Data Migration when Switching from a Smartphone with Google Android to a Volla Phone with VollaOS

Data Migration When Switching from a Smartphone with Google Android to a VollaPhone with VollaOS

This page describes the process of data migration when switching from a smartphone with a standard Google Android operating system to a VollaPhone running VollaOS. VollaOS is a privacy-friendly Android variant without Google services, based on open-source principles. The focus is on a secure and controlled transfer of personal data, apps, and settings.

Important: Before starting the migration, create a complete backup of your data on the old device. VollaOS does not support Google services like Google Backup, so data must be migrated manually. Ensure that the VollaPhone is initially set up basically before beginning the migration.

Before you start, please familiarize yourself with the following information, which is helpful for switching to VollaOS and data migration:

• VollaOS Basic Knowledge
• VollaOS – System – Settings
• Backups of All Important Data
• Methods for Transferring Files Between VollaOS and a Desktop
• Nextcloud - Setup for Address Book and Calendar
• F-Droid App Store

Preparation

Before beginning the migration, ensure that:

• The old Android device is up to date and all apps are updated.
• The VollaPhone with VollaOS is set up (e.g., including personal cloud services like Nextcloud, etc.).
• You have access to a computer or an external USB-C storage medium to transfer data.
• F-Droid and Aurora Store on the VollaPhone are up to date to reinstall apps.

Migration of Contacts (Address Books)

Contacts can easily be exported and imported using the VCF format (vCard).

1. On the old Android device:
   • Open the Contacts app.
   • Go to Settings > Export.
   • Select all contacts and export them as a .vcf file (e.g., to internal storage or an SD card).
2. Transfer the .vcf file to the VollaPhone.
3. On the VollaPhone:
   • Open the Contacts app.
   • Go to Settings > Import.
   • Select the .vcf file and import the contacts. Make sure to select "Device" and not "Device storage" as the storage location for the contacts, otherwise other apps (such as the Phone app) cannot access your contacts.

Tip: If contacts were synchronized with Google, disable synchronization before exporting to avoid duplicates.

Migration of Apps

Apps are not transferred directly but installed fresh to ensure compatibility with VollaOS. VollaOS does not directly support the Google Play Store, so use Aurora Store instead. Note: Aurora Store does not support app purchases. Pro versions would therefore need to be purchased through alternative payment methods. Please inquire with the respective app provider for details.

1. Note down all installed apps on the old device (e.g., via Settings > Apps).
2. On the VollaPhone:
   • Use F-Droid (an open-source app store) or Aurora Store (a frontend for the Google Play Store without tracking).
   • Search for and install the apps anew via F-Droid or Aurora Store.
   • Avoid apps that require Google services (after all, you switched to VollaPhone for a reason); choose alternatives like open-source apps.

Note: Some apps (especially banking apps or apps for financial transactions) may not be available or may have limited functionality on VollaOS. Check compatibility in advance.

Migration of App Data

App data is not transferred automatically. Use the built-in export/import functions of the apps where available.

1. For each app on the old device:
   • Open the app and look for an export function (e.g., under Settings > Backup or Export).
   • Export the data as a file (e.g., .csv, .json, or app-specific format).
2. Transfer the exported files to the VollaPhone.
3. On the VollaPhone:
   • Install the app anew.
   • Open the app and import the data via the import function.

Examples:

• For messaging apps like Signal: Use the backup function and transfer the backup file.
• For note-taking apps like Standard Notes: Export notes as text files.
• For calendar apps: Export as .ics file and import into the Calendar app on VollaOS. If you use a cloud service like Nextcloud, you can synchronize both contacts and calendars as usual and do not need import processes.

Warning: Not all apps offer export functions. In such cases, data may be lost. In that case, check whether app-specific user data is stored in the Android directory, back it up by copying to a backup medium, and then import it into the identical Android folder on the VollaPhone.

Migration of Personal Folders and Files

Personal files from the user directory (e.g., Downloads, Pictures, Music) can be transferred directly.

1. On the old Android device:
   • Connect the device via USB to a computer.
   • Copy the relevant folders from internal storage (e.g., /DCIM for photos, /Downloads, /Music).
   • Pay attention to hidden folders like .android or app-specific directories.
2. Transfer the copied folders to the VollaPhone (via USB or SD card).
3. On the VollaPhone:
   • Connect it via USB to the computer.
   • Paste the folders into the corresponding directories (e.g., /storage/emulated/0/DCIM for photos).

Tip for advanced users: Use tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for precise transfer if you are technically proficient. Ensure that file permissions are preserved.

After the Migration

• Check all migrated data for completeness.
• Update passwords and logins in the apps.
• Uninstall unnecessary apps on the VollaPhone to save storage.
• Set up VollaOS-specific features, such as the Volla Launcher or privacy settings.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Problem: Apps do not start on VollaOS. Solution: Look for alternatives in F-Droid or check compatibility by inquiring with the app provider.
• Problem: Duplicate contacts. Solution: Use the duplicate cleanup function in the Contacts app.
• Problem: Files not visible. Solution: Refresh the file manager or restart the device.