Back Up Your Data

Before switching devices, back up all essential information to minimize the risk of data loss. Modern Android and iOS smartphones support automated data transfers, including cross-platform transfers (Android ↔ iOS), but having a full backup remains crucial.

What to back up:

  • Contacts, photos, videos, notes, calendars, apps
  • App passwords, email, social media logins
  • Messaging data (e.g., WhatsApp and Telegram chats)

How to do it:

  • Cloud services:
    • Android: Use Google Drive (Google One) via Settings → System → Backup. Google Photos backs up images and videos (up to 15 GB free).
    • iOS: Enable iCloud backup via Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup. Free tier offers 5 GB, with paid plans starting at $0.99/month.
    • Cross-platform options: OneDrive, Dropbox, Yandex Disk.
  • Local backup:
    Transfer files to a computer via USB or use transfer tools like Samsung Smart Switch (Android) or Move to iOS (Android → iPhone).
  • Passwords:
    Use password managers (Google Password Manager, iCloud Keychain, 1Password), or browser sync (e.g., Chrome → Settings → Sync).

Tip: Confirm the backup is complete by checking the cloud or connecting your device to a PC. Ensure messenger chats (like WhatsApp) are backed up (Settings → Chats → Chat Backup).

2. Prepare Your SIM or eSIM

Transferring your mobile number is essential, especially for eSIM users, where the process can be more complex.

Physical SIM card:

  • Simply insert the SIM into the new device. Make sure the card fits (nano-SIM is standard today).
  • If the SIM is outdated (e.g., doesn’t support 4G/5G), contact your mobile provider for a replacement.

eSIM:

  • Visit your provider’s office with ID to get a new QR code for activating the eSIM on your new phone.
  • The transfer process may take up to 24 hours, during which SMS services might be unavailable — this can affect access to services like government portals or banking apps.
  • In some regions, eSIM replacement may cost 100–500 ₽ (e.g., MTS or Beeline).

Banking apps:

  • Some banks require in-person verification when you change your SIM/eSIM.
  • To avoid issues, link your banking apps to a phone number that will remain active, or switch to push notifications for authentication.

Tip: Contact your carrier in advance to clarify the eSIM transfer process and costs. If using a physical SIM, test it in the new device before wiping the old one.

3. Transfer Your Data to the New Smartphone

Once your data is backed up, you can begin the transfer process. Modern smartphones make this easier, but following the correct sequence is important.

Android:

  • Restore from Google Backup (Settings → System → Backup → Restore) using the same Google account.
  • Use the Move to iOS app to transfer from Android to iPhone.
  • Samsung Smart Switch allows transfer via cable, Wi-Fi, or SD card.

iOS:

  • Restore from iCloud when setting up the new phone (Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup”).
  • For Android-to-iPhone, use Move to iOS or scan a QR code for direct transfer.

Cross-platform transfer:

  • Use cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) to sync photos, contacts, and files.
  • Messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram support cloud backup for chats.

Tip: Make sure your new phone has enough storage space for the restored data. After transfer, verify that apps and passwords are working correctly.

4. Securely Wipe the Old Phone

Before selling, trading in, or giving away your old phone, ensure all personal data is thoroughly removed.

Steps:

  • Remove physical media: Take out the SIM card and microSD card.
  • Sign out of accounts:
    • Android: Settings → Accounts → Remove Google Account
    • iOS: Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out of iCloud
  • Factory reset:
    • Android: Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset
    • iOS: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
  • Final check: Reboot the device and confirm that no personal data remains (photos, contacts, messages).

Preparing for sale:

  • Physically clean the phone, replace screen protectors if needed.
  • Package the phone with its original box, charger, headphones, and documentation to increase resale value.

Tip: Use data overwriting tools like Secure Eraser (Android) or iOS’s built-in erase features to prevent recovery of your information.

Extra Recommendations

  • Check eSIM compatibility: Ensure the new phone supports eSIM (e.g., iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S20+). Many budget models only support physical SIMs.
  • Update OS: Before transferring data, update both old and new devices to the latest OS (Android 15 / iOS 18 in 2025) to reduce compatibility issues.
  • Post-transfer testing: Confirm access to essential services (government portals, banking apps, messengers). If SMS is unavailable due to eSIM delay, use alternate login methods (email, push notifications).
  • Trade-in prep: Check the store’s trade-in requirements (e.g., box, device condition).

Summary

Changing your smartphone involves four main steps:

  1. Backing up all your data (cloud or local).
  2. Preparing your SIM/eSIM, especially for eSIM (may take up to 24 hours, possibly with a fee).
  3. Transferring data using built-in tools (Google, iCloud, Move to iOS).
  4. Securely erasing your old phone before selling or giving it away.

By following these recommendations, you can reduce the risk of data loss or service disruption. Pay special attention to eSIM transfers, which may temporarily limit access to SMS-based services. Finally, preparing your old device for resale (data wipe, cleaning, full accessories) can increase its market value and protect your privacy.