To set up a new iPhone and bring over your apps, settings, and personal content, connect it to Wi-Fi or cellular service and follow the on-screen setup. If your old iPhone is nearby, use Quick Start to transfer directly or download your data from iCloud. If it is not available, restore an iCloud or computer backup instead.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| What you have | Recommended route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Your old iPhone is available | Quick Start | Choose a direct transfer, which keeps both phones occupied until it finishes, or an iCloud download, which lets apps and data download in the background. |
| Your old iPhone is unavailable, but you have an iCloud backup | Restore from iCloud Backup | During setup, sign in and select the backup you want by checking its date and size. |
| You have a computer backup | Restore from Mac or PC | Use Apple Devices, Finder, or iTunes, depending on your computer. An unencrypted backup does not transfer Health and Activity data. |
| You prefer a cable and have compatible iPhone models | Wired migration | The required cable or adapter depends on the model of both iPhones. |
Before starting, have your Apple Account credentials and an internet connection ready. If you plan to transfer data, keep the old iPhone or a backup available. Apple recommends checking for a recent iCloud backup on the old phone: open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup. You can start a backup there if needed. Apple says people who have purchased a new iPhone may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage; check Apple’s current instructions for eligibility and timing.
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Transfer from a nearby iPhone with Quick Start
Quick Start works when the current iPhone or iPad is running iOS 11 or later, or iPadOS 13 or later. For wireless setup, connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it, and place it near the new iPhone. Apple’s full steps are in its Quick Start instructions.
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- Follow the prompt on the old device to begin setting up the new one. Keep the devices close together.
- Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular service and follow the prompts, including Face ID or Touch ID setup if offered.
- When asked how to transfer data, choose a direct transfer from the old device or a download from iCloud.
- Keep the devices near each other and connected to power while the transfer runs.
An iCloud download can let you use the new iPhone sooner because apps and data continue downloading in the background. A direct transfer must finish on both devices before you can use them. Apple notes that “Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.” There is no single reliable time estimate for every transfer.
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- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices, this 1-meter charge cable is made with a woven design and has USB-C connectors on both ends.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Supports charging of up to 60 watts and transfers data at USB 2 rates. Pair the USB-C Charge Cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter to conveniently charge your devices from a wall outlet and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 1 meter (3 feet).
Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device when the new iPhone is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. If the phone is managed by an organization, follow its administrator’s setup instructions.
Restore an iCloud backup without the old iPhone
Start at the new iPhone’s Hello screen and proceed through the setup prompts until you reach the restore choices. Connect to Wi-Fi, choose Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in to your Apple Account, and select the backup you want after checking its date and size. Follow Apple’s iCloud transfer instructions.
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- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
Keep the iPhone connected while the restore begins. Afterward, leave it connected to Wi-Fi and power when possible so cloud content such as photos, music, and apps can continue downloading.
If you already completed setup on the new iPhone, Apple’s documented iCloud restore process requires erasing it first. Erasing removes data from the device being erased. Confirm that you are erasing the new iPhone—not the old one—and save anything on the new phone that you need before proceeding.
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- [iPhone 18/Duo/17 Pro Max Compatible Cable] Designed for the latest USB-C devices — fully compatible with iPhone 18/18 Pro/18 Pro Max/18 Air, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17/17 Pro/17 Pro Max/17 Air, iPhone 16/16 Pro/16 Pro Max/16 Plus, and iPhone 15 Series. Also supports iPad Air, iPad Pro (13/12.9/11-inch), and MacBook Air/Pro. One cable for all your USB-C device needs.
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Restore from a Mac or PC backup
If you have a computer backup, connect the new iPhone to the computer used to create it. Apple’s computer-backup instructions cover Apple Devices, Finder, and iTunes.
- On the new iPhone, continue setup to Apps & Data and choose Restore from Mac or PC.
- Connect the iPhone to the computer that holds the backup, then open Apple Devices, Finder, or iTunes, as applicable.
- Select the iPhone and choose Restore Backup.
- Check the backup’s date and size before selecting it. If it is encrypted, enter its password when prompted.
Apple states that an unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data from an iPhone or Apple Watch.
Rank #4
- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices, this 2-meter charge cable is made with a woven design and has USB-C connectors on both ends.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Supports charging of up to 240 watts and transfers data at USB 2 rates. Pair the USB-C Charge Cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter to conveniently charge your devices from a wall outlet and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone and Mac models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 2 meters (6 feet).
Use a cable only after checking both iPhone models
There is no one cable that fits every wired migration. Apple lists these combinations in its wired-transfer guidance:
| Old iPhone | New iPhone | Apple-listed setup |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 or later | iPhone 15 or later | USB-C Charge Cable |
| iPhone 14 or earlier | iPhone 15 or later | USB-C to Lightning Cable |
| iPhone 14 or earlier | iPhone 14 or earlier | Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, powered through its Lightning port with a 12W or higher power adapter, plus a Lightning to USB Cable |
Check the model at each end before obtaining an accessory. The USB-C to Lightning Cable applies to the cross-generation combination shown above; it is not needed for wireless Quick Start.
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- 【Power Delivery Fast Charging & SYNC】: USB-C to lightning cable supports high-speed power delivery fast Charging, can charge the iPhone 13 up to 50% in 30mins. They also support data transfer rate up to 480Mbps,which can easily transfer music, photos and files between iPhone and laptop or desktop computer in seconds.(Note:You need to use 20W or above USB-C Power Adapter to achieve Power Delivery Fast Charging.)
- 【MFi Certified Lightning Cable 2Pack】 MFi certified iPhone fast charging cable uses the newest C94 Lightning connector, which support quick charger for lightning device, C94 USB C to Lightning cord more stable, safe, faster than nomal iphone cable
- 【 Compatibility】: USB-C to iPhone cable supports PD Fast Charge 3A (max) for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max/14 Plus/ iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/13mini/iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max/11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/XS Max/XS/XR/X/8 Plus/8 and iPad 8th iPad 2020, iPad Pro 12.9" gen1/ gen2/iPad Pro 10.5"/iPad Air3 10.5"/iPad mini5 7.9"; Note: You need a USB-C port wall charger to achieve fast charging. Note: You need a USB-C port wall charger to achieve fast charging.
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Finish setup and check the essentials
During setup, you may be asked to activate cellular service and configure Face ID or Touch ID. Cellular activation depends on the iPhone model and may use an eSIM or physical SIM; carrier steps vary. Sign in to your Apple Account to use Apple services. Apple’s setup basics explain the main setup flow.
- Check that you can access the content and services you rely on, such as contacts, photos, messages, and email.
- Allow remaining iCloud items and apps to download; some content may not be ready as soon as initial setup ends.
- Review iCloud options under your name in Settings.
- Complete device-specific follow-up, such as pairing an Apple Watch, if it applies to your setup.
These are practical checks, not a universal checklist: the apps, services, and accessories that need attention depend on how you use your iPhone.
Quick Recap
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