How to Transfer Data from an Old iPhone to a New iPhone

The simplest way to move from an old iPhone to a new one is Apple's Quick Start. Keep the old iPhone connected to Wi-Fi with Bluetooth on, turn on the new iPhone, place the devices near each other, and follow the setup prompts. During setup, you can transfer directly from the old iPhone or download your data from iCloud.

Do not erase or trade in the old iPhone until you have confirmed that the new iPhone has the photos, messages, apps, account access, and other data you need.

Method 1: Transfer directly with Quick Start

  1. Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and make sure Bluetooth is on.
  2. Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one.
  3. Follow the Quick Start instructions shown on the old iPhone and new iPhone.
  4. Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular service when prompted.
  5. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
  6. Choose how you want to transfer your data.
  7. If you choose a direct device-to-device transfer, keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until migration finishes.

Apple says transfer time varies with factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being moved, so there is no reliable universal “average transfer time.” See Apple's current Quick Start instructions.

Direct transfer vs downloading from iCloud

Option What to expect
Transfer directly from old iPhone You wait for the device-to-device transfer to complete before both devices are fully available.
Download from iCloud Apps and data can continue downloading in the background, allowing the new iPhone to become usable sooner.

The better choice depends on your backup status, network connection, how much data you have, and whether you still have the old iPhone available.

Method 2: Use a wired iPhone-to-iPhone transfer

Apple also supports direct cable migration. For an iPhone 15 or later transferring to another iPhone 15 or later, Apple specifies a USB-C Charge Cable. For an iPhone 14 or earlier transferring to an iPhone 15 or later, Apple specifies a USB-C to Lightning Cable. Follow Apple's current wired-transfer instructions for the connector combination that matches your devices.

A wired connection can be useful when you prefer not to rely entirely on the wireless device-to-device link, but the setup still includes steps such as activation and authentication.

Method 3: Create an iCloud backup for the new iPhone

If you do not have enough normal iCloud storage to back up your current iPhone, Apple may provide temporary iCloud storage when you buy a new iPhone and meet the eligibility requirements.

  1. On the old iPhone, open Settings.
  2. Go to General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Under Prepare for New iPhone, tap Get Started.
  4. If prompted that iCloud Backup is off, turn it on for the transfer.
  5. If Apple shows that you qualify for temporary storage, continue and wait for the temporary backup to finish.

Apple currently gives 21 days to restore a temporary backup before it expires. Apple also specifically warns not to erase the current device until that temporary backup has been restored to the new one. See Apple's temporary iCloud storage instructions.

If the new iPhone is already set up

If you already completed setup and now want to use a restore workflow that only appears in Setup Assistant, you may need to erase the new iPhone and start setup again.

Data-loss warning: Erasing the new iPhone removes content currently stored on that new device. Before erasing it, make sure anything created or received on the new iPhone has been synced or backed up if you need to keep it.

What should you check before erasing the old iPhone?

  • Open Photos and confirm recent photos and videos are present or still syncing.
  • Check Messages and important conversations.
  • Open key apps and confirm you can sign in.
  • Confirm cellular service and eSIM/SIM activation.
  • Check passwords, authenticator apps, banking apps, and other services that may require re-verification.
  • If you use an Apple Watch, verify its setup with the new iPhone.

Some apps and services use their own cloud accounts or security processes, so a successful iPhone transfer does not eliminate every app-specific sign-in step.

Common Quick Start problems

The setup prompt disappears

Apple recommends restarting both devices if the Quick Start prompt disappears from the old device.

The transfer seems slow

Keep both phones plugged in, close together, and connected as instructed. Large libraries and network conditions can significantly change completion time.

You no longer have the old iPhone

If a usable iCloud or computer backup exists, choose the appropriate restore option during setup. The exact data available depends on what was included or synchronized before the old device became unavailable.

Bottom line

Use Quick Start first when both iPhones are available. Choose direct transfer or iCloud based on your circumstances, use Apple's wired option when appropriate, and do not erase the old iPhone until you have verified the new one contains what you need.

Sources

Choose the transfer method before you erase anything

Apple gives you several ways to move to a new iPhone: Quick Start device-to-device transfer, iCloud backup/restore and Mac or PC backup/restore. The right choice depends on whether both phones are present, network speed and how much data you have.

Before you start

  • Update both phones if practical.
  • Connect to reliable Wi-Fi.
  • Keep both devices on power.
  • Know your Apple Account password.
  • Make sure you can receive verification codes.
  • Create a fresh backup if the data matters.

Quick Start

Quick Start is usually the simplest when old and new iPhones are together. Keep them near each other and follow Apple’s onscreen instructions. Do not begin erasing or trading in the old phone just because the new phone reached the Home Screen; allow apps and cloud data to finish restoring.

Direct device-to-device transfer

This can take time depending on data size. Keep both phones powered and avoid separating them until the transfer stage completes. Some content may continue downloading afterward.

iCloud backup transfer

Useful when you have a current backup and strong internet. Check the backup date before relying on it. Photos using iCloud Photos may sync separately from the device backup.

Mac or PC backup

An encrypted computer backup can preserve additional sensitive data such as saved passwords and Health information. Remember the encryption password; losing it can make the backup unusable.

eSIM transfer

Carrier support varies. Follow the prompts on the new iPhone and your carrier’s instructions. Do not delete the old eSIM until service is working on the new phone unless the transfer process explicitly requires it.

Authenticator apps

Two-factor authentication apps can require migration or account-specific recovery. Verify access to important banking, work and email accounts before erasing the old phone.

Apple Watch

Move the watch according to Apple’s current pairing guidance. Make sure watch data is backed up through the normal iPhone/Watch process.

Photos and videos

Confirm recent photos on the new device or in iCloud. Do not manually delete photos from the old phone while iCloud Photos is syncing unless you understand that deletions can propagate.

Messages

If Messages in iCloud is enabled, history can continue syncing after setup. Large histories may take time.

WhatsApp and third-party apps

Some apps use their own backup or transfer process. Open critical apps on the new phone and confirm data before wiping the old device.

Banking apps

Banking apps may require a new-device registration, SMS verification or approval from the old phone. Complete this while you still have access to both devices.

What to verify before erasing the old iPhone

  1. Cellular service works.
  2. Calls and Messages work.
  3. Recent photos are present.
  4. Important apps are logged in.
  5. Authenticator codes work.
  6. Health data is present if important.
  7. Files and notes are synced.
  8. Apple Watch is handled.

Only then erase or trade in

Follow Apple’s official preparation-for-sale steps, including Find My and account sign-out requirements. Do not rush because a trade-in courier is arriving.

If transfer gets stuck

Keep the devices powered, verify network stability and restart only according to Apple guidance. If Quick Start repeatedly fails, a fresh iCloud or encrypted computer backup provides an alternative path.

What does not always transfer automatically

Some authenticator accounts, downloaded offline media, enterprise profiles, transit cards, banking approvals and third-party app data can require separate setup. Make a short list of apps that would be painful to lose access to before you start.

Passwords and passkeys

If you use iCloud Keychain, many credentials sync through your Apple Account. Still confirm access to critical accounts. For third-party password managers, install and sign in before erasing the old phone.

Photos when you do not use iCloud Photos

If your photo library exists only on the old phone, include it in a device transfer or computer backup. Do not assume signing into iCloud will recreate photos that were never uploaded.

Files

Check both iCloud Drive and On My iPhone. Locally stored files inside apps may not behave the same as cloud files.

Trade-in timing

Keep the old phone until you have verified the new one whenever possible. The extra day of overlap is valuable for recovering login approvals, eSIM issues or missing app data.

Transfer checklist after 24 hours

  • Make and receive a call.
  • Send iMessage/SMS.
  • Check email.
  • Open banking apps.
  • Test authenticator codes.
  • Check recent photos.
  • Confirm Find My.
  • Check Apple Watch and Bluetooth accessories.

Final rule

Do not erase the old iPhone because the progress bar finished. Erase it after you have verified the new phone can perform the tasks and access the data you rely on.

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