How to Transfer Games from Android to Android

Transferring games from one Android device to another may seem like a daunting task, but with the right methods and tools, it can be a relatively simple process. Whether you’ve just purchased a new Android phone or tablet, or you simply want to share your favorite games with a friend, this blog post will guide you through the steps to transfer your games seamlessly.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Transfer Games from Android to Android

There are several reasons why you may need to transfer games from one Android device to another.
1. Upgrading to a new device: When purchasing a new phone or tablet, you wouldn’t want to lose all your progress and have to start your favorite games from scratch. Transferring games ensures that you can continue where you left off and avoid the frustration of starting over.
2. Sharing with friends: If you have a multiplayer game that you enjoy playing with friends, transferring the game to their device allows you to play together without the need for multiple copies of the same game.
3. Backing up game data: Transferring games also serves as a backup method for your game data. In case your device gets damaged or lost, you can easily restore your games on a new device without any hassle.

Method 1: Using Google Play Games

Google Play Games is a built-in feature in Android devices that allows you to transfer game progress and achievements between devices. Here are the steps to transfer games using Google Play Games:

1. Open the Google Play Games app on both the source and target devices.
2. On the source device, tap on your profile picture or avatar to access your account settings.
3. Select "Settings" and then "Save game data".
4. Tap on "Enable save game data" and choose either "Automatically save my game data" or "Ask me every time".
5. Open the game you want to transfer and ensure that you are signed in to your Google account within the game.
6. Play the game and make some progress, such as completing a level or earning achievements.
7. On the target device, repeat steps 1 and 2 to access your account settings.
8. Select "Settings" and then "Save game data".
9. Enable save game data and ensure that you are signed in to the same Google account as the source device.
10. Open the game on the target device and you should see a prompt asking if you want to continue where you left off on the source device. Tap "Yes" to transfer the game.

Pros:
– Easy and convenient method as it utilizes the built-in Google Play Games feature.
– Transfers both game progress and achievements.
– Works for a wide range of games.

Cons:
– Some games may not be compatible with Google Play Games.
– Requires a stable internet connection for the transfer to work.

Method 2: Using a File Manager App

If the game you want to transfer does not support Google Play Games, you can use a file manager app to manually move the game data. Follow these steps:

1. Install a file manager app such as ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer on both the source and target devices.
2. Open the file manager app on the source device and navigate to the folder where the game data is stored. This location may vary depending on the game, but it is typically found in the device’s internal storage under the "Android" folder.
3. Locate the folder named after the game you want to transfer and long-press on it to select it.
4. Tap on the "Copy" or "Cut" option to copy or cut the folder.
5. Navigate to a desired location in the internal storage or an external SD card on the source device.
6. Tap on the "Paste" option to transfer the game folder to the new location.
7. Connect the source device to the target device using a USB cable, or transfer the game folder to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
8. On the target device, open the file manager app and navigate to the location where you saved the game folder.
9. Long-press on the game folder and select the "Copy" or "Cut" option.
10. Navigate to the original game folder location on the target device and tap on the "Paste" option to transfer the game data.

Pros:
– Works for games that do not support Google Play Games.
– Allows you to manually transfer game data without relying on cloud services.

Cons:
– Requires some technical knowledge to navigate and locate game data folders.
– May not work for all games, as game data folder locations may vary.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party App

There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that specialize in transferring game data between Android devices. One such app is Helium – App Sync and Backup. Here’s how to use Helium to transfer games:

1. Install and open Helium – App Sync and Backup on both the source and target devices.
2. On the source device, tap on "Backup" and select the games you want to transfer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a backup of the selected games.
4. Once the backup is complete, connect the source device to the target device using a USB cable.
5. On the source device, open Helium and tap on "Restore and Sync".
6. Select the backup you created earlier and choose the games you want to transfer.
7. Tap on "Restore" to transfer the games to the target device.

Pros:
– Third-party apps like Helium offer a user-friendly interface for transferring game data.
– Allows you to selectively choose which games to transfer.
– Works for both rooted and non-rooted devices.

Cons:
– Some third-party apps may have limitations for transferring certain games.
– Requires installation of an additional app on both devices.

Method 4: Via Bluetooth

If you don’t have access to the internet or a USB cable, you can also transfer games between Android devices using Bluetooth. Here’s how:

1. Enable Bluetooth on both the source and target devices.
2. On the source device, go to the game you want to transfer and open its settings.
3. Look for an option to create a backup or export game data. This option may vary depending on the game.
4. Choose to export the game data and select "Bluetooth" as the method of transfer.
5. On the target device, open Bluetooth settings and search for nearby devices.
6. Pair the source device with the target device by following the on-screen instructions.
7. Once the devices are paired, go to the Bluetooth section on the target device and look for the file sent from the source device.
8. Tap on the file to receive it on the target device.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to import the game data into the game on the target device.

Pros:
– Does not require an internet connection or USB cable.
– Can transfer games directly between devices.

Cons:
– Transfer speed may be slower compared to other methods.
– Limited by the file size and compatibility of the Bluetooth protocol.

What to Do If You Can’t Transfer Games

If you encounter any issues while trying to transfer games between Android devices, here are some fixes you can try:

1. Update the game: Make sure that both the source and target devices have the latest version of the game installed. Developers often release updates that improve compatibility and performance.
2. Check app permissions: Ensure that the game has the necessary permissions to access storage and other relevant features on both devices.
3. Reinstall the game: If the game is not transferring properly, try uninstalling and reinstalling it on both devices. This may resolve any potential compatibility issues.
4. Contact game support: If all else fails, reach out to the game’s support team for assistance. They may have specific instructions or workarounds for transferring games.

Bonus Tips

1. Use cloud storage: If you have limited storage space on your devices, consider using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to transfer game data. Upload the game data from the source device and download it on the target device.
2. Keep backups: It is always a good idea to regularly back up your game data, either through built-in features or third-party apps. This ensures that you have a copy of your progress in case of device loss or damage.
3. Check game compatibility: Before attempting to transfer a game, check if it supports the transfer method you plan to use. Some games may have restrictions on transferring game data.

5 FAQs

Q1: Can I transfer games between Android and iOS devices?

A1: Generally, games are not compatible between different operating systems. You will need to find alternative methods or specific apps that support cross-platform transfers for individual games.

Q2: Will transferring games delete my progress on the source device?

A2: Transferring games should not delete your progress on the source device. However, it’s always a good practice to back up your game data before attempting any transfers.

Q3: Do all games support Google Play Games?

A3: No, not all games support Google Play Games. Developers need to implement the feature into their games for it to work. Check the game’s description or settings to see if Google Play Games is supported.

Q4: Can I transfer games without an internet connection?

A4: Yes, you can transfer games using the other methods mentioned in this blog post, such as using a file manager app or Bluetooth. These methods do not require an internet connection.

Q5: Can I transfer in-app purchases along with the game data?

A5: In most cases, in-app purchases are tied to your Google Play account and should be automatically restored when you transfer the game. However, some games may have specific restrictions on transferring in-app purchases, so it’s always best to check with the game’s support team.

Final Thoughts

Transferring games from one Android device to another doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By utilizing built-in features like Google Play Games, or by using third-party apps and tools, you can seamlessly transfer game progress and data. Whether you’re upgrading to a new device or sharing games with friends, these methods will help you keep your progress intact. Remember to always back up your game data and check for game compatibility before attempting any transfers. Happy gaming!