Transfer apps between Android phones

stevenrw · Feb 16, 2015, 13:51:13

Having unfortunately trashed my wife's galaxy Ace 2 with an update I had to buy her another and I chose the Sony Xperia M2.
Sure, it ain't the top of the range, and there may well be better phones out there but she wanted a bigger screen and I got a good deal on a SIM free handset, so we are where we are on that.
So my question is this. The Sony PC Companion software includes a migration tool, to copy contacts, data etc between old and new phones, but it does not seem to include apps.
So..has anybody good first hand experience of a good free app or pc software that would accomplish the task?
...and a safe location to download it from

Baz · Feb 16, 2015, 13:52:58

No I have no idea how to do this but the apps are easy to download again from where ever you get them from, doesnt take long

stevenrw · Feb 16, 2015, 13:56:07

yeah, I know Baz, but she can't be a***d to list the ones she wants. Anything for a peaceful life.......

edit: Thinking on a bit, I might use the opportunity to persuade her to do a bit of decluttering/spring cleaning and just re install the ones she wants, really really wants...etc etc

Simon · Feb 16, 2015, 14:16:13

If you log in to the Google Play Store, and go to My Apps, does it not offer to reinstall them all from there?

stevenrw · Feb 16, 2015, 14:21:48

duuno Simon - interesting idea. I'll take a lookee. I guess it remembers her account, not her device, so that may well be a possibility. Thanks for that. We just need to wait for a new micro SIM from Virgin then we are good to go.
Cheers everybody!

nowster · Feb 16, 2015, 16:10:59

Newer versions of Android will offer to transfer across such things on first boot-up.

Also if you have allowed Google to "sync" your contacts, they'll appear on the new phone automatically, as long as you set the phone up with the same Google account.

Technical Ben · Feb 16, 2015, 18:49:02

Quote from: Baz on Feb 16, 2015, 13:52:58
No I have no idea how to do this but the apps are easy to download again from where ever you get them from, doesnt take long

That is basically the only option. Though with direct file access to some extent in Android you can copy some files over by hand. Most "updates" and "migrations" are down to the play store and just backup up app data to "the cloud".

stevenrw · Feb 16, 2015, 22:14:26

Thanks guys, the Ace2 is just a tad too old to have the NFC facility, and she uses Outlook (Hotmail) not GMail. Getting contacts across should present few problems with the Sony software, it was just the apps. tbh, I'm almost relieved that we can't do it, it will force a de-clutter/spring clean, rather than clog up a nice shiny new phone (although no doubt Sony will have started clogging it already with bloatware...)