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For most people moving from another iPad, Apple’s Quick Start is the simplest route: keep the old iPad nearby, connect both devices to power, and choose either an iCloud download or a direct transfer when prompted. If Quick Start is not available, you can restore from an iCloud or computer backup. The best method depends on whether the old iPad is available, whether you have a recent backup, and whether you can keep both devices out of use during the transfer.
Before you start: prepare both iPads
Have an internet connection, your Apple Account and password, and either your previous iPad or a backup ready. A Wi-Fi + Cellular model can also use cellular service for internet during setup. Apple says eligible purchasers may receive temporary iCloud storage for a backup for up to three weeks after buying an iPad; check Apple’s instructions to see whether you qualify: Apple’s temporary iCloud storage guidance.
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- Connect the old iPad to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it, and leave it on the Home Screen.
- Charge both iPads, or keep them connected to power throughout a direct transfer.
- If you plan to restore a computer backup, make sure you can access the Mac or Windows PC and the backup you intend to use.
- If you are considering a computer connection, check whether you already have a USB-C data cable compatible with the iPad Pro M4 and your computer. A cable is not needed for Quick Start or an iCloud restore.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | When it fits | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start, direct transfer | Your old iPad is available and both devices can stay nearby, powered, and unused. | Transfers directly between devices; both remain occupied until the transfer finishes. |
| Quick Start, download from iCloud | You have a suitable iCloud backup and internet access, and prefer to use the new iPad sooner. | Apps and data download in the background, so you can begin using the iPad before all content has arrived. |
| Restore from iCloud backup during setup | You have a backup in iCloud, even if the old iPad is not at hand. | Choose the backup during setup; content downloads over the internet. |
| Restore from Mac or PC | You have a local computer backup, or want a local alternative to iCloud. | Connect to the computer and choose a backup. An encrypted backup can include Health and Activity data that an unencrypted backup will not transfer. |
| From Android | Your previous device is an Android phone or tablet. | Use the distinct Move to iOS path during the iPad’s initial setup. |
Set up the iPad Pro M4 with Quick Start
Quick Start can automatically set up a new iPad from a previous iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 or later. For a direct wireless transfer of all data, Apple’s iPad guide specifies iOS 12.4 or iPadOS 13 or later on both devices. Follow Apple’s Quick Start and transfer instructions if you need to confirm compatibility.
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- Turn on the iPad Pro M4 and place it near the old iPad. Follow the on-screen prompts to use your Apple Account and begin setup.
- Connect the new iPad to Wi-Fi or cellular as prompted, then configure Face ID.
- When offered a transfer choice, select either an iCloud download or a direct device-to-device transfer.
- For a direct transfer, keep the iPads close together and connected to power until setup indicates it is complete. If you choose iCloud, you can use the iPad while remaining content downloads.
Apple Support notes, “Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.” Its guidance does not give a typical duration, so allow the time your own connection and data require rather than relying on a fixed estimate.
#1 Best Overall
- 13" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 256 GB Flash Memory
Restore from an iCloud backup
If you have a recent iCloud backup, you can restore it during setup without selecting a direct transfer from the old iPad. Connect the iPad Pro M4 to the internet, proceed through the setup prompts, and choose the iCloud backup option when the transfer or restore screen appears. Compare the available backup dates and choose the one you want. Apple explains backup and transfer choices in its iPad setup and transfer guide.
An iCloud restore is useful when the old iPad is not available or you would rather not keep both iPads occupied. The iPad may be usable while apps and other content continue to download; availability of the full set of content depends on the backup and network connection.
Rank #2
- 13" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 256 GB Flash Memory
Restore a backup from a Mac or Windows PC
Use this route if you have a local backup. Apple says Finder backup requires macOS 10.15 or later; earlier macOS versions use iTunes. On Windows, use iTunes. Connect the iPad to the computer, open the appropriate app, and select the option to restore from a backup. Apple’s computer backup and restore instructions cover the available steps.
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- Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or iTunes on an earlier Mac or Windows PC.
- Select the iPad in the computer app and choose the restore option.
- Review the listed backup dates and sizes, then select the backup you intend to use.
- If the backup is encrypted, enter its password when asked and allow the restore to complete.
Encryption matters if you need Health and Activity data: Apple warns that an unencrypted computer backup will not transfer that data from an iOS device or Apple Watch. An encrypted local backup is available.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad experience in an impossibly thin and light design. Featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, outrageous performance from the M4 chip, superfast wireless connectivity,* and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — Ultra Retina XDR delivers extreme brightness and contrast and exceptional color accuracy and features advanced technologies like ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Plus a nano-texture display glass option is available in 1TB and 2TB configurations.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — Up to 10-core CPU in the M4 chip delivers powerful performance, while the 10‑core GPU provides blazing-fast graphics. And with all-day battery life, you can do anything you imagine on iPad Pro.* Up to 2TB of storage means you can store everything from apps to large files like 4K video.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Pro comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
If you already finished setting up the iPad
Apple’s computer-restore guidance requires erasing a new device that has already been set up before restoring a computer backup. Erasing removes the iPad’s data. Do not proceed until you have saved anything created on the new iPad that you want to keep. Apple’s restore instructions explain the computer-backup process.
Move from Android with Move to iOS
During the iPad setup assistant, choose “From Android” and follow the Move to iOS instructions on the Android device. Apple’s Move from Android guidance describes the process. This choice belongs in the initial setup flow: if setup is already complete, Apple says you must erase the iPad and start over to use Move to iOS, or move content manually instead.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
What to check after the transfer
A transfer or restore gets the new iPad started, but it does not guarantee that every app’s server-side data, sign-in, password, or setting will be identical. Open the apps you rely on and follow any prompts to sign in again. Check that important files, photos, and other content are present, and redownload content that was stored only on the old device when needed.
Troubleshoot Quick Start or an organization-managed iPad
The Quick Start prompt disappeared
Restart both devices, then place the unlocked old iPad near the new iPad and try again. Apple’s Quick Start guidance recommends restarting both if the setup prompt goes away.
Best Value
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
The new iPad is managed by a school or business
Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device when the new iPad is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. Follow your school’s or employer’s setup directions rather than trying to bypass its management process; Apple’s setup guidance notes this restriction.
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