“People like me will find out that you have to do this at an inconvenient time," Mr.
He says he had to take an annoying path, via his laptop, to turn off verification on his old phone and validate his new one. Jon Callas, director of technology projects at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital-rights group, didn’t transfer his Microsoft Authenticator account details when getting rid of an old phone. This could be your work security app, a Google or Facebook app, or an authenticator app that provides security codes for other accounts.Įven tech pros sometimes forget to do this. If you use apps for two-factor authentication, you need to set them up on the new phone or you may lose access to their functions. Then tap Samsung Cloud > Restore data and look for the device backup you want. Once you get your new phone, open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Tap Samsung Cloud, choose which data you want to save, then tap Back up data at the bottom of the screen. For Samsung Cloud, go to Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Samsung smartphone owners have several options for backing up and transferring data, including Google, Samsung’s Smart Switch and cloud services such as Samsung Cloud.
(Here are instructions for backing up an iPhone to a Windows PC using iTunes.) When you click that, you’ll get a menu of options including managing backups. The icon for your iPhone should appear on the left sidebar of that window. To back up your phone’s data to your Mac, plug it in then open a window on the desktop (what Apple calls the Finder). You then have 21 days to transfer that backup to a new device.
If you don’t have enough iCloud storage to back up your iPhone, you can now use iOS 15 (which works on models back to the iPhone 6S) to get free temporary storage-just follow Apple’s specific instructions to access it. This backs up your Apple Watch automatically and the data can be restored when you pair it with a new iPhone. If your iPhone is paired to an Apple Watch, unpair it. Then tap iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. For most people, iCloud is the easiest option.Ĭonnect your phone to Wi-Fi. iPhone owners have two options for backing up data: iCloud or your computer. The first step is saving the information on the phone you’re retiring. No matter where your phone is headed, you must follow these three steps. You can also sell them directly to someone or pass along to a relative. Apple, Samsung, wireless carriers, retailers and third-party resellers are happy to take old phones. When it comes to parting with an old smartphone, you have plenty of options. And you need to ensure a smooth transition to your next phone so you aren’t missing precious photos or access to important security codes.