So, you've got a shiny new smartphone but you're reluctant to start everything from scratch. Transferring your contacts and data should be easy enough, but there's a voice in the back of your head saying this might not be all that simple… Forget the bad phone experiences of the past – here's everything you need to know about getting your contacts, pics, videos, apps and everything else from one phone to another.

 The process of shifting stuff from one handset to another isn't the same across all manufacturers, but that doesn't necessarily make it any more difficult to do so. Here's a make-by-make lowdown on how to swap files.

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How do I transfer everything from my old phone to my new Samsung?

For new Samsung smartphones, download the Smart Switch app on both phones and follow the instructions. You can transfer the content from your old phone directly to your new phone either wirelessly or via USB cable, or by backing up your data to a PC and transferring via cable.

How do I transfer everything to my new iPhone?

Make sure to backup data to iCloud and on your new phone, connect the iPhone to WIFI and find ‘Apps And Data’ in settings. Select ‘Restore From iCloud Backup’ and make sure to sign into iCloud. You can then choose what backup you’d like to restore.

How to transfer files to Sony Xperia?

Quick and easy, transferring to a slick new Sony is a doddle. To transfer from an Android phone, simply download and open the Sony Xperia Transfer Mobile app on both your new handset and your old one – you can find the app in the Play Store. Turn on near field communication (NFC) on both phones, open the app and select ‘Android’ before pairing the devices. Once you’ve set your new phone to ‘receive’, press 'get started' and follow the instructions to transfer your files wirelessly.

For iPhones, you'll need to download the app on both phones, but this time select iOS device. You can either transfer your files directly using a USB OTG cable, or through iCloud backup (by simply signing in). Once the phones are paired, click through the instructions. Apps won’t be transferred across, but you’ll be shown a list of Android alternatives to download on your new phone.

Those upgrading from a Windows phone can also benefit from the Xperia Transfer App but will need an Xperia Transfer Cable to move files over.

How do I transfer my old number to my new phone?

If you're changing provider as well as phone, it makes sense to keep your old number. Thankfully, this process is very straightforward:

Call your current provider and ask for a mobile Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) – you'll receive it there and then over the call, or within two hours by text. Your old contract will either cancel soon after or revert to a pay-as-you-go plan, putting the responsibility on you to cancel it. Contact your new provider and give them the PAC number (they last for 30 days) and schedule the switchover – usually the next working day, or the following Tuesday if requested on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Check your phone to see if it all works and contact the new provider if it doesn't.

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Conclusion:

Getting a new phone or plan set-up isn't as hard has it once was. With the above, you should be ready and set to enjoy an exciting new phone, headache-free! And we have plenty of phones available on our website, from Apple to Android, we have it all!