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To move data to a new iPhone Air, use Quick Start if your old iPhone is available. It lets you transfer directly from the old phone or download apps and data from iCloud while you begin using the new one. If the old iPhone is unavailable, restore an iCloud or computer backup during setup.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Situation | Method | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Your old iPhone is available and you can wait to use both phones | Quick Start, then direct transfer | Keep both phones close and connected to power. Neither phone is available for normal use until the transfer finishes. Apple Quick Start instructions. |
| Your old iPhone is available and you want to use the new one sooner | Quick Start, then Download from iCloud | Apps and data download in the background, so you can start using the new phone while that continues. Apple Quick Start instructions. |
| Your old iPhone is unavailable, but you have an iCloud backup | Restore from iCloud during setup | Sign in to your Apple Account and choose the correct backup by its date and size. Apple restore instructions. |
| You have a computer backup | Restore with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes | An encrypted backup requires its password. An unencrypted backup will not transfer Health and Activity data. Apple computer-backup instructions. |
Before choosing, consider whether the old phone is available, whether a usable backup exists, whether you need to use the new phone before migration finishes, and whether Health and Activity data must be preserved from a computer backup.
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Before you start
- Check your backup. On the old iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and check the last successful backup date and time. Apple shows this information under Back Up Now. Apple iCloud Backup guidance.
- Resolve any storage warning. Do not rely on an iCloud backup if the phone reports insufficient storage or the backup has not completed. Apple provides steps in the device settings for addressing storage needs. Apple iCloud Backup guidance.
- Have your Apple Account password ready. You may also need to sign in to other Apple Accounts used for earlier iTunes or App Store purchases. Apple restore instructions.
- Keep power and connectivity in mind. For automatic iCloud backup, connect the old phone to power and Wi-Fi and keep its screen locked. Direct migration also requires time; transfer duration depends on network conditions and the amount of data. Apple Quick Start instructions.
- Plan for cellular service. Follow the setup prompts for cellular activation. Move a physical SIM or arrange eSIM activation as appropriate; contact your carrier if the new phone needs a different SIM. Apple Quick Start instructions.
Transfer directly with Quick Start
- On the old iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock the phone, and go to the Home Screen. Update both iPhones where possible. Apple Quick Start instructions.
- Turn on the new iPhone Air and place it beside the old phone. Follow the onscreen setup prompts. If the Quick Start prompt disappears, Apple advises restarting both devices and trying again. Apple Quick Start instructions.
- Continue through setup, including connecting the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or its mobile network, cellular activation if prompted, and Face ID or Touch ID setup.
- When asked how to transfer your data, choose direct transfer to copy from the old iPhone. Keep both phones close together and connected to power until migration completes. You cannot use either phone normally during the direct transfer. Apple Quick Start instructions.
Apple says, “Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.”
Use iCloud instead of waiting for a direct transfer
During Quick Start, choose Download from iCloud if you want apps and data to download in the background while you begin using the iPhone Air. For the nearby-old-device iCloud transfer flow described by Apple, the old iPhone must be running iOS 17.2 or later; check the current onscreen instructions if it is on older software. Apple iCloud restore instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: 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.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: 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
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Restore an iCloud backup when the old iPhone is unavailable
- Turn on the iPhone Air and follow setup until you reach the Wi-Fi and Apps & Data screens.
- Join a Wi-Fi network, then choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with the Apple Account associated with the backup.
- Compare the backup dates and sizes, then select the correct one. If prompted, sign in to other Apple Accounts used for earlier iTunes or App Store purchases. Apple restore instructions.
- Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while the restore and content downloads continue.
If the iPhone Air has already been set up, Apple’s cited restore flow requires erasing it first. Erasing removes data currently on the phone, so preserve anything newly created there before proceeding. Apple restore instructions.
Restore from a computer backup
- Use a new or newly erased iPhone Air and connect it by USB to the computer that holds the backup.
- Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or open Apple Devices or iTunes as applicable. Select the iPhone in the app.
- Choose Restore Backup and select the backup by date and size.
- If the backup is encrypted, enter its password. Wait for the restore to finish, then complete the onscreen setup. Apple computer-backup instructions.
An unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data from the iPhone or Apple Watch. If those records matter, confirm the backup is encrypted and that you know its password before relying on it. Apple computer-backup instructions.
Rank #2
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: 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.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: 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
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Does the iPhone Air require a special transfer cable?
Apple’s current guidance describes model-general iPhone migration and mentions a wired transfer option, but the instructions cited here do not specify a cable for iPhone Air. Do not assume a particular cable or adapter is required; follow the Air’s onscreen setup guidance and confirm compatibility with Apple’s current instructions if you plan to transfer by wire. Apple Quick Start instructions.
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Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #4
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: 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.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility before use
- Simple Activation Process: 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
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Rank #3
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: 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.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: 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
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
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