I've switched phones 50 times in five years – here are the 11 things I do first

It's a long process, but it's worth it.

- ANYRON COPEMAN

As someone who tests phones for a living, my SIM card rarely stays in the same device for more than a month. On average, I've switched to a new smartphone around 10 times in the past year, and on more than 50 occasions in the past five years. That's a lot!

In 2025, switching from one Android phone to another is easier than ever before. Simply connect your two devices and almost everything will be handled for you. The only thing you really need to worry about is messaging apps such as WhatsApp, which require a separate backup. However, that doesn't mean your work is done once you land on the home screen. In many ways, it's only just begun. The process of fine-tuning and tweaking everything to your liking is painstaking, but the good news is you'll only have to do this once. It also avoids any annoying surprises further down the line.

But be warned - these 11 steps take me around an hour in total to complete. If you're following along, make sure you set aside plenty of time.

They're also specific to me, and I've only outlined the methods on a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy phone. The process may vary if you're using another type of Android phone, and it is very different if you're on an iPhone.

However, regardless of the handset you're using, it's worth reviewing these options before you settle into your phone too much.

1. SET UP WHATSAPP AND RESTORE BACKUP

Every time I switch phones, WhatsApp is the app I'm most worried about. It's the only one I use that can't be accessed on any device with a username/email address and password, as it must be registered to your main phone.