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How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone: 4 Methods

Move data to a new iPhone with Quick Start, iCloud, a compatible cable, or a computer backup. Learn what each method requires and how to avoid common setup pitfalls.
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To move your data to a new iPhone, use Quick Start for a direct phone-to-phone transfer or an iCloud download, restore an iCloud backup, connect the phones for a wired transfer, or restore a backup from a Mac or PC. The right choice depends on whether your old iPhone is available, whether you have a recent backup, and what cables or computer you can use. Keep your Apple Account password ready, and check the backup date and size before restoring.

Choose the method that fits your situation

Method Best fit What you need to know
Quick Start direct transfer Your old iPhone is available and you want to move data directly. Keep both phones nearby and connected to power. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth should be enabled on the old phone. You must wait for the migration to finish before using either phone normally; transfer time varies with network conditions and data volume. Quick Start transfer is unavailable if the new iPhone is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. Apple Quick Start guidance.
Quick Start with iCloud download or iCloud backup restore You have a usable iCloud backup, or prefer content to download while you use the new phone. Requires Wi-Fi and access to your Apple Account. Some apps and other content can continue downloading after setup. An iPhone that is already set up must be erased to use the setup restore path, which removes its current data. Quick Start and iCloud transfer guidance.
Wired iPhone-to-iPhone transfer You have both phones and the correct cable or adapter for their connectors. The required setup depends on the iPhone generations involved. Follow the on-screen steps and wait for migration to complete. Apple wired-transfer guidance.
Mac or PC backup restore You already have a recent backup on a computer. Use Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or Apple Devices or iTunes as applicable to your computer. The new iPhone must be new or erased. An unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data. Apple computer-backup restore guidance.

Do not choose a method based on a promised universal transfer time: Apple does not give one. A direct migration depends on network conditions and the amount of data, while an iCloud restore depends on backup size and network speed.

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Before transferring: check your backup and prepare both phones

  • Have your Apple Account password ready; you may need it to sign in or restore purchases and data.
  • If using a backup, confirm it is usable and check its date and size before selecting it. Apple’s backup restore instructions describe choosing a backup during setup.
  • For direct Quick Start migration, connect both iPhones to power, keep them close, and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old iPhone. Apple says migration duration varies with network conditions and the amount of data transferred. (Apple Support)
  • If you need a fresh iCloud backup, on the old iPhone connect to Wi-Fi, open Settings, tap your account name, tap iCloud, tap iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now. Stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup finishes. If storage is insufficient, Apple says the phone will prompt you about storage. Apple iCloud backup steps.

Method 1: Transfer directly with Quick Start

  1. Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old iPhone. Unlock the old phone, connect it to Wi-Fi, and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
  2. Follow the Quick Start prompts on the old iPhone and continue through setup on the new one.
  3. When asked how to transfer data, choose the direct transfer option.
  4. Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until migration finishes. Do not plan to use both normally during the transfer.

Apple says transfer times vary with network conditions and the amount of data being transferred; there is no single reliable duration. If the Quick Start prompt disappears, Apple advises restarting both devices. Direct Quick Start transfer is not available when the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. Apple Quick Start guidance.

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Method 2: Use Quick Start with iCloud, or restore an iCloud backup

If the old iPhone is available

Start Quick Start as above, then select the option to download from iCloud rather than transfer directly. This uses iCloud and Wi-Fi; content such as apps and photos may continue downloading after the new iPhone’s initial setup. Apple Quick Start and iCloud transfer guidance.

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If the old iPhone is unavailable

  1. Turn on the new or erased iPhone and connect it to Wi-Fi during setup.
  2. At the transfer or restore screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
  3. Sign in to your Apple Account and select the appropriate backup. Check its date and size to avoid choosing an outdated or unsuitable backup.
  4. Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while restore progresses. Some content can continue downloading after setup.

Apple says restore progress depends on backup size and network speed. If the iPhone is already set up, it must be erased before using this setup restore process; erasing removes the data currently on it. Apple iCloud transfer guidance and iPhone User Guide: restore from a backup.

Method 3: Transfer between iPhones with a cable

Use the cable or adapter that matches both iPhones’ connectors. Apple’s guidance distinguishes these pairings:

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iPhone 15 or later to iPhone 15 or later USB-C Charge Cable
iPhone 14 or earlier to iPhone 15 or later USB-C to Lightning Cable
iPhone 14 or earlier to iPhone 14 or earlier Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter and Lightning to USB Cable; connect power to the adapter with a 12W-or-higher power adapter.

Turn on both phones, connect them using the appropriate setup, and follow the on-screen instructions. The new iPhone may prompt you to connect to Wi-Fi or a cellular network. Wait for migration to finish before using the phones. Confirm the exact models and connector pairing before buying or borrowing a cable; one cable is not compatible with every combination. Apple wired-transfer guidance.

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Method 4: Restore a backup from a Mac or PC

  1. Make sure the new iPhone is new or erased. Apple’s restore process requires erasing an already configured iPhone first.
  2. During iPhone setup, choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC, then connect the iPhone to the computer that holds the backup.
  3. Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or Apple Devices or iTunes depending on the computer and installed software. Select the iPhone and choose the backup to restore.
  4. If prompted, enter the password for the encrypted backup and wait for the restore to complete.

An unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data from the iPhone or Apple Watch. If those records matter, use an encrypted backup or choose another migration route. Apple restore guidance.

Quick Recap

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Which route should you use?

  • Old phone available, no computer backup: Choose Quick Start direct transfer if you can keep both phones together and powered, or choose its iCloud download option if you prefer to restore from iCloud.
  • Old phone unavailable: Restore a recent iCloud backup during setup, if one exists, or use a computer backup you have already made.
  • Computer backup available: Restore it through Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes as appropriate. Consider encryption if Health and Activity data must be included.
  • Want a cable-based phone-to-phone transfer: Confirm the exact iPhone connector pairing first, then use Apple’s listed cable or adapter setup.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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