For most people, the right method depends on where the contacts are stored. If they already sync with iCloud, sign in to the same Apple Account on the new iPhone and turn on Contacts. If you are setting up a new iPhone and want to move more than contacts, use Apple’s Quick Start. Contacts may also come from a mail account, a SIM that actually stores them, or a vCard file.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Situation | Best-fit option | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| The old iPhone is available and the new one is still being set up | Quick Start | Moves data as part of new-device setup; choose direct transfer or download from iCloud. Apple’s Quick Start instructions explain the process. |
| Contacts already sync through iCloud | Enable Contacts in iCloud on the new iPhone | This syncs contacts across devices signed in to the same Apple Account; it is not a one-time manual copy. See Apple’s iCloud contacts guidance. |
| Contacts belong to an email account | Add that account to the iPhone | Contacts associated with the account can then be available on the phone. Apple identifies iCloud or a mail account as internet-based contact sources in its SIM import guidance. |
| Contacts are stored on a SIM | Import SIM Contacts | Useful only if the SIM actually contains contacts. iPhone does not store its contacts on the SIM. |
| You have a contact file | Open the .vcf vCard attachment | Tap the attachment in an email or message to import its contact information. See Apple’s vCard instructions. |
| The old iPhone is unavailable | Restore an iCloud backup during setup | If the new iPhone is already set up, Apple’s described restore process requires erasing it first. Review Apple’s restore instructions before proceeding. |
| You have a computer backup | Restore the device backup | Apple Devices, iTunes, or Finder backups are whole-device restore options, not a contacts-only export workflow. See Apple’s transfer-method overview. |
Use Quick Start when setting up the new iPhone
Quick Start is the practical choice when you have the old iPhone and want to migrate data during setup. Apple offers a direct device transfer or an iCloud download. The process uses both phones, so plan to leave them unavailable for several minutes or longer.
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Connect the current iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the current iPhone.
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts to begin Quick Start and choose the transfer option presented: direct transfer or download from iCloud.
- Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until the migration finishes.
Apple says transfer times vary with network conditions and the amount of data being transferred; its guidance does not give a typical duration. A direct transfer and an iCloud download also depend on different practical conditions: the phones need to remain together for a direct transfer, while an iCloud download relies on the account’s cloud data and network connection.
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Sync contacts already stored in iCloud
If the contacts are already in iCloud, there is no need to repeat a full-phone migration just to bring them onto another iPhone. Sign in to the same Apple Account on the destination phone, then go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > See All next to “Saved to iCloud” and turn on Contacts. Apple says iCloud keeps contacts up to date across signed-in devices, so changes can sync rather than leaving you with a separate, one-time copy.
#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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Bring contacts from another source
Mail account
If a work, school, or personal mail account holds the contacts, add that account to the iPhone and make sure its Contacts option is enabled in the account settings. This makes the account’s contacts available without relying on the old iPhone’s local contact list. Exact account setup labels can differ by iOS version and provider.
SIM card
iPhone does not store contacts on its SIM. Importing is relevant only when the SIM from the previous phone has contacts saved on it. Insert the supported SIM, then open Settings > Apps > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts. What comes across depends on what contact information the prior phone saved to the SIM.
Rank #2
- 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.
vCard file
For a contact file sent in an email or message, tap the .vcf attachment and follow the import prompt. This is a file-based route for contact information rather than a full-device migration.
Restore from a backup if the old iPhone is unavailable
An iCloud backup can restore a broader snapshot of the old device when you cannot use that phone to run Quick Start. The restore is performed during setup. Apple’s instructions say that if the destination iPhone has already been set up, you must erase it before following those restore steps.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Important: Erasing removes data currently on the destination iPhone. Before proceeding, make sure anything on that phone that you want to keep is backed up or otherwise saved. Then follow Apple’s restore flow and choose the relevant iCloud backup when prompted.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a computer backup makes sense
If you have a backup made with Apple Devices on Windows, iTunes, or Finder on a Mac, restoring it is another way to migrate the device. Treat this as a whole-device restore: Apple’s cited guidance does not establish a contacts-only export process from those backups. It is therefore less targeted than enabling iCloud Contacts or importing a vCard when the goal is only a few contacts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- 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, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- 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.
Check that the contacts arrived
- Open Contacts on the new iPhone and look for names you know were in the source account, SIM, file, or backup.
- If using iCloud, check that the same Apple Account is signed in and Contacts is enabled in the iCloud settings.
- If using a mail account, confirm that Contacts is enabled for that account.
- If using SIM import, remember that only contact information actually stored on the SIM can be imported.
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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