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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe safest way to move from an old iPad to a new 13-inch iPad Air is Apple’s Quick Start. Place the iPads together, connect them to power, and choose direct transfer when the setup assistant offers it. If the old iPad is unavailable, restore an iCloud or computer backup instead. Android phones and tablets use Move to iOS during the new iPad’s initial setup. Prepare your Wi-Fi details, Apple Account password, and a current backup before you begin.
Choose the right migration method first
Your best option depends on the source device, whether a backup exists, and whether the new iPad has already been configured.
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| Situation | Recommended method | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| You have the old iPad and both devices work | Quick Start direct transfer | Both iPads must meet Apple’s software requirements; keep them close and powered. |
| The old iPad is unavailable, but an iCloud backup exists | Restore from iCloud backup | The new iPad must still be at setup, or it must be erased first. |
| You have a Mac or Windows backup | Restore with Finder or iTunes | An encrypted backup requires its backup password. |
| Your source device is Android | Move to iOS | This option appears during initial iPad setup; after setup, erase the iPad or move content manually. |
| The iPad is managed by a school or business | Follow the organization’s procedure | Apple says devices enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business may not support Quick Start migration from the current device. |
Prepare both devices before turning on the new iPad
Have the essentials ready
- The old iPad, if you plan to use Quick Start.
- The Wi-Fi network name and password.
- The Apple Account email address and password used on the old iPad and in its backups.
- Power adapters and cables for both iPads. Apple’s 13-inch iPad Air box includes a USB-C charge cable, but the cable alone may not provide two convenient power sources.
- Enough uninterrupted time to let the transfer finish. Apple does not give a universal duration; transfer time varies with network conditions and the amount of data.
Make a fresh backup when practical
On the old iPad, create a current iCloud or computer backup before starting. A backup gives you a fallback if a direct transfer is interrupted or if you discover a problem after setup. For an eligible new iPad purchase, Apple may provide temporary iCloud storage specifically to back up the old device. Apple states that this temporary storage can remain available for up to three weeks, so use it as a migration bridge rather than as permanent extra storage.
If the old iPad cannot complete a backup because its normal iCloud storage is full, look for Apple’s temporary-storage offer during the backup process. Do not erase the old iPad until you have checked the new one and confirmed that the information you need is present.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
Option 1: Transfer directly with Quick Start
Quick Start is the most direct route when the old iPad is available. Apple allows setup to begin from another iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 or later. For the full wireless data-transfer option, both devices must meet the newer requirement of iOS 12.4 or iPadOS 13 or later.
Step-by-step
- Turn on the new iPad Air. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears, then follow the setup assistant until the Quick Start prompt appears.
- Put the old iPad beside the new one. On the old iPad, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Keep both screens available and keep the devices physically close.
- Start Quick Start. When the prompt appears on the old iPad, confirm that you want to set up the new iPad. An animation may appear on the new iPad; use the old iPad’s camera as instructed, then enter the old iPad’s passcode on the new device.
- Sign in when asked. Enter the Apple Account password if the setup assistant requests it. Complete Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode choices according to your preference.
- Select the transfer method. Choose the direct transfer from the old iPad when that option is offered. If you choose downloading from iCloud instead, setup can finish while apps and data continue downloading in the background.
- Connect both iPads to power. Leave them near each other and connected to power until the direct transfer completes. The old iPad is occupied during this process, so start when you will not need it.
- Wait for the completion message. Do not separate the devices, disable wireless connections, or restart either iPad during the transfer unless the setup assistant reports an error.
Direct transfer and iCloud download behave differently. With direct transfer, wait for the transfer to finish before using either iPad. With an iCloud download, the iPad can become usable while apps and data continue downloading. Apple notes that transfer times vary according to network conditions and the amount of data being moved; there is no reliable one-size-fits-all estimate.
If Quick Start does not appear
- Confirm that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old iPad and that the devices are close together.
- Check that the old iPad is running at least iOS 12.4 or iPadOS 13 for full wireless transfer. An older system may allow setup assistance but not the complete direct-transfer path.
- Connect both iPads to power, unlock the old iPad, and return to the setup screens. If the prompt still does not appear, restart both devices and try again.
- If the iPad is managed by a school or business, stop and follow the administrator’s instructions. Apple says some Apple School Manager and Apple Business enrollments prevent Quick Start migration from the current device.
- Use an iCloud or computer backup instead if direct transfer remains unavailable.
Option 2: Restore an iCloud backup
Use this method when the old iPad is not beside you, when you prefer a backup-based restore, or when direct transfer is not supported. The backup must have been created with the Apple Account you use during setup.
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Restore during initial setup
- Turn on the new iPad Air and proceed through language, region, and network screens.
- At the data-transfer screen, choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup.
- Sign in with the Apple Account used for the backup.
- Review the available backups by date and size, then select the most recent suitable backup.
- Keep the iPad connected to Wi-Fi and power while the restore begins. The iPad may become usable while apps and other data continue downloading in the background.
The old iPad does not need to be physically present for an iCloud restore, provided the backup already exists and you can sign in to the correct Apple Account. If you used Apple’s temporary iCloud storage, complete the migration within the stated availability period of up to three weeks.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
If the new iPad has already been set up
Apple’s setup-time restore flow requires a new or erased iPad. Erasing removes the content and settings currently on the new iPad, so first copy or back up anything on it that you need to keep.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then Transfer or Reset iPad.
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings and follow the confirmation screens.
- When the iPad restarts at the setup assistant, choose the iCloud-backup restore option and select the backup you want.
Option 3: Restore a Mac or Windows computer backup
A computer backup is useful when your backup is stored locally or when Wi-Fi is unreliable. The iPad you are restoring must be new or erased so that the backup can be selected during setup.
Which computer app to use
| Computer | Apple’s documented app |
|---|---|
| Mac with macOS 10.15 or later | Finder |
| Mac with macOS 10.14 or earlier | iTunes |
| Windows PC | iTunes |
Restore procedure
- Erase the new iPad if it has already been configured, using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. Skip this step if the iPad is still at the first-run setup screens.
- Connect the iPad to the computer that contains the backup with a USB cable.
- Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or open iTunes on an older Mac or Windows PC.
- Select the iPad in the app, choose the restore-from-backup command, and select the backup by date.
- If the backup is encrypted, enter the password that was set when the backup was created. Without that password, the encrypted backup cannot be restored.
- Keep the iPad connected until the restore process reports completion. Then leave it connected if the computer app continues syncing content.
Protect the backup password: Apple’s documented restore process requires it for encrypted backups, and there is no substitute password supplied by the iPad setup assistant.
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Move to iOS is Apple’s Android-to-iPad migration route, but it is offered only during the iPad’s initial setup. Decide on this method before completing the setup assistant.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
During initial setup
- Turn on the new iPad Air and proceed until the setup assistant presents the Android-transfer option.
- Choose that option and follow the on-screen instructions to prepare the Android device.
- Install or open Move to iOS on the Android device when prompted, enter the code shown by the iPad, and follow the transfer screens.
- Keep both devices available and follow the completion instructions on each screen before continuing with iPad setup.
If you finish setting up the iPad first, Apple’s stated choices are to erase it and start the setup again for Move to iOS, or to move content manually. Erasing follows Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings, so save anything already placed on the new iPad before doing it.
What to check after migration
Do not wipe or trade in the old iPad immediately. Use the new iPad on Wi-Fi and check the information that matters to you.
- Open the Photos app and inspect recent photos, videos, albums, and any particularly important files.
- Open Messages, Mail, Notes, Contacts, Calendar, and other apps that contain personal or work information.
- Confirm that the Apple Account shown in Settings is the account you intended to use.
- Open the App Store and check for app downloads or updates that are still pending after an iCloud-based setup.
- Test accessories and services you rely on, such as Bluetooth devices, cloud storage, and cellular features if your model includes them.
- Make a fresh backup of the new iPad after you are satisfied with the result.
Keep the old iPad charged and connected to Wi-Fi while you perform these checks. If something is missing, you still have the original device or its backup available for another restore attempt.
Understanding the 2026 13-inch iPad Air
Apple’s current cited technical specifications identify the 13-inch iPad Air with the M4 chip, introduced in 2026. Listed storage capacities are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Storage capacity affects how much room you have for photos, downloaded media, and apps after migration; it does not change the Quick Start, iCloud, computer-backup, or Move to iOS procedures.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
The box includes a USB-C charge cable. You do not need to buy a keyboard, stylus, or special transfer tool to set up the iPad or move data.
Optional accessories
| Accessory | Compatibility stated by Apple | Needed for setup or migration? |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 13-inch | 13-inch iPad Air generations with M2, M3, and M4 | No. It adds a keyboard, trackpad, pass-through USB-C charging, and front/back protection. |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | 13-inch iPad Air generations with M2, M3, and M4 | No. It is an optional writing and drawing accessory. |
Confirm the iPad generation before buying an accessory. The M4 model is the 2026 generation; compatibility listings that include M2 and M3 do not mean those older iPads are the same device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting common migration problems
The old iPad disconnects or the transfer stops
Reconnect both iPads to power, place them close together, and verify that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth remain enabled on the old iPad. Restarting both devices and beginning Quick Start again is safer than repeatedly interrupting a transfer. If the problem continues, restore the latest iCloud or computer backup instead.
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Check that you signed in with the Apple Account that created the backup. For a computer restore, select the correct backup by date and confirm that you are using the Mac or Windows computer where it is stored. An encrypted computer backup also requires its original password.
Best Value
- WHY IPAD AIR — iPad Air with the Apple M4 chip packs even more performance into a beautiful design, and it comes in two portable sizes. It features Apple Intelligence* along with a stunning Liquid Retina display, Touch ID, advanced cameras, and Wi-Fi 7.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The M4 chip delivers advanced graphics and incredible performance for smooth multitasking and complex AI tasks. And with all-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go.* Choose up to 1TB of storage for apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — Run apps and get more done with the game-changing capabilities and intuitive design of iPadOS. The flexible windowing system lets you control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you create, communicate, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 13-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
The iPad says there is not enough iCloud space
Look for Apple’s temporary-storage option associated with an eligible new iPad purchase. The stated allowance lasts up to three weeks, which is intended to give you time to back up the old iPad and restore it to the new one. If that option is unavailable, use a computer backup or free enough iCloud space to create a normal backup.
You chose the wrong method and setup is complete
Backup restores and Move to iOS are setup-time choices. Back up anything currently on the new iPad, then use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings and start over. If you only need a few files, leave the iPad set up and move those items manually rather than erasing it.
The iPad is controlled by an organization
Do not bypass management controls. Apple notes that Apple School Manager or Apple Business enrollment can prevent Quick Start migration from the current device. Contact the school or employer and use its approved backup, enrollment, and transfer process.
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Quick Recap
A safe order of operations
- Check the old iPad’s software, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, storage, and Apple Account access.
- Create a fresh iCloud or computer backup when possible.
- Leave the old iPad untouched and choose Quick Start if both iPads are compatible and available.
- Choose iCloud or computer restore when the old iPad is unavailable or direct transfer does not work.
- Choose Move to iOS before finishing setup if the source device is Android.
- Keep both devices powered, verify important information on the new iPad, and only then retire the old one.
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