The easiest way to transfer data to a new iPhone 18 Pro is Quick Start if your old iPhone is nearby and working. If it is not, restore an iCloud or computer backup; if you are switching from Android, use the transfer option during iPhone setup. Start with the new phone’s Hello screen when possible: some restore and migration routes require erasing an iPhone that has already been set up.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Best fit | What you need | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Start, direct transfer | A working old iPhone is nearby | Old iPhone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for setup, and both phones nearby and powered | Both phones remain occupied until migration completes; timing varies with network conditions and the amount of data. Apple Support |
| Wired iPhone migration | You prefer a direct cable connection and have compatible phones | A USB-C charge cable; Apple documents this route for iPhone 15 or later to iPhone 15 or later | Both phones are unavailable during migration, and timing varies. Apple Support |
| iCloud restore | Your old iPhone is unavailable or you want to restore a backup | A suitable iCloud backup, the Apple Account used for it, Wi-Fi and power | Cloud content can continue downloading after setup; the described restore process requires erasing a target iPhone that is already set up. Apple Support |
| Computer restore | You already have a backup on a Mac or PC | The computer used for the backup; its password if the backup is encrypted | An unencrypted computer backup omits Health and Activity data. Apple Support |
| Android migration | Your previous phone runs Android | Initial iPhone setup, Move to iOS or a supported direct option, and enough iPhone storage | Not every app or its data transfers, and completing iPhone setup first can mean starting over. Apple Support |
1. Transfer directly from an iPhone with Quick Start
Quick Start is the simplest route when your old iPhone works and is within reach. Before beginning, update the old phone if practical, connect it to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it and place it beside the new iPhone. Follow the onscreen pairing steps and enter the old phone’s passcode when asked.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When prompted, choose direct transfer if you can leave both phones nearby and powered until it finishes. You can also choose to download from iCloud, which lets you start using the new iPhone sooner while apps and data continue downloading in the background. Apple says transfer time varies with network conditions and the amount of data being moved; it does not give a universal duration. Apple’s Quick Start guide explains the setup.
Use a cable for a direct iPhone migration
If you want a wired connection, Apple supports using a USB-C charge cable to migrate from an iPhone 15 or later to another iPhone 15 or later. Keep both phones connected and available until the migration finishes. This is an alternative way to connect the iPhones directly, not a separate backup source. Apple’s wired-transfer instructions cover the supported connection.
#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%.
Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device when that device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. Apple’s Quick Start guidance describes this restriction.
2. Restore an iCloud backup
Choose iCloud if your old phone is not available or you already have a suitable backup. On the old iPhone, check the backup’s recency at Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup. A manual backup runs over Wi-Fi. Automatic iCloud backup requires the feature to be enabled, along with power, Wi-Fi and a locked screen. Apple’s iCloud backup guide explains how backups work.
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.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Turn on the new iPhone and follow setup until the transfer or restore screen.
- Choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup, then sign in with the Apple Account used for that backup.
- If more than one backup is listed, check its date and size before choosing it.
- Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power after setup so remaining iCloud content can download.
If the iPhone 18 Pro has already been set up, Apple’s described iCloud restore flow requires erasing it first. Erasing removes the data currently on that iPhone, so save anything you need before resetting it. Apple’s iCloud transfer instructions cover the restore process.
3. Restore a backup from a Mac or PC
Use this option if a backup of your previous iPhone is already stored on a computer. Begin at the new iPhone’s Hello screen, choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC, then connect it to the computer used for the backup. Open Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes, select the iPhone, and choose the backup by date and size. Enter the backup password if it is encrypted. Apple’s computer-transfer guide describes the steps.
Rank #3
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
An unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data from the iPhone or Apple Watch. If that information matters, use an encrypted backup or another suitable transfer method. If the new iPhone has already passed setup, this restore flow requires erasing it first; protect any data already on it before doing so. Apple Support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.4. Move from Android
Start migration while the iPhone is still in initial setup. Choose Set Up Without Another Device, then select the Android option on the Transfer Apps & Data screen. Apple supports its Move to iOS app and documents a compatible direct USB-C option, as well as an app-free option for supported Android devices and software. Apple’s Android migration guide describes the available routes.
- Keep both phones powered and follow the iPhone’s prompts for the selected transfer method.
- Enable Wi-Fi when prompted and connect the devices as instructed.
- Select the content to move, including any relevant files on external Micro SD storage.
- Check that the selected content fits in the iPhone’s available storage, then allow the transfer to finish.
Some free apps may transfer if they are available on both platforms and support the transfer feature, but do not expect every Android app or all of its data to migrate. If you have already completed iPhone setup, Apple’s setup-time migration route may require erasing the iPhone and starting over; you can also move content manually instead. Apple’s Android migration guide
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Prepare the new iPhone before transferring
- Keep the old phone intact. Do not erase or trade it in until you have checked that the new phone contains the photos, messages, contacts and other important data you expect.
- Have credentials ready. You may need the Apple Account password and old-device passcode during setup. Apple’s setup guidance
- Check available storage. Compare the content you plan to move with the new iPhone’s available space. Apple lists an approximately 12GB to 24GB standard-configuration footprint for the iPhone 18 Pro, including iOS 27 with its latest features and Apple apps that can be deleted; that figure is not the amount of storage available for your transferred data. iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications
- Plan cellular activation separately. Apple’s 2026 iPhone 18 Pro specifications say the model activates with eSIM and does not support a physical SIM. Setup may prompt eSIM activation; follow your carrier’s supported transfer or activation process because support and availability vary by region. Apple’s specifications and setup guidance
- Give syncing time to finish. The end of setup does not mean every cloud item has downloaded. Leave the phone on Wi-Fi and power while remaining content arrives. Apple’s iCloud transfer instructions
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.
