The fastest way depends on what phone you're switching to

If you're moving from an iPhone to another iPhone, or from an Android phone to another Android phone, your apps transfer automatically when you sign in with your existing account during setup. If you're switching between iPhone and Android, you'll need to download your apps again from the new phone's app store, because the two systems don't share app libraries. Either way, your app data — login information, game progress, settings — usually comes with the apps if you've been backing up to the cloud.

The method you use depends on whether you're staying in the same ecosystem or switching to a different one. Staying in the same system is simpler and faster. Switching systems requires more manual work but is still straightforward if you know the steps.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone to iPhone or Android to Android transfers happen automatically during setup if you sign in with your existing account.
  • Switching from iPhone to Android or Android to iPhone requires downloading apps individually from the new phone's app store.
  • Your app data transfers with your account on the same system, but you may need to log in again to some apps after switching phones.
  • Before you switch phones, check that you can access the email address or phone number linked to your app accounts.

Transferring apps when staying on iPhone

When you set up a new iPhone, Apple asks you to sign in with your Apple ID. Once you do, your iPhone automatically downloads all the apps you've purchased or downloaded on any other device linked to that Apple ID. This happens in the background during setup, so you don't have to do anything manually.

The apps appear on your new phone in the same folders and arrangement as your old phone if you're restoring from a backup. If you're setting up as a new device, the apps download but may appear in a different order. Your app data — saved games, login sessions, preferences — transfers if you've been using iCloud to back up your phone. You can check this in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup before you switch.

If an app doesn't download automatically, it may have been removed from the App Store since you last used it, or it may not be compatible with your new phone's iOS version. You can search for it manually in the App Store to see if an updated version is available.

Transferring apps when staying on Android

Android transfers apps through your Google account. During setup on your new Android phone, sign in with the Google account you've been using. Android then shows you a list of apps from your previous devices and asks which ones you want to download. You can select all of them or pick and choose.

Unlike iPhone, Android doesn't automatically download everything — you have to confirm which apps you want. This takes a few minutes but gives you a chance to remove apps you no longer use. The download happens in the background after you confirm your choices.

Your app data transfers through Google Play Services if the app developer has set it up to sync with your Google account. Not all apps do this, so you may need to log in again to some apps after they download. Check your Google account settings at myaccount.google.com to see which apps have permission to access your data.

Switching from iPhone to Android

There's no automatic transfer when you switch from iPhone to Android because the two systems use different app stores. You'll need to download your apps again from the Google Play Store on your new Android phone. The good news is that most popular apps exist on both platforms, and your login information usually works the same way.

Before you switch, write down which apps you use regularly. You don't need to memorize them — take a screenshot of your iPhone home screen, or open the App Store, go to your account, and look at "Purchased" to see everything you've ever downloaded. On your new Android phone, search for each app in the Google Play Store and download it. Many apps are free, but some you paid for on iPhone may cost money again on Android, or may have a free version with ads.

After you download an app, open it and log in with the same email or username you used on iPhone. Your account data usually syncs once you log in. Some apps, especially games, may not transfer your progress if they don't use cloud saves — in that case, your old progress stays on your iPhone.

Switching from Android to iPhone

Switching from Android to iPhone works similarly to switching to Android: you download apps again from the App Store instead of the Google Play Store. Most apps exist on both platforms, though some Android-only apps won't be available on iPhone.

During iPhone setup, you'll have the option to transfer data from your Android phone using the "Move to iOS" app, which handles contacts, messages, and photos. It doesn't transfer apps — you still download those from the App Store. After setup, search for your regular apps in the App Store and download them. Log in with the same account you used on Android, and your data usually syncs automatically.

Some paid Android apps may not have an iPhone version, or may cost money on iPhone even if they were free on Android. Check the App Store before you switch to see if your essential apps are available and what they cost.

What to do if an app doesn't transfer or download

If an app you used on your old phone doesn't appear on your new phone, it may have been removed from the app store, discontinued by the developer, or made incompatible with your new phone's operating system. Search for it by name in your new phone's app store to confirm it's not available.

If the app still exists but won't download, check that you have enough storage space on your new phone and that you're signed in with the correct account. Go to your phone's storage settings and delete apps or files you don't need. If you're still having trouble, restart your phone and try downloading again.

If you paid for an app on your old phone and it's no longer available, you usually can't get a refund. Contact the app developer through their website to ask if they've moved the app to a new name or location, or if they plan to bring it back.

Backing up your app data before you switch

Before you switch phones, make sure your app data is backed up to the cloud. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn it on. Let it run at least once before you switch. On Android, go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Backup and make sure backup is turned on.

For apps that don't use automatic cloud backup, log in to your account within the app and look for a backup or sync option in the settings. Many games and productivity apps have this feature. If an app doesn't offer cloud backup, take a screenshot of any important information — like game progress or account details — so you have it if you need to start over on your new phone.

Also make sure you can access the email address or phone number linked to your app accounts. If you've forgotten a password, reset it before you switch phones so you can log in on your new device without trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my app passwords transfer to my new phone?

If you've saved passwords in your phone's password manager (iCloud Keychain on iPhone, Google Password Manager on Android), they transfer automatically when you sign in with your account on the new phone. If you've saved passwords within individual apps, you'll need to log in again after downloading the app on your new phone. The app will usually remember you after that first login.

Do I have to pay for apps again if I switch phones?

No, as long as you stay on the same system (iPhone to iPhone or Android to Android). Apps you've purchased download free on your new phone. If you switch between iPhone and Android, some paid apps may not exist on the new platform, or may have a free version with ads instead. Check the app store before you switch to see what's available.

How long does it take for all my apps to download on a new phone?

It depends on how many apps you have and your internet speed. If you're staying on the same system and apps download automatically, it usually takes 15 minutes to an hour for everything to finish. If you're manually selecting apps on Android or switching between systems, it depends on how many you download. Larger apps take longer. You can use your phone while apps download in the background.

What if I can't remember which apps I had on my old phone?

On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your account icon, and go to "Purchased" to see every app you've ever downloaded. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to "Manage apps & device," and tap "Manage" to see your apps. You can also take a screenshot of your old phone's home screen before you switch so you have a visual record of what you used.

Can I transfer apps from my old phone to my new phone without signing in to my account?

No. Apps are tied to your account on the app store (Apple ID on iPhone, Google account on Android). You have to sign in with that account on your new phone for apps to download. This is also how the app store knows which apps you've purchased and which ones are free.