Use Apple Quick Start during the iPhone 18 Pro’s initial setup to move data directly from your iPhone 16 Pro, or choose an iCloud download if you want to start using the new phone while content continues downloading. Back up the old phone first. “Everything” is not guaranteed to copy automatically: you’ll need to set up Face ID again and may have separate Apple Watch or cellular steps.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Best when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start direct transfer | You have both phones and want to migrate directly between them. | Both phones need to stay nearby, powered, and occupied until the transfer finishes. Timing varies with network conditions and how much data is being moved. Apple Quick Start guidance |
| Quick Start with Download from iCloud | You want to start using the new phone while apps and data download in the background. | Requires internet access and available iCloud data or a backup. Apple Quick Start guidance |
| Restore from iCloud backup | The iPhone 16 Pro is unavailable, or you prefer restoring from a backup. | You need the Apple Account used for the backup and the intended backup must be available. Temporary iCloud storage eligibility varies. Apple restore guidance Apple temporary iCloud storage guidance |
| Restore from a computer backup | You have a recent backup made on a Mac or PC, or prefer a local backup. | Use an encrypted backup if you need to preserve Health and Activity data. Apple computer backup guidance Apple backup data guidance |
| Wired transfer | You prefer transferring by cable. | Apple documents wired migration generally, but the exact cable or adapter for this model pairing is not established here. Check current iPhone 18 Pro documentation before buying a cable. Apple Quick Start guidance |
Prepare both iPhones before you start
- Have the Apple Account password and the iPhone 16 Pro passcode available. Apple recommends having an account password and backup ready when restoring a device. Apple restore guidance
- Install available iOS updates on the old phone if practical; Apple recommends keeping devices updated for Quick Start. Apple Quick Start guidance
- Make a fresh backup before migrating. For iCloud, connect the iPhone 16 Pro to Wi-Fi, then open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Apple backup guidance
- Check the new phone’s available storage against the content you plan to move. Available capacity depends on the iPhone 18 Pro configuration.
- Keep both phones connected to power and use a stable Wi-Fi connection during setup. For Quick Start, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the old phone. Apple Quick Start guidance
- If considering a cable, verify the supported cable combination in current Apple documentation; the exact model-specific pairing is not established here.
Transfer directly with Quick Start
Apple says a nearby iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later can help set up a new device. For a full wireless data transfer, Apple’s setup guide specifies iOS 12.4 or later on both devices. Apple Quick Start guidance
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- Turn on the iPhone 18 Pro and place it near the unlocked iPhone 16 Pro. Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old phone.
- Follow the Quick Start prompt on the iPhone 16 Pro and authenticate with its passcode when asked.
- When offered a transfer choice, select the direct transfer option to move data from the old iPhone.
- Keep both phones close together and connected to power until the transfer is complete. Apple says the duration depends on network conditions and the amount of data. Apple Quick Start guidance
Direct migration occupies both devices, so plan to be without the iPhone 16 Pro for the duration. If the new iPhone is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, Apple says Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device; follow your organization’s setup process or contact its administrator. Apple deployment guidance
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Use iCloud instead
Choose Download from iCloud during Quick Start
If Quick Start offers Download from iCloud, choose it to begin using the iPhone 18 Pro while apps and data continue downloading in the background. Leave the new phone connected to Wi-Fi and power where possible. Apple Quick Start guidance
#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%.
Restore an iCloud backup during setup
If the old phone is unavailable, choose the iCloud backup restore option during the iPhone 18 Pro’s initial setup. Sign in with the Apple Account used for the backup, then check the backup date and size to select the intended copy. If you have already completed setup on the new phone, Apple’s restore flow requires erasing it first. Apple restore guidance
People who have purchased a new iPhone may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage if their current storage is insufficient; eligibility is not guaranteed. Check the old phone’s Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone screen for the offer and instructions. Apple temporary iCloud storage guidance
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%.
Restore from a Mac or PC backup
- Back up the iPhone 16 Pro using Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on a PC. Apple computer backup guidance
- If Health and Activity history matters, enable encryption for the computer backup before relying on it.
- During iPhone 18 Pro setup, choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC and select the correct backup.
Apple states that Health and Activity data from iPhone or Apple Watch will not transfer from an unencrypted computer backup. Apple backup data guidance
Finish items that need separate attention
Face ID
Set up Face ID again on the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple says Face ID and Touch ID data does not leave its device or get saved elsewhere. Apple setup basics
Rank #3
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Health and Activity history
If using iCloud, check that Health sync is enabled. If restoring from a computer, use an encrypted backup; an unencrypted backup omits Health and Activity data. Apple backup data guidance
Apple Watch
Back up the old iPhone and make sure the Watch is backed up with it, then follow the new iPhone’s prompts or use the Apple Watch app to complete pairing. Apple’s pairing instructions recommend updating both phones and the Watch, connecting to Wi-Fi, and charging them; the Watch and new iPhone should each have at least 50 percent battery before starting. Apple Watch pairing guidance
Cellular service
Quick Start may prompt you to activate cellular service. Whether an existing SIM or eSIM can move directly depends on the phone model, carrier, and region. Follow the carrier steps shown onscreen; contact your carrier if transfer is not offered or fails. Apple Quick Start guidance Apple restore guidance
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If Quick Start does not appear
- Confirm the iPhone 16 Pro is unlocked, nearby, and has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
- Restart both phones and begin the new iPhone’s setup again with the devices close together and connected to power. Apple’s Quick Start instructions require proximity and recommend keeping devices powered during migration. Apple Quick Start guidance
- If the iPhone 18 Pro has already been set up, use the applicable restore or transfer flow during setup; restoring an iCloud backup requires erasing the new phone first. Apple restore guidance
- If the new phone is organization-managed through Apple School Manager or Apple Business, ask the administrator about the approved setup process. Apple deployment guidance
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