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To move to a new iPhone without losing data, make sure you can sign in to your Apple Account, create or confirm a current backup, transfer or restore the new phone, and check that important content arrived before erasing the old one. Apple offers several routes, including Quick Start, iCloud backup, a computer backup and wired migration; the best choice depends on what you have available and which data you need to preserve.
Before you start: protect access and make a backup
- Have both credentials ready. You may need the old iPhone’s passcode and your Apple Account password during setup and restore.
- Check for an existing backup. On the old iPhone, review iCloud backup status and its date so you know whether it is recent enough to use. Apple’s setup guidance recommends checking that a backup exists before setting up a new iPhone.
- Check for an iOS update. Apple also advises checking whether the current iPhone is up to date. Review Settings > General > Software Update and install an offered update if appropriate before you begin.
- Choose a window when the phones can remain available. A direct Quick Start transfer keeps both iPhones occupied until it finishes. Apple says the time depends on network conditions and how much data is being moved.
- Consider the data that matters to you. If you plan to restore from a computer and want Health and Activity data, use an encrypted backup and keep its password available.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | Best fit | Important trade-off or condition |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start direct transfer | Both iPhones are present and can stay together during migration. | Both phones remain occupied until transfer completes; keep them close and connected to power. Apple Quick Start guidance. |
| Quick Start with iCloud download | You want to restore from iCloud and use the new phone while content continues downloading. | Requires network access, Apple Account sign-in and a usable backup; cloud content may arrive after setup. Apple Quick Start guidance and iCloud restore guidance. |
| Temporary iCloud backup | You bought a new device and do not have enough iCloud storage for a backup. | Apple’s cited instructions say eligible buyers have 21 days to restore; an additional 21 days may be requested. Do not erase the old phone before restore. Apple temporary backup guidance. |
| Computer backup | You prefer or need to back up and restore using a Mac or PC. | Use an encrypted backup if you need Health and Activity data; an unencrypted backup omits them. Apple computer backup guidance. |
| Wired migration | You prefer a cable-based transfer. | Apple lists wired migration, but the required cable depends on the two iPhone models and connector combination. Confirm compatibility before buying or connecting a cable. Apple migration guidance. |
Use Quick Start for a nearby iPhone-to-iPhone transfer
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one, then follow the on-screen Quick Start prompts.
- When asked how to move data, choose direct transfer if you want to move from the nearby iPhone, or choose download from iCloud to restore from a backup.
- For direct transfer, leave both phones near each other and connected to power until setup reports completion. Apple notes that both devices remain in use during this process.
- If you choose iCloud download, the new iPhone can be used sooner while apps and data continue downloading in the background. Keep it on Wi-Fi and connected to power as needed for cloud content to arrive.
Restore from a temporary iCloud backup if storage is short
Apple offers temporary iCloud storage to eligible customers who have bought a new iPhone and do not have enough iCloud storage to back up the old one. On the old device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Get Started, then follow the prompts to create the temporary backup. Apple’s current guidance says to restore it within 21 days; it says you can request an additional 21 days on the old device. After restoration, the temporary backup remains available for seven days before deletion. These are Apple’s stated time limits and can change, so check the live temporary backup instructions for the terms that apply when you transfer. Do not erase the old iPhone until the restore finishes.
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Restore from a Mac or PC backup
Use Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes to restore the new iPhone from a computer backup. Before relying on one, check its date and size and make sure you know the encryption password if it is encrypted. Apple says Health and Activity data will not transfer from an unencrypted computer backup; see its backup instructions for details.
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Verify the new iPhone before erasing the old one
Keep the old iPhone intact until setup and restoration have finished. Check the new phone for the information you would most regret losing, such as contacts, photos, messages and important files. If you restored from iCloud, allow time for cloud-backed content and apps to download; Apple recommends keeping the new device connected to Wi-Fi and power while this happens. When choosing among backups, check the backup date and size as Apple describes in its restore guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 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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Erase the old iPhone only when you are ready to hand it off
After the new iPhone is working and you have checked the transfer, use Apple’s erase procedure before selling, trading in or giving away the old device. Erasing removes personal information stored on the phone and turns off Find My and Activation Lock. If the old iPhone uses eSIM and you are selling or handing it off, choose the option to erase the eSIM when prompted. Unpair a paired Apple Watch and remove the old phone from trusted devices as part of preparing it for a hand-off. Follow Apple’s erase and hand-off instructions.
Do not try to clean up the old phone by manually deleting iCloud-synced photos, contacts or documents before erasing it. Apple warns that deleting synced items while signed in to iCloud can also remove them from iCloud and other connected devices. Use the official erase process after you have verified the transfer.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 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).
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
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- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
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