How to move your gift money records to a new phone
Short answer: most ledger apps keep records only on the phone, so they don't follow you unless a backup is on. Before you switch, check that Google backup is on, then export a backup file as a second copy.
Years of records, gone in a day
The most common one-star review for gift ledger apps reads like this: "Changed my phone and all the data was gone." A gift ledger is kept for five or ten years; a phone lasts two or three.
Without the record you can't tell who came to your wedding with what, and you usually find out only when it's time to return the favor.
Why records disappear
Apps without accounts store data on the device. A fresh install on a new phone starts empty unless the app allows Android backup, your phone's Google backup is on, and your transfer tool doesn't skip that app's data.
Option 1: Google auto backup
If the app supports Android Auto Backup, there's little to do. Before switching:
- On the old phone, open Settings → Google → Backup and make sure backup is on.
- Tap "Back up now".
- Set up the new phone with the same Google account and choose to restore from backup.
- Install the app from Google Play and open it — your people and events should be there.
Option 2: a backup file (most reliable)
Auto backup can be skipped depending on the phone or settings. For years of records, keep a file copy too.
- In the app's settings, export a backup file and save it to Google Drive or email it to yourself.
- On the new phone, install the app and import that file from settings.
- Compare the number of people and event totals before you wipe the old phone.
How Giftbook handles it
Giftbook backs up to your Google account through Android Auto Backup with no login, and lets you export and import a JSON backup file from Settings. A CSV export for Excel gives you one more copy outside the app.
A gift ledger that survives a new phone
Get Giftbook on Google Play