Switching to your new Motorola Edge 50 Pro is exciting, and you definitely don't want to leave your photos, messages, and settings behind. The good news is Android 14 has some great built-in tools to make the move smooth, whether you're upgrading from an older Motorola or switching from a completely different brand.
Start the Transfer During Initial Setup
The absolute best time to move your data is when you first power on the Edge 50 Pro. After you select your language and connect to Wi-Fi, you'll hit a screen titled "Copy apps & data." Tap Next to begin. You'll see a few options, but for most people, the "Copy from Android phone" choice is the way to go.
On your old Android phone, open the Google app and say "set up my device." You can also navigate to Settings > Google > Set up & restore > Set up nearby device. Your new Edge 50 Pro will find it, and a QR code will appear to pair the two devices securely over a direct Wi-Fi connection.
For the Fastest Transfer, Use a Cable
If you want the most reliable and quickest method, use a USB cable. You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable or an adapter for your old phone's port. When you choose the cable option during setup, the Edge 50 Pro will guide you through connecting the phones.
This wired connection doesn't rely on your Wi-Fi network speed and is excellent for transferring large amounts of photos and videos. You'll get to pick exactly what to bring over: apps, call history, contacts, device settings, photos, videos, and SMS messages.
Restore from a Google One Backup
Maybe your old phone is already gone or isn't turning on. If you had backup enabled, you can restore everything from the cloud. During setup on the Edge 50 Pro, sign into your main Google account. The phone will then show you available backups from your previous devices.
Select the most recent one. Your apps will begin reinstalling automatically, and your saved settings and data will repopulate. I'd recommend checking your old phone first to ensure backups were running: go to Settings > Google > Backup. There should be a recent timestamp under "Backup details."
Moving from an iPhone to Your Edge 50 Pro
Switching from iOS? Google and Motorola have you covered. On the "Copy apps & data" screen, select "iPhone" as your source. You'll be prompted to download the "Switch to Android" app from the App Store on your iPhone. Open it and follow the steps to connect.
The app will help you wirelessly transfer your contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos. Your iMessage conversations won't transfer, but your text messages (SMS/MMS) will. Since iOS apps don't work on Android, you'll need to download fresh versions from the Google Play Store.
Let Your Google Account Handle the Sync
A huge amount of your digital life is already tied to your Google account and will sync automatically. Once you sign in on the new phone, your contacts, calendar, Chrome bookmarks and history, and notes from Google Keep will appear. To manage what syncs, go to Settings > Passwords & accounts > [Your Google Account] and toggle the services you need.
This is also how your Wi-Fi passwords and some app preferences will come over, making the new phone feel familiar much faster.
Transferring WhatsApp Chats is Crucial
For WhatsApp, the process depends on your old phone. If it's another Android phone, use the app's built-in transfer tool. On your old phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat transfer, and follow the prompts to create a QR code. Scan it with your new Edge 50 Pro.
Coming from iPhone is different. You'll need to use WhatsApp's "Move to Android" feature within the Switch to Android app on your iPhone. This will move your chat history, though it requires a cable connection and can take a while.
Don't Forget These Final Steps
After the main transfer is done, take some time to log into your important apps like banking, social media, and email. Check that your photos are all in Google Photos and that your messages came through. The 125W TurboPower charger in the box will get you from zero to a full charge in about 18 minutes, so plug in if you need a quick top-up.
Once you're confident everything is on your new Edge 50 Pro, it's time to wipe your old device. Go into its settings and perform a factory reset. This protects your personal information before you sell, trade, or recycle it.
