Guide
Moving your files to a new device without losing anything
Switching to a new phone, laptop, or computer is one of the most common moments where files quietly go missing, usually because the move was assumed to be automatic.
Transfer is not always complete by default
Account-based transfers often move apps, settings, and recently synced content, but can skip files that were only ever saved locally and never backed up or synced in the first place.
Overlap before you let go
Keeping the old device functional for a week or two after setting up the new one creates a safety window to notice anything that did not make the trip, while there is still an easy way to go back and get it.
Check the folders that are easy to forget
Downloads folders, desktop files, and anything saved directly to local storage rather than a synced location are the most common casualties of a device switch, since they are rarely included in standard transfer processes.
Questions people ask
Is an account-based transfer enough on its own?
Often mostly enough, but it is worth manually checking a few local folders rather than assuming full coverage.
How long should I keep the old device before wiping it?
Long enough to have actually used the new device for everyday tasks — a week or two is a reasonable minimum before erasing anything.