Why backing up comes first
A reset or erase removes everything on the device, and it can't be undone. Once your computer is wiped, there is no way for you or us to get a file back. A backup is the only copy you'll have.
Most backups take less than an hour. Large photo libraries can take longer, so start a day ahead if you can.
What to save
- Photos and videos
- Documents and downloads
- Browser bookmarks and saved passwords
- Email that isn't stored online
- Two-factor authentication apps (move them to your new phone first)
- Software license keys
Windows PC
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1
Plug in an external drive
Or sign in to OneDrive.
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2
Copy your folders
Copy Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads and Videos from your user folder.
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Check your browser
Make sure Chrome, Edge or Firefox sync is on, or export bookmarks.
Mac
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Use Time Machine
Connect an external drive, then System Settings, then General, then Time Machine.
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2
Or use iCloud
Turn on iCloud Drive and Photos and wait for the upload to finish.
iPhone and iPad
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1
Back up to iCloud
Settings, then your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, then Back Up Now.
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2
Or to a computer
Connect it and use Finder on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows.
Android
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1
Google backup
Settings, then Google, then Backup, then Back up now.
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2
Photos
Open Google Photos and check that backup is complete.
Choose where your backup goes
External drive
A USB drive or portable hard drive you keep. One-time cost, no subscription, and fast to restore.
Cloud storage
OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox. Files are reachable from any device. Free tiers are small, so check the space you need.
Your new computer
Transfer tools such as Migration Assistant on a Mac copy everything straight to the new machine.
Things people forget
- Saved passwords in the browser
- Two-factor codes in an authenticator app
- Email stored only on the computer (Outlook PST files, Apple Mail)
- Tax returns and scanned documents
- Game saves and creative project files
- Desktop shortcuts and files saved to the desktop
- Music purchased outside a streaming service
- Fonts, templates and plug-ins you installed
Check the backup before you wipe
Keep two copies of anything irreplaceable. For family photos, use both a drive and a cloud account.
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Open a few files
Pick some documents and photos from the backup and open them on another device.
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Count your photos
Compare the number of photos in the backup with the original library.
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3
Sign in to your accounts
Make sure you can sign in to email, banking and your password manager without this device.