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For most people, Apple’s Quick Start is the simplest way to move data to a new iPhone: put the old phone nearby, follow the setup prompts, then choose a direct transfer or download from iCloud. You can also restore an existing iCloud or computer backup. Apple’s general instructions cover these methods, but do not establish an iPhone 18-specific cable or port procedure, so don’t buy a cable based on an assumed connector.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Is the old iPhone needed? | What to expect | Useful when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Start, direct transfer | Yes; keep both phones nearby | Both phones remain occupied until the transfer finishes. | You have the old phone and want to transfer directly. |
| Quick Start, download from iCloud | Yes to begin Apple’s nearby-device flow; the old phone must be on iOS 17.2 or later for this option | Apps and data download in the background, so you can use the new phone while they arrive. | You want to start setup with the old phone nearby but prefer background downloads. |
| Restore from iCloud backup | No; a suitable backup and Apple Account access are needed | Choose a backup during setup, then keep the new phone connected to Wi-Fi and power as restoration and downloads continue. | The old phone is unavailable or you already have an iCloud backup. |
| Restore from a computer backup | No during restore; you need access to the computer holding the backup | Restore during setup using Finder on Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows. An encrypted backup is needed to transfer Health and Activity data. | You have a computer backup or prefer to restore from one. |
Apple’s Quick Start instructions say an iPhone with iOS 11 or later can be used for Quick Start. Transfer time varies with network conditions and the amount of data, so plan to keep the phones together and plugged into power rather than relying on a fixed completion time.
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Prepare before you start
- Charge both iPhones and, if possible, connect them to power for the migration.
- For Quick Start, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the old iPhone, then keep it near the new one.
- Have your Apple Account password ready. If restoring a backup, check its date and size so you can identify the right one.
- If using a computer backup and you want Health and Activity data, make an encrypted backup and keep its password. Apple’s backup guidance explains computer backup options and encryption.
- Do not erase or trade in the old iPhone until you have checked that the new phone has the data you need.
Option 1: Transfer directly with Quick Start
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it next to the old iPhone.
- Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old phone. Follow the Quick Start prompts and authenticate when asked.
- When offered a choice, select the direct transfer option.
- Leave both phones near each other and connected to power until the transfer completes.
Apple notes that transfer times can vary depending on network conditions and how much data is being transferred. If the process appears slow, avoid separating the phones or interrupting their power while it is underway.
Option 2: Use Quick Start and download from iCloud
- Start Quick Start with the old iPhone beside the new one.
- At the data-transfer step, select the iCloud download option.
- Keep the new iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while apps and data continue downloading.
Apple’s nearby-device route for choosing this option requires iOS 17.2 or later on the old iPhone. With iCloud download, you can use the new phone while remaining content arrives. See Apple’s iPhone transfer guidance for the general setup flow.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Option 3: Restore an existing iCloud backup
This method does not require the old iPhone to be nearby, but you need access to the Apple Account used for the backup. Follow Apple’s iCloud transfer instructions:
- Turn on the new iPhone and proceed through setup until you reach the transfer or restore screen.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup.
- Sign in with your Apple Account.
- Compare the backup dates and sizes, then choose the backup you intend to restore.
- Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while the restore and subsequent downloads finish.
Option 4: Restore from a Mac or Windows computer
- On the old iPhone, create a backup using Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on Windows. Follow Apple’s computer-backup instructions.
- If Health and Activity data matter, enable backup encryption and save the password. Apple says those data do not transfer from an unencrypted computer backup; an encrypted backup requires its password to restore.
- During setup of the new iPhone, choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC, connect it to the computer, and select the correct backup.
- Enter the encryption password if prompted, then allow the restore to complete.
Apple’s restore instructions describe restoring from a computer. The app name on Windows depends on which Apple software you use: Apple Devices or iTunes.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
If the new iPhone is already set up
Restoring an iCloud or computer backup through the setup flow requires erasing a phone that has already been configured. Erasing deletes its current content. Before proceeding, verify that the backup contains what you need and save anything on the new iPhone that exists only there. Apple’s restore guidance explains the setup-based restore process.
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What is—and is not—confirmed about iPhone 18 cables
The Apple instructions above explain general iPhone migration and backup restoration. They do not establish the iPhone 18’s connector details, a particular cable for an old-iPhone/iPhone 18 pair, or a model-specific wired transfer procedure. Because the old iPhone model is also unspecified, a cable recommendation would depend on details not established here. Use Quick Start or a backup-based method unless you have verified the current instructions and compatibility for both specific devices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Rank #4
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
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