How To Clone A Cell Phone In 2022

Phone cloning is no longer as far-fetched as it was during the early stages of the digital age. In fact, through the help of various software and programs, this has become easily achievable by anyone including the less tech-savvy people. No longer do you need special equipment that’s only seen on Sci-Fi movies or have to undergo special training. 

There could be varying reasons why one might find it necessary to clone a mobile device. In the same way, there are different methods on how to go about doing so. Whatever your purpose and/or preferred means are, be sure to always proceed with extreme caution. Be responsible when transferring and handling data, especially if you’ll be utilizing virtual connections. Be mindful of the prying eyes lurking in the world wide web. Once prepared, read on to learn how to clone a cell phone.

Cell Phone Cloning – Is It Possible To Transfer Phone Data?

The short answer is, Yes. In fact, not only is it possible but it is easily achievable. This is because, in this technologically advanced era, there are various accessible ways on how to clone a phone remotely and manually. Over time, several innovations have been introduced to help users, even less tech-savvy ones, utilize technology without much hassle. One of which is cloning software.

Before we delve deeper into how to clone a phone, let’s first discuss what phone cloning is in the first place. And nope, by cloning, we don’t mean physically creating another identical device out of nowhere. 

Cloning means duplicating. In most cases, instead of the physical device being duplicated, it’s the software that’s being cloned. Depending on the purpose or goal, either the whole phone system is being cloned or just certain aspects like:

• Data – Most people who clone devices aim to transfer phone data, like a regular data backup process. Copying of files is considered cloning – from activity logs to documents to conversation threads to multimedia documents. 
• Customization – Some may clone a certain device to duplicate customization settings. For instance, parents who’ve set up their eldest child’s phone to make it more kid-friendly likely want to duplicate such settings on their younger children’s gadgets to save time and energy.
• Protocols – Security protocols and privacy settings could be cause for phone cloning. This typically occurs in workplaces where the information technologists set up a mother device or mother network, applying all preferred and needed protocols for replication on company-issued devices.
• Tools – Several users download third-party applications in addition to the readily available default apps. Then since downloading and setting up such tools could be time-consuming, phone cloning would be a wiser move.

Cloning Android Devices – How Is It Done?

Cloning Android devices is straightforward especially since there’s several third-party tools and software available at your disposal. Most of these programs allow users to clone a phone remotely.

Here are some ways to duplicate an Android device.

1. Google Drive

By default, Google Drive is the default cloud storage of most Android devices. It’s a great tool for data backup and file retrieval or restoration. From your old/original Android, navigate to the Settings page then choose Backup & Reset. Then select which specific account(s) to back up and turn on Automatic Restore if needed.

Access the new/other Android then complete the setup. Log in to the Google account used on the old/original Android. Select the backup file, including the apps and app data that you wish to transfer then click on Restore.

2. Phone Clone

If you’re a Huawei user, you may utilize their built-in cloning tool, Phone Clone. This allows wireless transfers of data from one Android to another, enabling quick and easy set up of new Android devices. 

Phone Clone is available as a third-party app for other Android devices; it can be downloaded from Google Play. Launch Phone Clone on both devices then tap on the This is the old device on the phone to be cloned and tap This is the new device on the phone where the data will be transferred. The sender must connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot created by the receiver. Once the connection is established, tap the Send button on the source device.

3. File Transfer App

You may utilize device-sharing apps or software like SHAREit. Such cross-platform data transferring tools make use of a wireless connection to transfer files at an ultra-fast speed. 

First, ensure the app is installed on both devices and Bluetooth, Location, and Wi-Fi are enabled. Tap Send from the source phone and select the files to be transferred. Tap Receive on the other Android to create a unique key or a barcode which will be utilized to establish the connection. Note that the devices must be within each other’s proximity to ensure fast and smooth cloning.

4. Mirroring Software

With a so-called mirroring software, easily mirror the screen of the Android device. Unlike Android to Android cloning though, these mirroring programs typically work on an Android to PC set up.

5. Tracking Tool

Another great way of making copies of files and activity logs from a mobile device is through the use of efficient and reliable tracking tools. Such monitoring apps are compatible with all versions of Android. They’re designed to automatically extract information from the target device and simultaneously upload the data in a web-based control panel. All you have to do is purchase the software, install via an over-the-air (OTA) link, activate using a unique license key, and access the personal dashboard.

Cloning iPhones – How Is It Done?

Similar to Android, iPhone data can also be transferred or duplicated. Here are some methods you could utilize.

1. Built-In Back-Up

You may utilize Apple’s exclusive storage and built-in backup features – iCloud or iTunes – to clone any iOS device. 

• Via iCloud

iCloud allows remote cloning since it’s web-based storage. From the source iPhone, navigate to the Settings > select your iPhone [name] > iCloud. To start the backup process, tap iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.

On the target phone, ensure that you’re starting from the initial setup process. Otherwise, you’ll need to wipe out or restore its default settings. By following the on-screen instructions, continue setting up the device until you come across Apps & Data Screen. From there, select Restore from iCloud Backup and sign into the iCloud account used on the source phone. Select the applicable backup, apply changes, and wait for the restoring process to complete.

• Via iTunes

Unlike iCloud, iTunes isn’t a remote or wireless process; you’ll be needing a computer to complete cloning. Using a USB cord, connect the source iPhone to the computer and wait for iTunes to run automatically. Click on the iOS device icon (or name), select Summary, then choose Back Up Now. 

Once backed up, connect the new or target iPhone to the same computer. Select the device and click on Restore Backup. Choose the applicable backup then click Restore.

2. Third-Party Back-Up

If you’re utilizing third-party cloud storage, you may also use such to backup iPhone data and/or clone settings. Depending on the software or app being utilized, simply follow the on-screen instructions to duplicate files from the source phone and apply similar settings to the target device. 

3. Spy Apps

Tracking apps could also be great tools for creating copies of iPhone activity logs, files, and phone data. Setting up such programs is straightforward, with most spy apps not requiring jailbreaking the target iPhone. Once set up, it will automatically extract data and upload it to the cloud-based dashboard. From there, you can access or download the comprehensive reports.

Using Phone Cloning App – Is It Legal?

Phone cloning applications, in general, aren’t illegal. This is specifically true for cloning tools that are downloadable from trusted sources or platforms like Google Play and the App Store. While there are certain instances where signed consent is necessary, cloning phone data like phone call logs, text messages, multimedia files, phone diagnostics, or online activity history is generally legal and acceptable. Nevertheless, be sure to still proceed with extreme caution and handle all acquired information responsibly.

Note, however, phone cloning involving the acquisition of cellular identity is unlawful. In most countries, cloning a phone’s unique identifiers, including IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), ESN (Equipment Serial Number), or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier), and MIN (Mobile Identification Number) is restricted.

Why Might You Need To Clone an Android Phone or iOS Device

Now that you’ve learned how to remotely clone Android phones and iPhones, even without the need to root or jailbreak the devices, the real question is, Why might you need to do it? 

There could be varying reasons why one might want or need to clone mobile devices. Bear in mind not all purposes are legal and the ends don’t always justify the means. Plus, take time to learn and understand your local or state laws to avoid facing legal ramifications. 

Here are some of the main reasons why you might have to clone your personal or somebody else’s Android or iOS device.

• Retain or apply similar settings on the new device.
• Backup confidential data and/or sensitive information.
• Set up company devices efficiently.
• Protect children from cyber threats.
• Drive higher productivity in the workplace.
• Save data from reinstalling mobile applications.
• Keep extra copies of important files like images and documents.