How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone: 4 Easy Methods

Transferring data from your old iPhone to a new iPhone copies all your apps, photos, messages, settings, and personal files in minutes. You can do this using iCloud, transferring directly between iPhones, or restoring from an iCloud backup—even if your old phone is gone. Here’s how to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone:

Preparation: Get Both iPhones Ready

Before transferring data, complete these 5 steps:

1. Update software

   • Go to Settings > General > Software Update on bothiPhones.
   • Install the latest iOS version.

2. Charge your devices

   • Ensure both iPhones have 60%+ battery.
   • Plug them into power during the transfer.

3. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

   • Enable both in Control Center or Settings.
   • Why? Direct transfers need these to work.
   • (Learn more: iPhone Bluetooth Guide | iPhone Wi-Fi Settings)

4. Back up your old iPhone

   • Open Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
   • Tap Back Up Now.

5. Reset your new iPhone (if already set up)

   • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
   • This returns it to the "Hello" setup screen.

Skip this only if your new iPhone is brand-new and unopened!

How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone

Method 1: Transfer Directly from iPhone to iPhone (Best for Full Setup)

Use this if:

• You have both iPhones.
• You want to keep app logins, home screen layouts, and settings.

Steps:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and swipe up from the "Hello" screen.
2. Select your language and country.
3. When the Quick Start screen appears, bring your old iPhone close.
4. Tap Continue on the old iPhone’s pop-up.
5. Scan the swirling animation on the new iPhone with your old iPhone’s camera.
6. Enter your old iPhone’s passcode on the new device.
7. Choose Transfer from iPhone at the "Transfer Your Data" screen.
8. Follow prompts to set up Face ID, Apple Pay, and eSIM (if needed).
9. Wait for the transfer to finish (time depends on data size).

Pros:

• Copies everything: messages, photos, home screen, app logins.
• No background downloads needed.

Cons:

• Both iPhones are unusable during the transfer.
• Takes longer than iCloud (30 mins to 2 hours).

Method 2: Use iCloud Backup (Fastest Start)

Use this if:

• You have your old iPhone (or a recent backup).
• You want to use your new iPhone quickly.

Steps:

1. On your new iPhone, reach the "Transfer Your Data" screen (Steps 1-6 above).
2. Choose Download from iCloud.
3. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
4. Pick the latest backup of your old iPhone.
5. Complete setup steps (Face ID, eSIM, etc.).
6. Your iPhone will restore apps and data in the background while you use it.

Pros:

• Start using your new iPhone in 5 minutes.
• Apps/data download quietly over Wi-Fi.

Cons:

• You’ll need to re-login to apps like email or social media.
• Photos/messages may take hours to fully sync.

Don’t have enough iCloud space? Apple gives free temporary storage for transfers! Just tap "Get Started" when prompted during backup.

Method 3: Restore from iCloud Backup (Old iPhone Missing)

Use this if:

• Your old iPhone is lost, broken, or erased.
• You have an iCloud backup.

Steps:

1. On your new iPhone, swipe up from the "Hello" screen.
2. Tap Set Up Without Another Device.
3. At "Transfer Your Apps & Data," choose From iCloud Backup.
4. Sign in with your Apple ID.
5. Select your most recent backup.
6. Complete setup steps.

Note:

• Ensure your backup is recent in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup on any device.

Method 4: Transfer Using a Computer (For Large Data or Selective Files)

Use this if:

• Wireless transfers fail.
• You only want to move some data (e.g., photos but not apps).

Tools like iCareFone work like this:

Pros:

• Transfer 100GB in ~20 minutes.
• Pick exactly what to move (contacts, photos, etc.).
• Works without your old iPhone.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Quick Start prompt not showing?
  Restart both iPhones (How to Force Restart). Ensure Bluetooth/Wi-Fi are on.

• Transfer stuck?
  Keep both iPhones plugged in. If frozen over 1 hour, restart and retry.

• Apps ask for logins after transfer?
  This is normal for security. Re-enter passwords.

• eSIM won’t activate?
  Contact your carrier or set up cellular manually.

Before You Say Goodbye to Your Old iPhone

1. Check your new iPhone:
   • Open Photos, Messages, Mail, and key apps.
   • Verify everything transferred.
2. Turn off Find My iPhone on the old device:
   Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > Off
   (Detailed Guide)
3. Erase your old iPhone:
   Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings

iPhone Data Transfer FAQs

1. Why won’t my old iPhone detect the new one during Quick Start?

Fix: Ensure both devices have Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled, are plugged into power, and are running iOS 16 or later. Restart both phones (Force Restart Guide) and hold them within 3 inches of each other.

2. Can I transfer data without Wi-Fi?

No. iCloud backups, direct transfers, and eSIM activation all require Wi-Fi. For offline options, use a computer tool like iCareFone or transfer files individually via AirDrop.

3. Why do my apps keep asking for logins after transferring?

Security feature: Banking, social media, and email apps require reauthentication. If you used Direct Transfer, fewer apps will need this vs. iCloud.

4. How long does transferring 200GB of data take?

**Depends on internet speed.

5. What if my old iPhone is broken/lost?
Restore from iCloud Backup (Method 3). If no backup exists:

• Recover photos via iCloud.com
• Sync contacts via iCloud Settings
• Use third-party tools like iCareFone to extract data from an iTunes backup.

Conclusion: Transfer Success Starts Here

Transferring data to a new iPhone is stress-free if you:

1. Prepare (update iOS, charge devices, back up old iPhone).
2. Pick the right method:
   • Use Direct Transfer to keep app logins and settings.
   • Choose iCloud for speed or if your old iPhone is missing.
   • Try computer tools for large or selective transfers.
3. Verify everything works before erasing your old device.

For more setup tips:

• Customize your Home Screen
• Transfer from Android to iPhone
• Master iPhone Settings