To move data to a new iPhone, use Quick Start if you have the old phone, restore an iCloud backup if you do not, or restore a computer backup if you made one. No method guarantees that every app login or app-specific item will arrive unchanged, so keep the old phone until you have checked the new one.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Best when | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start, direct transfer | You have both iPhones and can keep them together while the transfer runs. | Both phones remain occupied until it finishes. Apple says direct wireless transfer of all data requires iOS 12.4 or later on both devices. Apple’s Quick Start instructions |
| Quick Start with iCloud download | You have the old phone and want to start using the new one sooner. | Apps and data download in the background; keep the new iPhone connected to Wi-Fi. |
| Restore from iCloud backup | The old phone is unavailable, but a suitable backup exists. | You need the Apple Account password and Wi-Fi. If the new iPhone is already set up, it must be erased to use the setup restore flow. |
| Restore from computer backup | You made a backup with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes and prefer restoring from a computer. | An encrypted backup needs its password. Health and Activity data are not included in an unencrypted backup. |
Apple says an iPhone or iPad with iOS 11 or later can automatically set up a new device; direct wireless transfer of all data has the higher iOS 12.4 requirement. A new iPhone enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business cannot use Quick Start to transfer from the current device; ask your organization’s administrator which setup route is permitted. Apple Quick Start guidance
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Prepare both phones and your accounts
- Have your Apple Account password ready.
- If restoring a backup, confirm it is recent enough and that you can access the account used to make it.
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth before using Quick Start.
- Plan for cellular service: depending on your iPhone and carrier, you may need to move a physical SIM or arrange eSIM activation. Check with the carrier rather than assuming service will transfer automatically.
- Make sure you can keep the phones near each other and connected to power for a direct transfer.
If you are short on iCloud storage, Apple says a new iPhone purchaser may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage for a transfer backup, available for up to three weeks. Check Apple’s current eligibility and steps before relying on it. Apple’s instructions for temporary iCloud storage
Use Quick Start with a direct transfer
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one.
- Follow the Quick Start prompts on the old iPhone. If the setup prompt disappears, restart both phones and try again.
- Continue through the network or cellular setup and Face ID or Touch ID steps. At the transfer choice, select the direct transfer option.
- Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until the migration finishes. You cannot use the new phone until the direct transfer is complete.
Transfer time depends on factors including network conditions and the amount of data being moved; Apple does not give a universal duration. Do not separate the phones during the transfer. Apple Quick Start instructions
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Use Quick Start with an iCloud download
If both iPhones are available but you need to use the new one sooner, start Quick Start as above and choose the iCloud download option at the transfer step. Apps and data continue downloading in the background, so the new iPhone can be used before every item has finished arriving. Leave it connected to Wi-Fi and, where practical, power while the download completes. Apple Quick Start instructions
Restore from an iCloud backup without the old phone
- Turn on the new iPhone and proceed through setup until the transfer or restore screen.
- Connect to Wi-Fi, choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup, and sign in with the Apple Account associated with the backup.
- Select the backup you want. Check its date and size to distinguish it from other backups.
- Keep the iPhone online and, if possible, connected to power while apps and other content finish downloading.
If you already completed setup on the new iPhone, Apple’s restore-from-backup setup path requires erasing it first. Erasing deletes data currently on that iPhone, so save anything on it that you need before proceeding. Follow Apple’s restore-from-iCloud-backup instructions for the current reset and restore steps.
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Restore a Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes backup
- On the computer where the backup was made, open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, as applicable.
- Connect the new iPhone to the computer, select the device, and choose the restore option.
- Select the backup you want and follow the onscreen prompts. If it is encrypted, enter the backup password.
- Keep the iPhone connected as the restore proceeds, then allow content to download or sync as needed.
An unencrypted computer backup will not transfer Health and Activity data. If the new iPhone has already been set up, it must be erased before using Apple’s restore-from-backup setup flow. See Apple’s backup and restore instructions for the applicable computer steps.
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Can you transfer data with a cable?
Apple documents a wired transfer option, but the required cable depends on the ports and models of both iPhones. Do not buy a cable based on a generic recommendation: verify your exact model pairing and Apple’s current wired-transfer directions first. For example, a USB-C-to-Lightning cable is only relevant to certain pairings with a Lightning-port old iPhone and a USB-C new iPhone. Apple transfer options
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What may still need attention after the transfer
Apple’s transfer and backup instructions do not establish identical behavior for every app, login session, credential, or app-specific file. Some content may need to download again, and some apps may ask you to sign in or configure them. For important apps, check the app maker’s migration instructions if their data is especially important.
- Check that your photos, messages, contacts, and other important data are present.
- Confirm cellular service works and address any SIM or eSIM activation prompts with your carrier.
- Allow iCloud content, photos, music, and apps time to finish downloading over Wi-Fi.
- If you use an Apple Watch, complete the pairing or restoration steps that apply to it.
- Keep the old iPhone intact until you have verified what matters on the new one. Only then erase, trade in, or give it away.
Apple’s Quick Start guide, backup restore guide, and temporary iCloud storage guidance cover the setup paths and their current requirements.
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