Getting a new phone or computer should feel exciting. And it usually does — right up until you realize something didn’t transfer correctly.
It’s one of the most common calls I get from people in Danville and San Ramon. Photos missing. Contacts gone. Email not working. Apps asking for passwords you don’t remember. Files that were on the old computer and now can’t be found anywhere.
Most of these problems are preventable with a little preparation before you start the transfer.
The Most Common Transfer Mistakes
Not Verifying the Backup First
The most important step happens before you touch the new device: confirming that a complete, recent backup actually exists.
Many people assume iCloud is backing up their phone — but iCloud backup can fail silently if you’re running low on storage, haven’t connected to WiFi recently, or the backup has been turned off without you knowing.
Before transferring anything:
- Go to **Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup**
- Check the date of the last successful backup
- If it’s more than a few days old, run a manual backup now before doing anything else
Rushing Through Setup
Modern iPhones have a feature called Quick Start that transfers data directly from one phone to another wirelessly. It works well — but it takes time, and a lot of people cancel it halfway through because it seems like it’s stuck.
Let it run completely, even if it takes 30–45 minutes.
Forgetting About App Logins and Authenticator Apps
Apps restore fine, but their login sessions often don’t. Be ready to log back into your important apps — especially banking, email, and anything that uses two-factor authentication.
Important: If you use an authenticator app for two-factor authentication, set it up on the new device *before* wiping the old one, or you may lock yourself out of accounts.
Missing Files That Were Only on the Computer
When migrating a Mac or PC, files stored only on the local drive — and not in iCloud, Google Drive, or a similar service — need to be specifically included in the transfer or backup. Files sitting on the desktop or in the Downloads folder are often missed.
A Smooth Transfer Checklist
Before moving to a new iPhone:
- [ ] Verify iCloud backup is recent and complete
- [ ] Check iCloud Photos is enabled and fully synced
- [ ] Note down any apps that will need re-login
- [ ] Migrate authenticator app if applicable
- [ ] Keep the old phone accessible for a few days after setup
Before moving to a new Mac or PC:
- [ ] Confirm what’s in iCloud/Google Drive vs. local only
- [ ] Back up to an external drive as insurance
- [ ] Note your software licenses and logins
- [ ] Use Migration Assistant (Mac) or the Windows transfer tool for a clean transfer
Getting Help With a Device Transfer
If you have a new iPhone, Mac, or PC and want to make sure the transfer goes smoothly — or if something has already gone wrong and you need help recovering — I’m available throughout the Danville, San Ramon, and East Bay area.
Book a free 30-minute consultation and let’s make sure your data makes it safely to your new device.