Data Transfer to a New Device: Nothing Gets Lost

At first glance, the move sounds simple: copy data from the old device to the new one, done. In practice, the devil is in the detail. A smartphone stores not only photos but also contacts, message histories, calendars, notes, saved passwords, app data and accounts for email, banking or messengers. Each of these data types is stored differently, and not everything moves over automatically. This is exactly where the typical gaps arise that only show up weeks later, when a particular photo or chat history is suddenly missing.

On top of this, many people do not back up their data regularly. The German Federal Office for Information Security points out that regular backup copies are the most effective protection against data loss, for instance through defect, theft or accidental deletion (German Federal Office for Information Security). Even so, a considerable share of people do not back up their data at all or only irregularly (German Federal Office for Information Security). Anyone who starts a move without a backup has no net if something goes wrong during the transfer. That is why a good data transfer always begins with a complete backup copy before even a single bit leaves the old device.

The third point is the check. A transfer is only complete when everything has demonstrably arrived on the new device – photos complete, contacts sorted, messages readable, apps signed in. Only then may the old device be erased, sold or handed on. Anyone who reverses this order and erases the old device too early risks losing memories that cannot be restored. This care is exactly what sets an accompanied move apart.

A successful data transfer follows a clear order. It protects against losing something in the middle of the process and makes the switch understandable even for beginners. We go through these steps together during a home visit and explain along the way what is happening – so you keep the overview and the good feeling that everything is taking its orderly course.

Before anything is transferred, we create a complete backup copy of the old device. This copy is the safety net: should something go unexpectedly wrong during the transfer, the original state can be restored. A backup can sit locally on a computer or an external hard drive, or in encrypted online storage; the German Federal Office for Information Security advises keeping backup copies separate from the original device (German Federal Office for Information Security). Which option makes sense depends on your devices and wishes. We discuss this beforehand and set up the path that suits you.

Once the backup is in place, the transfer begins. Depending on device type and manufacturer, there are various paths for this: direct device-to-device transfer, restoring a backup or syncing via an account. Photos, contacts and calendars often move over automatically, while message histories and app data require special steps. We choose the right path, transfer the data and keep an eye on making sure the less obvious content comes along too.

The most important and most frequently skipped step is the check. On the new device, we verify together with you whether the photos are complete, the contacts are correct, the messages are there and the important apps are signed in again. Only when everything has demonstrably arrived do we release the old device. If you want to sell it or hand it on, we then erase it thoroughly, because before passing devices on they should be completely and securely reset (German Federal Office for Information Security), so that no personal data falls into the wrong hands – a topic we explore further in our article on data privacy in the smart home.

While photos and contacts usually move over without complication, transferring accounts and passwords is the most demanding part. Many apps require a fresh sign-in on the new device, often with a confirmation code that arrives by text message or via a second app. Anyone who does not know their login data or has not set up two-factor confirmation suddenly faces an empty app. With messenger services or online banking in particular, this quickly leads to frustration.

We make sure the important accounts move over in an orderly way: email, messenger, app stores and, on request, sensitive applications such as banking. Secure, unique passwords are central here, because the German Federal Office for Information Security recommends a separate, strong password for every account and two-factor confirmation where available (German Federal Office for Information Security). We pay attention to security and data thrift, and where sensible we set up a password manager that keeps login data safe. This way you do not have to remember every password and are better positioned for future device switches. Anyone who wants to deepen the basics around secure passwords will find additional notes on safe use in the household in our article on smart home for families.

A device switch is also a good occasion to tidy up once. Cloud services have long been part of everyday life – a large share of internet users store data online (Bitkom). Not every photo, every app and every old account has to come along. We help to sort memories, clean up duplicates and close accounts no longer used. This creates clarity and removes ballast from the new device. A plain data transfer thus becomes a little spring clean, after which the new device starts off tidy and well-ordered.

In theory, a data transfer can be managed alone. In practice, however, self-made moves often fail at the small hurdles: a missing password, an unrecognized confirmation code, a messenger that does not bring its history along. These points cost nerves and time, and in the worst case data is lost because the old device was erased too early. Calm step-by-step support takes away this worry and ensures that every point is worked through cleanly.

During a home visit, we take over the entire move on your devices and with your accounts – without you having to hand over data. You watch what happens and decide along the way. We explain calmly, back up first, transfer afterwards and check together at the end that everything is complete. On request, we leave a simple overview of where which data is stored. This personal support is especially appreciated by people who feel unsure about the technology – such as older customers, of whom a growing share are now regularly online (Bitkom) and for whom we deliberately take our time.

And should something still come up after the move – a missing photo, an app that does not sign in – a fixed contact person is there for you, not an anonymous call center. We come by again if needed or help on the phone. This turns the often dreaded device switch into a relaxed step, after which the new device is just as familiar as the old one. You can learn more about our personal on-site service on the services page.