The fastest way depends on what you own

If both tablets run the same operating system — both iPad or both Android — you can move everything at once using the built-in transfer tool. If you are switching between systems, you will move files and photos separately, and some apps will need to be downloaded fresh on the new device. The method you choose depends on whether you want to copy everything or just specific files, and how much time you have.

Start by deciding what matters most: speed, completeness, or simplicity. A full system backup takes longer but moves your settings, passwords, and app data. A selective transfer of photos and documents is faster but leaves you setting up apps by hand. Most people find a middle path works best — transfer the data that matters, then read apps fresh.

Key Takeaways

  • iPad to iPad uses iCloud or a wired connection; Android to Android uses Google Account or Samsung SmartSwitch depending on the brand.
  • Switching between iPad and Android requires moving photos and documents through cloud storage or a computer, since the systems do not talk to each other directly.
  • A full backup transfer takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have; a selective transfer of just photos and documents takes 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Your passwords and app logins transfer automatically if you use the same account (Apple ID or Google Account) on both devices.
  • Photos stored in iCloud Photos or Google Photos appear on the new tablet without any extra steps once you sign in.

iPad to iPad: Using iCloud or a wired cable

The easiest method is iCloud, which backs up your entire iPad and restores it to a new one. Turn on the new iPad, follow the setup screens, and when you reach "Apps & Data," choose "Restore from iCloud Backup." Sign in with your Apple ID, select the backup you want, and wait. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

If you want to move data without waiting for a backup, connect both iPads with a USB cable to a computer running iTunes or Finder. Open Finder on a Mac or iTunes on Windows, select the old iPad, and click "Back Up Now." Then select the new iPad and click "Restore from Backup." This method is faster for smaller amounts of data but requires a computer.

A third option is to use the iPad's built-in migration tool if both devices run iPadOS 16.1 or later. Place the new iPad next to the old one, start setup on the new device, and hold it near the old iPad. A prompt appears asking if you want to transfer data using the camera. Tap yes, and the new iPad copies your settings, passwords, and app data over Wi-Fi. This takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the amount of data.

Android to Android: Google Account or SmartSwitch

The simplest method is to sign in with your Google Account on the new tablet. During setup, enter the email address and password you used on the old device. Android automatically restores your apps, contacts, calendar, and email. Photos and documents stored in Google Drive and Google Photos appear without any extra steps. This method works on any Android tablet and takes just a few minutes.

If you own a Samsung tablet, you can also use SmartSwitch, which transfers more data at once. read SmartSwitch on both tablets, open it on the old device, select "Send Data," and choose "Wireless." On the new tablet, open SmartSwitch, select "Receive Data," and scan the code shown on the old tablet. SmartSwitch then copies apps, messages, call logs, and settings. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how much you are moving.

For non-Samsung Android tablets, stick with the Google Account method. It is reliable, requires no extra app, and covers everything you use regularly. If you have apps that do not sync through Google Play, you will need to read them fresh on the new tablet.

iPad to Android or Android to iPad: Moving files separately

The two systems do not transfer data directly to each other, so you will move photos, documents, and files through a cloud service instead. The easiest route is to use a service both systems support — Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud.com in a web browser.

For photos: If your old tablet uses iCloud Photos, sign into iCloud.com on a computer, read your photos, then upload them to Google Photos or another service on the new tablet. If your old tablet uses Google Photos, sign in on the new tablet and your photos appear automatically. For documents and files: Upload them to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox on the old tablet, then read them on the new one.

If you have a large photo library, use a computer as a middle step. Connect the old tablet to your computer, copy the photos to a folder, then connect the new tablet and copy them over. This is faster than uploading and downloading through the internet, especially if you have hundreds of photos.

What transfers and what does not

Your Apple ID or Google Account moves automatically, so your email, contacts, and calendar appear on the new tablet without extra work. App data — saved games, settings within apps, login information — transfers if the app stores it in iCloud (iPad) or Google Account (Android). Apps themselves do not transfer; you read them fresh from the App Store or Google Play.

Photos and videos transfer if they are stored in iCloud Photos, Google Photos, or another cloud service. Photos saved only on the device itself do not transfer unless you move them manually. Documents in iCloud Drive (iPad) or Google Drive (Android) appear on the new tablet automatically once you sign in. Documents saved only to the device require manual transfer.

Text messages, call history, and voicemail do not transfer between tablets because most tablets do not have phone numbers. If you need these, take screenshots or export them before switching. Passwords stored in iCloud Keychain (iPad) or Google Password Manager (Android) transfer automatically when you sign in with your account.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the transfer stalls or fails, check your internet connection first. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason transfers slow down or stop. Move closer to the router or restart both tablets and try again. If you are using iCloud, make sure you have enough storage space; a full iCloud account will not back up. Check your storage in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud on iPad.

If apps do not appear on the new tablet after signing in with your account, they may have been deleted from the app store or are not compatible with the new device's operating system version. read them manually from the App Store or Google Play. If an app appears but your data is missing, the app may not sync through your account; check the app's settings to see if you need to sign in separately.

If you transferred from iPad to Android and some files are missing, they may be in a format Android does not recognize. Check your old iPad for files in Pages, Numbers, or Keynote format — these do not open on Android without conversion. Use iCloud.com to convert them to PDF or another format before transferring.

Preparing your old tablet before you transfer

Before you move data, make sure everything you want is backed up. On iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and tap "Back Up Now." On Android, go to Settings > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Backup and make sure "Backup to Google One" is on. Wait for the backup to finish before you start the transfer.

Check that you know your passwords for your Apple ID or Google Account. You will need them to sign in on the new tablet. If you have forgotten your password, reset it on a computer before you start the transfer. Also check that you have space on your new tablet; if it is nearly full, delete apps or files you do not need first.

If you are selling or giving away the old tablet, erase it after the transfer is complete. On iPad, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. This removes your personal information and prevents the next owner from accessing your accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer apps and their saved data without transferring everything else?

Not in one step. If you sign in with your account on the new tablet, apps read and your account data restores, but you will need to read each app individually from the app store. Some apps store saved games or settings in your account automatically; others do not. Check each app's settings to see if it offers cloud save or account sync.

How long does a full transfer take?

A complete backup transfer usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how much data you have, your internet speed, and which method you use. A wired transfer through a computer is often faster than iCloud. A selective transfer of just photos and documents takes 10 to 20 minutes.

What if I do not have Wi-Fi during the transfer?

You can use mobile data if your tablet has a cellular connection, but it will be slower and may use a lot of data. A full backup can use 1 to 5 gigabytes or more depending on your photos and videos. Use Wi-Fi if possible. If you must use mobile data, transfer just essential files and read apps later on Wi-Fi.

Do I need to keep my old tablet turned on during the transfer?

For most methods, no. iCloud backup and Google Account sync work in the background. For the iPad-to-iPad camera migration and SmartSwitch wireless transfer, both tablets must stay on and near each other until the transfer finishes. If the connection drops, you can restart and pick up where you left off.

Can I transfer data from a tablet that is broken or will not turn on?

Not directly. If the tablet will not turn on, you cannot use any transfer method. If it turns on but has a cracked screen or other damage, you can still transfer data as long as you can navigate the settings. If the tablet is completely inaccessible, your only option is to restore from a backup you made before it broke, which requires a working tablet or computer.