Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoose the transfer route before you begin: use Quick Start for a nearby iPhone-to-iPhone move, restore from iCloud if you want a cloud-based setup and background downloads, or make a computer backup if you want a local copy on a Mac or Windows PC. If you bought a new iPhone but lack iCloud space, check whether Apple offers temporary iCloud storage. Whatever route you choose, keep your old iPhone until the new one is restored and you have checked your important data.
Choose the transfer method that fits
| Method | Best fit | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start: direct transfer | Your old iPhone is available and you can leave both phones together during setup. | Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, keep both phones close and plugged into power, and leave the old phone unused while the transfer runs. Time depends on the network and amount of data. Apple’s Quick Start instructions explain the setup options. |
| Quick Start: download from iCloud | You want to start using the new iPhone while apps and data continue downloading. | You need an iCloud backup and network access; downloads can continue in the background. Apple’s Quick Start instructions describe this option. |
| Temporary iCloud backup | You bought a new iPhone but do not have enough iCloud storage for a backup. | Check Apple’s eligibility and create the backup from the old phone before moving. Restore within the stated window and do not erase the old phone first. Apple’s temporary iCloud storage guidance gives the current terms. |
| Mac or Windows computer backup | You want a copy stored locally or have limited cloud space. | Connect the iPhone with a compatible cable. Encrypt the backup if you need Health and Activity data, and keep the password available for restoring it. Apple’s computer backup instructions cover the process. |
Decide based on whether the old phone is available, whether you have reliable Wi-Fi and iCloud capacity, whether you want to use the new phone during downloading, whether your computer has room, and whether you need Health and Activity data in the transfer.
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Prepare the old iPhone
- Make sure you know your Apple Account email address or phone number and password, and have the old iPhone passcode available. Apple lists these among the details to prepare before moving data. See Apple’s setup guidance.
- Connect the old phone to Wi-Fi and power. Check the date of its last completed iCloud backup, or create a fresh one before beginning.
- If you plan to use a computer backup, confirm that the computer has enough available storage and that you can reconnect the iPhone with a compatible cable.
- If iCloud says there is not enough storage, check the temporary-storage option before trading in, erasing, or otherwise losing access to the old phone.
Back up to iCloud and verify completion
- On the old iPhone, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone if needed, then tap Back Up Now.
- Keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi and power until the backup completes. Return to the iCloud Backup screen and check the backup status or date to confirm that a recent backup finished.
Automatic iCloud backups happen daily when the iPhone is locked, connected to power, and on Wi-Fi. A completed backup does not mean every item that uses iCloud is duplicated inside it: data already syncing with iCloud, such as iCloud Photos, is handled separately. Apple says an iCloud backup contains device information and settings that are not already syncing to iCloud. Apple’s iCloud Backup overview explains what is included.
During setup of the new iPhone, follow the onscreen steps and choose the iCloud restore or download option when offered. If you already completed setup and need to use Apple’s cited restore flow, the new iPhone must be erased first. Erasing removes the data currently on that new phone, so confirm the old phone’s backup before proceeding. Apple’s iCloud restore instructions describe the process.
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Use Apple’s temporary iCloud storage if space is limited
Apple says customers who bought a new iPhone and do not have enough iCloud storage for an iCloud Backup may be eligible for temporary storage. On the old iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Get Started under Prepare for New iPhone, then follow the prompts. Eligibility and the current terms are described on Apple’s temporary iCloud storage page.
Apple Support’s 2026 guidance says to restore the temporary backup within 21 days. If the new iPhone has not arrived, Keep My Backup Longer can add another 21 days. After restoration, the temporary backup remains for 7 days before permanent deletion. These are the time limits Apple states for this temporary-storage process, not general iCloud backup rules.
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Do not erase the old iPhone until the new phone has finished restoring from the temporary backup. That keeps the source device available if setup or restoration does not go as expected.
Transfer directly with Quick Start
- On the old iPhone, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unlock it, and place it near the new iPhone.
- Turn on the new iPhone and follow the onscreen pairing and setup prompts.
- Choose direct transfer if you can keep both phones together and out of use until it finishes. Choose the iCloud download option if you want apps and data to continue downloading in the background.
- Keep both iPhones close to each other and connected to power until the transfer is complete.
Transfer time varies with network conditions and the amount of data. Quick Start is unavailable for devices enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, according to Apple’s Quick Start guidance.
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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.
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Make an encrypted backup on a Mac or Windows PC
- Connect the iPhone to the computer with a compatible cable.
- Use Finder on macOS 10.15 or later. On Windows, use Apple Devices or iTunes as applicable; older Mac software may also use iTunes. Follow Apple’s instructions for backing up with a computer if the app or controls differ.
- Select the iPhone in the computer app and choose the option to back up its data to the computer.
- Turn on Encrypt local backup, create a password you can recover later, and start the backup. Keep that password somewhere accessible: it is required when restoring the encrypted backup.
- Wait for the backup to finish. When setting up the new iPhone, choose Restore from Mac or PC, connect it to the computer holding the backup, select the correct backup by checking its date and size, and enter the encryption password if asked.
An unencrypted computer backup does not include Health and Activity data. Apple states: “If your backup isn’t encrypted, your Health and Activity data from your iOS device or Apple Watch won’t transfer.” Apple’s computer transfer guidance also explains encrypted backups.
Check the new iPhone before letting go of the old one
Once setup and restoration are complete, confirm that the information you care about is present on the new iPhone—for example, photos, messages, contacts, and any Health or Activity data you intended to move. If something is missing, keep the old iPhone intact while you check whether it is still syncing or whether you need to repeat the restore from the correct backup. Only erase or trade in the old phone once you are satisfied with the new one.
Quick Recap
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