Getting your new Sony Xperia 1 VI set up with all your old data is a straightforward process. Android has come a long way, and whether you're upgrading from another Android phone or making the switch from an iPhone, your photos, contacts, and apps can follow you with minimal hassle.
Start the Transfer During Initial Setup
The absolute best time to move your data is when you first power on your Xperia 1 VI. After you select your language and connect to Wi-Fi, you'll reach a "Copy apps & data" screen. Tap Next and you'll see your options. Choosing to copy directly from your old device is usually the most comprehensive method.
If your old phone is an Android device, make sure both phones are charged and near each other. On your old phone, you might be prompted to open the Google app and say "set up my device," or you can navigate to Settings > Google > Device connections > Set up new device. Your Xperia will generate a QR code for the old phone to scan, establishing a direct Wi-Fi connection for the transfer.
Use a USB Cable for a Fast, Reliable Move
For the fastest transfer speed and to avoid any potential Wi-Fi hiccups, use a USB cable. You'll need a USB-C to USB-C cable or an adapter for your old phone's port. During the setup process on your Xperia, select the cable transfer option and connect the two phones.
The phone will guide you through selecting exactly what to bring over. This typically includes your apps, call history, contacts, text messages, photos, videos, and system settings. I've found this method is especially reliable for moving large photo and video libraries without depending on your internet speed.
Restore from a Google One Backup
If you don't have your old phone handy, you can restore from a cloud backup. This requires that your previous Android phone was backing up to Google One. During your Xperia's setup, sign into your Google account and you'll be shown available backup files from your old devices.
Select the most recent one. Your apps will begin downloading from the Play Store, and your backed-up settings, call history, and text messages will be restored. You can check your old phone's backup status by going to Settings > Google > Backup. For this to work well, I'd recommend ensuring a recent backup exists before you switch.
Switching from an iPhone to Your Xperia
Moving from iOS is handled right in the Xperia setup wizard. When you get to the data transfer screen, choose the option to transfer data from an iPhone. You'll be prompted to download the "Switch to Android" app from the Apple App Store on your iPhone.
Open the app on your iPhone, follow the instructions, and grant the necessary permissions. You can connect via cable for the fastest transfer, or use a wireless connection. Your contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos will move over. Since iOS apps don't work on Android, you'll need to download fresh equivalents from the Google Play Store.
Let Your Google Account Handle the Basics
A huge amount of your digital life is already synced through your Google account. Simply signing into your primary Google account on your new Xperia 1 VI will automatically pull in your contacts, calendar, Gmail, Chrome bookmarks, and saved passwords.
You can manage what gets synced by going to Settings > Accounts & sync > Google and tapping on your account. This is a good place to verify everything you want is toggled on. It's the backbone that makes switching Android phones so seamless.
Transferring WhatsApp Chats
WhatsApp has its own transfer tool for moving chats between Android phones. On your old Android phone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat transfer. It will create a local QR code. On your new Xperia, install WhatsApp, verify your number, and you'll be prompted to scan that QR code from your old phone to import your chat history.
For other apps like Signal or Telegram, check within each app's settings for chat backup or transfer options. Most game progress is saved automatically if you're signed into Google Play Games.
After Everything Is Moved
Take some time to open your key apps and make sure your data is present. Log into any apps that require fresh authentication, like banking or social media apps. Once you're confident everything is working on your new Xperia 1 VI, don't forget to securely wipe your old phone.
Go into its settings and perform a factory reset. This protects your personal information before you sell, trade in, or recycle the device. With that done, you're free to explore everything your new Xperia has to offer.
