How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Buying a new iPhone is always exciting, but you may be worried about transferring all your important data from your old iPhone to the new device. Fortunately, Apple offers several methods to transfer data seamlessly. This guide will explain each method step-by-step, ensuring you can migrate your data without any hassle.

1. Using the Quick Start

Quick Start is a feature that allows you to set up your new iPhone using your existing device. It uses both the iPhone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Here's how you can use Quick Start:

Step-by-step guide

• Make sure both your old and new iPhones are turned on and close to each other.
• On your new iPhone, a Quick Start screen will appear, offering to use your Apple ID. Verify that this is your Apple ID and tap Continue.
• An animation will appear on your new iPhone. Hold your old iPhone over the new device until the animation begins to appear in the viewfinder.
• The “Finish on new iPhone” message will pop up on your new device.
• Enter your old iPhone's passcode on your new iPhone when prompted.
• You may also be asked to set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device.
• Finally, choose the option to transfer data from your old iPhone and make sure both devices stay close to each other until the transfer is complete.

2. Using iCloud Backup

If you prefer to use iCloud to transfer your data, you will need a stable internet connection. This method allows you to restore your new iPhone from an iCloud backup of your old iPhone.

Preparing your iPhone

• First, make sure your old iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
• Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then go to iCloud.
• Select iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Note: You may need to make sure some items important to you are turned on under Apps using iCloud.
• Wait for the backup to complete. Make sure the time of the last backup is recent.

Set up a new iPhone

• Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup instructions until you get to the Apps & Data screen.
• Select Restore from iCloud Backup.
• Sign in with your Apple ID.
• Choose the latest backup of your old iPhone.
• Wait for the data transfer to complete and make sure the iPhone stays connected to Wi-Fi during the process.

3. Using iTunes or Finder

This method involves creating a backup of your old iPhone on a computer and then restoring it to the new iPhone. This is a suitable option for those who like to store backups on their computers.

Steps to follow

On your computer

• Connect your old iPhone to your computer using a Lightning cable.
• If you're using a PC or Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. For macOS Catalina and above, open Finder.
• Select your device when it appears on your computer.
• In iTunes, click Summary and then choose Back Up Now. Be sure to encrypt the backup if you want to save Health and Activity data.
• Wait for the process to complete.

On your new iPhone

• Once your backup is complete, begin setting up your new iPhone.
• Connect your new iPhone to the computer.
• In Setup, choose Restore from Mac or PC.
• Select your backup on iTunes or Finder and continue.
• Wait for the restore process to finish before disconnecting your device from the computer.

4. Using a Mac or PC with Direct Transfer

This method is similar to using Quick Start, but a physical connection is used instead. This is especially useful if you don't have enough iCloud space or if your Wi-Fi isn't very stable.

Using Direct Cable Transfer

• Connect both your old and new iPhone to the computer using cables.
• Follow the quick start steps to access the data transfer option.
• Select the option for physical transfer and follow the prompts.
• This method will guide you through setting up your new device, with a special focus on minimizing the time you spend without data due to more direct data management.

5. Transfer the data manually

If you prefer to manually transfer certain types of data like contacts, photos, music, etc., follow these general steps. This method can be more tedious and is often used in conjunction with other methods if you want to manage certain items separately.

Transferring Contacts

• The simplest way is to make sure iCloud is enabled for Contacts on your old iPhone by going to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and toggling on Contacts.
• Use the same Apple ID on your new iPhone and make sure the Contacts toggle is turned on.
• This will automatically sync your contacts.

Transfer photos and videos

• If iCloud Photos is enabled, your photos will sync automatically.
• Alternatively, connect your old iPhone to a computer and save the photos manually.
• To download to a new iPhone, either sync via iCloud or transfer files from a computer using the same method as for backup.

Transferring Music

• With Music enabled in iCloud, you can access all your purchases by signing in to Apple Music or the iTunes Store on your new device.
• For unpurchased music: Download it from your computer by adding it to Music using iTunes or the Finder, and then sync it to the new device.

Additional Tips

1. Keep your iPhone charged: When transferring data, make sure both iPhones have sufficient charge or keep them connected to power during the transfer.
2. Stable Internet connection: Especially for iCloud transfer methods, ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection to prevent interruptions.
3. Free up space: Check the available storage on your iCloud and make a plan to free up space if necessary, or keep enough space available on your iPhone.
4. Check compatibility: If you’re restoring from a backup, make sure your new iPhone is compatible with the iOS version you’re backing up.

By understanding each of these methods and choosing the method that best suits your needs, transferring data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone can be a streamlined and hassle-free process. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, but all are designed to keep your precious data intact and accessible on your new device.

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