How to Transfer Contacts from Android to Android
Switching to a new Android phone? Transfer all your contacts from your old Android in under 2 minutes. No Google sync required — just a free 6-digit PIN.
Transferring contacts between Android phones is supposed to be easy thanks to Google account sync — but reality is more complicated. Not everyone stores their contacts in a Google account. Many contacts end up saved to the SIM card, the phone's local storage, or a Samsung or Huawei account. When you sign into your Google account on a new Android phone, only the Google-synced contacts appear. The rest stay behind on your old device.
Manufacturer-specific tools add confusion rather than clarity. Samsung has Smart Switch, Huawei has Phone Clone, Xiaomi has Mi Mover — but none of these work across brands. If you are moving from a Samsung to a Pixel, or from a OnePlus to a Motorola, the manufacturer tools are useless. You end up manually checking which contacts synced to Google and which did not, then trying to figure out how to get the rest across.
Transfer Contacts works with every Android phone regardless of brand. Open the app on your old phone, select all the contacts you want to transfer — whether they are stored in Google, on the SIM, in Samsung account, or locally — and generate a 6-digit PIN. Enter that PIN on your new Android phone and every contact is transferred instantly with all details intact. One app, one step, every contact.
Step-by-Step: Transfer Contacts from Android to Android
Download Transfer Contacts on Your Android
Install the free Transfer Contacts app from the Google Play Store. It takes about 30 seconds to download and doesn't require creating an account.
Select the Contacts You Want to Transfer
Open Transfer Contacts and tap "Send". The app shows your entire contact list. Tap individual contacts to select them, or use "Select All" to grab everything.
Tap "Send to Device" to Get Your PIN
After selecting your contacts, tap "Send to Device". The app generates a unique 6-digit PIN and a QR code. This PIN is valid for 60 minutes. Share it with the person (or device) receiving the contacts.
Download Transfer Contacts on Your Android
On the receiving Android, install the free Transfer Contacts app from the Google Play Store.
Enter the 6-Digit PIN
Open Transfer Contacts on the Android and tap "Receive". Enter the 6-digit PIN shown on the sending phone. You can also scan the QR code if both phones are nearby.
Enter the 6-digit PIN shown on the sender's device
Done! Contacts Transferred
Your contacts appear instantly on the Android. All details are preserved — names, phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, addresses, and notes. Open your Contacts app to verify everything is there.
Other Ways to Transfer Contacts from Android to Android
Here are the alternative methods and why Transfer Contacts is simpler.
Google Account Sync
Automatic for contacts already saved to Google, no app needed
Only syncs contacts stored in your Google account. SIM and local contacts are left behind. Requires the same Google account on both phones.
Samsung Smart Switch / OEM Tools
Transfers many data types beyond contacts
Only works within the same brand (Samsung to Samsung, etc.). Often requires cables or close proximity. Can be slow for large transfers.
SIM Card Transfer
Works without internet, simple concept
SIM cards store limited data — typically only name and one phone number per contact, no email or addresses. Capacity capped at around 250 contacts.
How Transfer Contacts Compares
| Method | Speed | Ease of Use | Cross-Platform | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Contacts App | Under 2 min | Very Easy | Yes | Yes |
| Google Account Sync | Varies | Complex | Limited | Varies |
| Samsung Smart Switch / OEM Tools | Varies | Complex | Limited | Varies |
| SIM Card Transfer | Varies | Complex | Limited | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer contacts from Samsung to Google Pixel?
How do I transfer contacts stored on my SIM card to a new Android?
Do I need a Google account to transfer contacts between Android phones?
Can I transfer contacts from an old Android phone running an older Android version?
Will my contacts be duplicated if some already synced via Google?
Related Guides
Ready to Transfer Your Contacts from Android to Android?
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