Transfer Data to New iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Instructions

Transfer data to new iPhone can feel annoying, even if getting a new device is exciting. The good news is Apple has made the process simple, and there are several reliable ways to move everything over without stress.

The easiest way to transfer data to a new iPhone is using Quick Start. It wirelessly moves everything from your old iPhone when both devices are close by.

This feature comes built-in on any iPhone running iOS 11 or later. Most of the transfer is automatic—pretty much just sit back and let it do its thing.

There are other ways, too. You can use iCloud backups, plug into a computer, or move stuff one piece at a time if you really want to.

Each option has its perks, depending on your Wi-Fi, storage space, or just how you like to do things.

Key Takeaways

• Quick Start is the fastest wireless method if both iPhones are nearby.
• Backing up your old device and having solid internet is important before starting.
• You’ve got options: iCloud, computers, or manual file transfers for different needs.

Preparation Before Transferring Data

Getting both phones ready ahead of time saves headaches later. You’ll want to back up your old device, update software, check your Wi-Fi, and sign in to your Apple account.

Backup Your Old Device

Backing up protects your data if something goes sideways. You can use iCloud or a computer—either works.

iCloud Backup Steps:

• Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
• Tap “Back Up Now” and let it finish
• Double-check that your backup includes all the stuff you care about

Computer Backup Steps:

• Plug your iPhone into your Mac or PC
• Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)
• Select your device and hit “Back Up Now”

Backups can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. It all depends on how much is on your phone.

Keep your old iPhone plugged in while it’s backing up. No one wants a dead battery mid-process.

Update iOS Software

Having the latest iOS on both devices helps avoid weird glitches. Old software can mess up the transfer or leave out features.

Check for Updates:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update
• Download and install whatever’s there
• Restart after updating—just to be safe

You’ll need iOS 11 or later on your old phone to use Quick Start. The new one should be as updated as possible.

Updates can be big, so it’s best to do this on Wi-Fi. Sometimes it takes a while, so maybe grab a coffee in the meantime.

Check Wi-Fi Network and Power

Good Wi-Fi and power are non-negotiable for a smooth transfer. Slow internet or a dying battery can ruin your day.

Wi-Fi Requirements:

• Both iPhones should be on the same Wi-Fi network
• Test your internet speed if you’re not sure it’s decent
• Stay close to your router while transferring

Power Requirements:

• Plug in both devices
• Check that the chargers and cables aren’t sketchy
• Don’t unplug until you’re done

Small transfers might be done in 30 minutes. Big ones can take hours, so patience is key.

Honestly, skip cellular data for this. Wi-Fi is way faster and more reliable.

Sign In with Your Apple Account

You’ll need to be signed in on both iPhones. That’s how all your purchases, photos, and stuff get linked up.

Apple Account Setup:

• Settings > Sign in to your iPhone
• Type in your Apple ID and password
• Turn on two-factor authentication if it asks

Use the same Apple ID on both devices. Otherwise, you might lose access to apps or content.

If you’ve forgotten your password, just reset it at iforgot.apple.com. Happens to the best of us.

Important Account Settings:

• Switch on iCloud for contacts, photos, and messages
• Glance at your App Store purchase history
• Make sure payment info is up to date

Your Apple account also syncs things like wallpapers and app layouts. It’s nice when your new phone just feels right from the start.

Using Quick Start for Seamless Transfer

Quick Start is the go-to for moving data wirelessly from iPhone to iPhone. Both devices need Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, then you just follow the prompts.

Initiate Quick Start

Get both devices ready—old iPhone on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth enabled. Place the new iPhone near the old one and turn it on.

The Quick Start screen should pop up on the old phone pretty quickly. If it doesn’t, just reboot both and try again.

Important requirements:

• Old iPhone must have iOS 11 or later
• Keep both devices close together
• Pick a time when you don’t need either phone for a bit

Hit “Continue” on the old iPhone. The new one will show a spinning animation—scan that with your old phone’s camera.

Connect via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

The phones pair up over Bluetooth first. Hold your old phone over the new one to scan the animation.

Wait for the “Finish on New iPhone” message. That means you’re good to go.

The new iPhone will ask for your old phone’s passcode. Type it in, just like unlocking your old device.

Set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new phone—it’ll walk you through it.

Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or activate cellular service if it asks. This kicks off the actual transfer.

Complete Transfer Using Quick Start Screen

After the basics, you’ll see transfer options. You can move everything directly, or restore from iCloud if you prefer.

Transfer options:

• Direct transfer: Copies data wirelessly, device to device
• iCloud download: Pulls your stuff from a cloud backup

If you go direct, keep both phones close and plugged in. It might take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Don’t wander off with either phone during the process. There’s a progress bar so you’ll know how it’s going.

Once it’s done, your new iPhone should look and feel just like your old one. Apps, photos, messages, settings—the works.

Transferring Data Using iCloud

iCloud backup is perfect if you don’t have your old iPhone handy. All your data and purchases get moved over—just need to make a backup first, then restore it when you set up the new phone.

Create an iCloud Backup

Before anything else, make sure your old iPhone has a fresh iCloud backup. That’s what you’ll use to restore on your new phone.

On your old iPhone, open Settings. Tap your name at the top.

Choose iCloud from the menu. Then tap iCloud Backup.

If it’s not already on, flip the switch for iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now and let it run.

Staying plugged in and on Wi-Fi is a must here. Backups can take some time, especially with lots of photos or videos.

When it’s done, check the backup date and time. You want to be sure it’s current before moving on.

Restore from iCloud Backup on New iPhone

Your new iPhone needs to be set up from scratch for this. If you already set it up, you’ll have to erase it and start over.

Turn on the new iPhone and follow the steps until you see Apps & Data. Pick Restore from iCloud Backup.

Sign in with the same Apple ID you used for the backup. It’ll ask for your password.

Pick the right backup from the list. Check the date and size to be sure.

If you have more than one Apple ID for purchases, you might need to sign in to those too. If you forget a password, you can skip and deal with it later.

Wait for the restore to finish. Some stuff, like apps and photos, keeps downloading in the background even after setup is done.

Ensure Stable Wi-Fi Connection

Good Wi-Fi is a must for iCloud restores. Bad connections can make it drag on forever or fail outright.

Both phones should be on a solid Wi-Fi network before you start. Seriously, don’t try this on cellular data unless you love overage charges.

Stay near your router the whole time. Wandering too far can mess things up.

Keep your new iPhone on Wi-Fi even after setup. Stuff like photos and music will keep downloading as long as it’s connected.

You can check how things are going in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Big files might take a while, especially videos.

Moving Data with a Computer: iTunes or Finder

Using iTunes or Finder lets you make a full backup of your old iPhone—including apps, settings, and everything else. No internet needed for this way, and if you encrypt the backup, you’ll even keep passwords and health data.

Back Up Your Old iPhone to Computer

Connect your old iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder.

If you’re using Windows or an older Mac, open iTunes. Select your iPhone when it pops up in the sidebar or device list.

You might see a “Trust This Computer” prompt on your phone—go ahead and tap it, then enter your passcode. Click the “Back up all data to Mac” or “This computer” option.

Be sure to check “Encrypt local backup” if you want to save passwords, health data, and keychain info. The encrypted backup needs a password, so pick something memorable.

Honestly, write that password down somewhere safe—you’ll need it later. Click “Back Up Now” and let the process run; it can take a while if you have a lot of data.

Restore Backup onto New iPhone

Turn on your new iPhone and start the setup steps. When you hit the “Apps & Data” screen, tap “Restore from Mac or PC.”

Plug your new iPhone into the same computer you used for the backup. Open Finder or iTunes and select your new device.

Click “Restore Backup” and pick the most recent backup from the list. Double-check the date and size so you grab the right one.

If you set up an encrypted backup, enter your password. The restore should start automatically.

Keep your iPhone plugged in until it’s done—restores can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours if you’ve got a lot of stuff.

Troubleshooting iTunes and Finder Restores

If your iPhone isn’t showing up in iTunes or Finder, try a different USB cable or port. Sometimes a simple restart of both your computer and iPhone helps too.

Update iTunes to the latest version on Windows. On a Mac, check for system updates if Finder seems glitchy.

“Device not found” errors usually come down to driver issues on Windows. Restart your computer and try again.

If the restore fails and your iPhone restarts to the setup screen, just start over from the beginning. Low storage on your computer can also cause problems—free up at least 20GB before you get started.

Transferring Individual Files and Content

Sometimes you only need to move a few files instead of everything. AirDrop is super handy for quick wireless transfers, but there are other ways for things like contacts or photos.

Use AirDrop to Send Files

AirDrop lets you send individual files wirelessly between Apple devices. Just make sure both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.

Enable AirDrop on both iPhones by swiping down from the top-right to open Control Center. Set AirDrop to “Contacts Only” or “Everyone” based on who you want to see you.

To send a file, open the app with the content you want to share. Tap the share button and pick the recipient device from the AirDrop section.

The receiving device will get a popup to accept or decline the transfer. Here are some common file types that work with AirDrop:

• Photos and videos
• Documents
• Contact cards
• Website links
• Notes

AirDrop works best if your devices are within about 30 feet. Large files can take a few minutes, so don’t be surprised if it’s not instant.

Moving Contacts, Photos, and More

Different types of content sometimes need different transfer methods. Contacts move easiest with iCloud sync or by exporting as VCF files.

For contacts, turn on iCloud Contacts on both phones in Settings > [Name] > iCloud. They should sync within a few minutes, but you can also share individual contacts via the Contacts app.

Photos can go through iCloud Photos for automatic syncing. Or, just select a few in the Photos app and use AirDrop or Messages to send them.

Music, apps, and purchased stuff are a bit different. You can re-download apps from the App Store, and music you bought through iTunes or Apple Music shows up when you sign in with the same Apple ID.

Content-specific transfer options:

• Contacts: iCloud sync or VCF export
• Photos: iCloud Photos or AirDrop
• Music: iTunes/Apple Music sync
• Apps: Re-download from App Store

Post-Transfer Steps and Verification

After you’ve moved your data, it’s important to check that everything actually made it over. You’ll also want to secure your old device before handing it off.

Check All Data on New iPhone

Start by checking contacts in the Phone app—make sure everyone’s there. Then open Photos and scroll through your albums to see if anything’s missing.

Pop into Messages and look for your important conversations. Check the Calendar app so you don’t miss any appointments.

Open Notes and make sure your personal notes and shared folders came over. Look through your emails in the Mail app and confirm your accounts are there.

If you use the Health app, check your workout history and health records. Safari bookmarks are worth a look too—just in case your saved sites didn’t come across.

Sign In to Accounts and Redownload Apps

Most apps will ask you to sign in again after a transfer. Start with the essentials like banking, social media, and work stuff.

If something’s missing, head to the App Store and re-download it. Two-factor authentication apps can be tricky—have backup codes ready just in case.

Streaming apps like Netflix or Spotify usually need you to log in again. Same goes for games, especially if you want your progress back.

Work apps might have extra security steps. If you get stuck, it’s probably easiest to contact IT support.

Don’t forget to check your app notification settings—sometimes they reset during the move.

Erase All Content and Settings on Old Device

If you’re selling or giving away your old iPhone, you’ll want to wipe everything. First, sign out of iCloud in Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out.

Then sign out of iTunes & App Store by going to Settings > Media & Purchases > Sign Out. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

Once it’s done, your phone will restart and show the setup screen. That’s your sign the erase worked.

Remove the old device from trusted devices in iCloud settings elsewhere. It’s a small thing, but it can prevent headaches later.

Tips for a Smooth Data Transfer Experience

Having enough iCloud storage and keeping your Apple accounts straight can save you a lot of hassle. A solid wi-fi connection helps too—spotty internet is a classic transfer killer.

Ensuring Sufficient iCloud Storage

Check your iCloud storage before you start. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage to see what you’ve got left.

Most people need at least 5GB free for a basic transfer. Photos and videos are usually the biggest space hogs.

If you’re low on space, here’s what you can do:

• Buy more storage – Plans start at $0.99/month for 50GB
• Delete old backups – Get rid of backups from devices you don’t use anymore
• Turn off app backups – Skip backing up big apps you don’t care about

If there’s not enough space, the transfer just won’t work. Free up space or upgrade before you even try.

Handling Multiple Apple Accounts

Using different Apple accounts on your devices can mess things up. Make sure both phones are signed in to the same iCloud account.

Check your Apple account in Settings > [Your Name]—the email should match on both devices. If you’ve got multiple accounts, sign out of the wrong one first and log in with the right one everywhere.

Some apps might ask for passwords from different accounts, especially if you bought them with another Apple ID. Write down all your Apple account passwords before you start, just in case.

What to Do if Transfer Fails

If things stall, restart both devices—turn them off, then back on. Make sure both are on the same wi-fi network; weak signals can wreck transfers.

If Quick Start refuses to cooperate, try using an iCloud backup instead. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.

During setup, pick “Restore from iCloud Backup” and select the most recent one. Plug both devices into power for the whole process—low battery is a classic reason for failed transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

People always have questions about moving data between iPhones. Here are some of the most common ones, from cloud transfers and post-setup moves to switching from Android, offline options, and troubleshooting headaches.

How can I transfer my data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone using iCloud?

First, make an iCloud backup on your old iPhone. Go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.”

Wait until the backup finishes—it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how much you’ve got. On your new iPhone, pick “Restore from iCloud Backup” during setup and sign in with the same Apple ID.

Choose the most recent backup from the list. Your new iPhone will start downloading your stuff in the background, so you can use it while things finish up.

What are the steps to move apps and data to a new iPhone after initial setup?

You can still transfer data even after you’ve set up your iPhone. Go to Settings > General and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”

Choose “Get Started” under “Transfer from iPhone” and follow the prompts to connect both devices. If you’d rather, you can restore from an iCloud backup—just erase your new iPhone first.

During setup, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” and pick the backup you want. It’s not ideal to erase and start over, but sometimes it’s the only way.

Is it possible to transfer data from an Android device to a new iPhone, and how?

Apple’s “Move to iOS” app makes switching from Android a lot easier. Download it from the Google Play Store on your Android device.

During iPhone setup, select “Move Data from Android” when you see the prompt. Your iPhone will show a code.

Open Move to iOS on your Android, enter the code, and select what you want to move—contacts, photos, messages, etc. The transfer happens wirelessly, so keep both devices close and plugged in until it’s finished.

Can I transfer my data to a new iPhone without using iCloud or any cloud service?

Yeah, you actually can transfer data straight from one iPhone to another, no cloud stuff needed. Apple’s Quick Start does most of the heavy lifting if you’ve got both phones nearby.

This sets up a direct wireless link between your old and new iPhone. The cool part? You don’t even need internet for the transfer itself—just the two phones.

If you prefer computers, there’s always iTunes or Finder. Make a local backup of your old iPhone, then restore that backup to the new one.

And for folks with the right gear, a Lightning to USB-C cable lets you do a wired transfer between compatible iPhones. No cloud, just a cable and a bit of patience.

What should I do if my iPhone fails to transfer data to my new device?

First off, double-check that both iPhones have enough battery—plug them in if you’re not sure. It’s also important to keep the devices close together while they’re transferring.

Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both switched on. If things get stuck or just won’t start, a quick restart of both iPhones sometimes does the trick.

Check the new iPhone’s storage. If there’s not enough space, well, the transfer isn’t going to happen.

If you’re still hitting a wall, you could try making an iCloud backup as a backup plan. Logging out and back into iCloud on both devices can sometimes shake things loose, too.

How do I use the Quick Start feature to set up my new iPhone with data from my old device?

First things first—turn on your new iPhone. Place it close to your current device, as long as it’s running iOS 11 or later.

Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are switched on for both phones. Without those, this whole thing just won’t work.

Your old iPhone should pop up a setup screen. Hit “Continue” to get rolling with Quick Start.

When prompted, use your new iPhone’s camera to scan the swirling animation on your old phone. It’s a little futuristic, honestly, and it sets up a secure connection between the two.

You’ll get to pick: transfer directly from your old phone, or pull your stuff down from iCloud. Direct transfer ties up both devices for a while, but iCloud lets you start poking around your new phone right away.

Keep both iPhones plugged in and close together until everything’s done moving over. How long it takes? That depends on how much data you’ve got—could be quick, could take a bit.