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Before replacing your iPhone, make a current backup and check its date; then transfer or restore during the new iPhone’s setup. Choose Quick Start for a direct move between phones, an iCloud backup for a wireless restore, or a computer backup for a local copy. Keep the old iPhone until you have checked your important data and services on the new one.
Choose the right transfer method
| Method | Best suited to | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start direct transfer | You have both iPhones and want to move data during setup. | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be enabled on the old iPhone. Keep both phones close together and connected to power; the old phone is occupied until transfer finishes. |
| Quick Start with iCloud download or iCloud restore | You want content to download from iCloud, or need to restore an available iCloud backup. | You need the relevant Apple Account and a usable backup for a restore. Keep the new iPhone on Wi-Fi; downloads may continue after setup. |
| Computer backup and restore | You want a local copy on a Mac or PC, or another backup option. | Use Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, iTunes on earlier macOS, or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows as applicable. Turn on backup encryption if you need Health and Activity data and other included sensitive information. |
These options and their setup requirements are described in Apple’s iPhone transfer guidance, Quick Start instructions, and backup guidance. No method is universally fastest: Apple says transfer time varies with the amount of data and network conditions. Update both iPhones where practical, and set aside a time when you can leave the old phone unused during a direct transfer. Apple’s cited guidance says Quick Start cannot transfer data from the current device to a new iPhone enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business.
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Back up the old iPhone before you start
Make an iCloud backup
- On the old iPhone, open Settings.
- Tap your name, then iCloud and iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now. Stay connected to Wi-Fi until it finishes.
- Check the latest backup date on the iCloud Backup screen before relying on it.
Apple says automatic iCloud backups happen daily when the iPhone is connected to power, locked, and on Wi-Fi. A manual backup gives you a chance to confirm that a recent copy exists before the move.
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Know what an iCloud backup includes
An iCloud device backup is not a duplicate of everything already synced to iCloud. It holds device information and settings that are not already synced. For example, photos in iCloud Photos and messages synced with Messages in iCloud are stored through those syncing services rather than included in the daily device backup. Downloaded app data may be included, while data an app stores in iCloud Drive is stored there instead of in the device backup. See Apple’s explanation of what iCloud Backup includes.
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- MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive: This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 256GB capacity, easily free up space on your device
- 256GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick: The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces for USB/Usb C pcie port card compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry
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- Automatic Storage and On-the-Go Playback: All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip
- High Speed Transfer and Data Encryption: This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience
If you bought a new iPhone, Apple says you might be eligible for temporary iCloud storage. Eligibility and duration are not universal in the cited guidance, so treat it as an option to check rather than guaranteed extra storage.
Make a computer backup
- Connect the old iPhone to your Mac or PC with a compatible cable.
- Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, iTunes on an earlier macOS version, or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows as applicable.
- Select the iPhone and choose the option to back it up. The backup uses available storage on the computer.
- If you need Health and Activity data, enable Encrypt local backup before starting the backup.
Computer backups are not encrypted by default. Apple says an encrypted backup can include saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, website history, Health data, and call history. Health and Activity data will not transfer from an unencrypted computer backup. Save the encryption password somewhere you can retrieve it: you will need it to restore that backup. Even an encrypted backup does not contain Face ID, Touch ID, or the device passcode. Details are in Apple’s guidance on encrypted backups and restoring an iPhone from a computer backup.
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- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
For an extra copy, you can make both an iCloud backup and a computer backup. Apple presents them as alternatives; having both is a precaution, not a requirement.
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Move data with Quick Start
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one.
- Make sure the old iPhone is unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi, and has Bluetooth turned on.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and authenticate when asked.
- Choose a direct transfer or an iCloud download when offered.
- For direct transfer, keep both phones close together and connected to power until it completes. If you choose an iCloud download, apps and data can continue downloading in the background.
Apple’s Quick Start instructions do not give a universal completion time; it depends on data amount and network conditions.
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- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
Restore from iCloud during setup
- During the new iPhone’s initial setup, connect to Wi-Fi and choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup.
- Sign in to your Apple Account and select the backup using its date and size.
- If setup asks you to update iOS before restoring, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi. If it disconnects, the restore can pause; apps and photos may continue downloading after setup.
See Apple’s iCloud restore instructions for the restore flow.
Restore from a computer backup
- During setup, choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC and connect the new iPhone to the computer that holds the backup.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes as applicable, select the iPhone, and choose Restore Backup.
- Compare the backup date and size before selecting it. Enter the encryption password if prompted.
- Keep the iPhone connected while it restores and syncs.
Apple’s computer restore guidance covers this process. If you already completed setup on the new iPhone, Apple says you must erase it before restoring through these setup steps. Erasing removes data currently on that phone, so check it before proceeding.
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- 【High Capacity & Effortless Backup】This Compatibility iPhone USB storage flash drive easily handles today’s larger 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and contacts. Easy backup frees up space instantly, so you’ll never miss capturing important moments. Perfect for iPhone, iPad, Android and PC users. (Note: For iPhone/iPad No App Required; For Android only Needs OTG Enabled, No Extra App.)
- 【Universal Compatibility with Dual Interfaces】Featuring USB, USB-L, Micro USB and USB-C independent ports, this iPhone photo storage stick connects seamlessly with iPhone/iPad, Android OTG phones, laptops and tablets. No iCloud fees, no internet required—just plug in and transfer files freely between your phone, computer and other devices.
- 【Blazing Fast Transfers Anywhere】Featuring upgraded high-speed chips, this portable phone external storage drive enables instant mass file transfers—up to 30 MB/s read speed and 15 MB/s write speed—no WiFi or data cables required. Save time sharing photos, moving large video projects, whether you’re traveling, working, or creating content on the go.
- 【Easy Backup, Enjoy Anytime Anyplace】Plug-and-play & simple to operate—quickly back up videos, photos, contacts and documents without tedious copying or pasting. No third-party apps required; just plug the drive into your iPhone, iPad or Android device and operate via the "Files" app. You can also share files directly from the iPhone photo stick to social media, instantly sharing wonderful moments with friends and family.
- 【How to Transfer in iPhone iPad】Requires iOS 13 and Higher: Simply insert the flash drive into your iPhone iPad, then go to the "Files" app, Click back to “Browse” and find the flash drive named “Untitled”, Move photos videos and files to your iPad or iPhone as needed.
Check accounts, mobile service, and important data
Have your Apple Account password ready. Apple advises addressing SIM or eSIM and carrier transfer as part of preparation, and setup may prompt you to activate mobile service. The exact eSIM process and carrier support depend on your device and carrier; contact the carrier for model- or plan-specific steps.
Before erasing or trading in the old iPhone, check that the new one has the data and services you rely on. Confirm key photos, messages, contacts, and app data, and sign in again where an app requires it. A backup or transfer does not guarantee that every app’s account-specific content or every carrier service will move without additional sign-in or activation.
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- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
Do you need a cable?
A compatible cable is needed for the computer-backup and computer-restore workflows described above, and Apple also documents a wired connection as a transfer option. Check the connector on both the iPhone and computer before choosing a cable. A cable is optional if you use Quick Start or iCloud instead; Apple’s cited guidance does not endorse a particular brand or a universal connector.
Quick Recap
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