October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Cupertino desk4 min

Move to a New iPhone or iPad: Which Migration Method Should You Choose?

Quick Start is the simplest option for most iPhone-to-iPhone or iPad-to-iPad moves. Choose direct transfer or iCloud download based on whether you can wait to use both devices.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For most moves from an old iPhone or iPad, use Apple’s Quick Start during the new device’s setup. Choose a direct transfer if you can leave both devices nearby and plugged in until it finishes; choose the iCloud option if you want to start using the new device while apps and data download in the background. If you’re moving from Android, use Move to iOS during setup instead.

Choose the method that fits your situation

Method Best for What to expect
Quick Start direct transfer Your old iPhone or iPad is available, and you can pause using both devices. Keep the devices close and connected to power until the transfer finishes. Apple says transfer times vary with network conditions and the amount of data being transferred. Apple Quick Start guidance.
Quick Start with iCloud download You want to begin using the new device sooner. Apps and data continue downloading in the background. A reliable Wi-Fi connection and power help the download continue. Apple Quick Start guidance.
Restore an iCloud backup You have a suitable backup, or the old device is unavailable. Choose the backup during setup. If the new device is already set up, Apple says you must erase it before restoring. Apple instructions for restoring from an iCloud backup.
Restore a computer backup You have a saved backup on a Mac or PC. Connect the new device to the computer and restore the relevant backup using Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, depending on your computer and operating system. Apple restore guidance and Quick Start and setup guidance.
Move to iOS You’re moving from Android. Start the process during the new device’s initial setup. Apple also documents a USB-C cable transfer for supported devices; compatibility depends on the devices. Apple Move to iOS instructions and Apple wired transfer instructions.

Prepare before you start

  • Check your backup. On the old Apple device, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup. Check the displayed date and time of the last backup; you can start a new backup from that screen. Apple iCloud Backup instructions.
  • Have your Apple Account password ready. You may need it during setup or restore. Apple says a new iPhone or iPad buyer may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage; check eligibility rather than assuming it is available. Apple Quick Start guidance.
  • Set up power and connectivity. Charge or plug in both devices. For Quick Start, keep them close together and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old device. Apple Quick Start guidance.
  • Check destination capacity if moving from Android. The selected content must fit on the new device. Apple Move to iOS instructions.
  • Follow cellular setup prompts. If moving a SIM or activating cellular service, follow the onscreen instructions. Contact your carrier if the new device needs a different SIM. Apple setup guidance.

Move data from an old iPhone or iPad with Quick Start

  1. Turn on the new iPhone or iPad and place it near the old device.
  2. Follow the Quick Start prompt on the old device and continue through the onscreen setup.
  3. When prompted, choose direct transfer or the option to download from iCloud.
  4. For direct transfer, keep both devices close and connected to power until the process completes. With iCloud, keep the new device connected so apps and data can continue downloading in the background. Apple gives no universal duration: transfer time depends on network conditions and the amount of data. Apple Quick Start guidance.

Which Quick Start option is right for you?

Choose direct transfer when the old device is available and you can leave both devices occupied during the move. Choose the iCloud download route when getting started on the new device sooner matters more than having every app and item downloaded immediately.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Restore a backup instead

Restore from iCloud

During setup, choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup and select the appropriate saved backup. If the new device has already completed setup, restoring requires erasing it first; make sure anything newly created on it is saved elsewhere before proceeding. Follow Apple’s iCloud restore instructions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Restore from a Mac or PC

Connect the new device to the computer containing the backup. Open Finder on a Mac, Apple Devices on a supported Windows setup, or iTunes where applicable; select the device and restore the relevant saved backup. Consult Apple’s restore guidance for the computer-specific steps.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Blue
  • WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
  • PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
  • 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
  • IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
  • FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Move from Android with Move to iOS

  1. Start the new iPhone or iPad setup and continue to the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen.
  2. Choose the option to move data from Android, then follow the prompts in Apple’s Move to iOS flow.
  3. Make sure the content you select will fit on the new device. For supported device combinations, Apple also documents a direct USB-C cable transfer. Check both models’ ports and transfer support before choosing a cable; one cable or connection is not guaranteed to work for every pairing. See Apple’s Move to iOS instructions and wired transfer guidance.

If you already finished setup

Apple’s Move to iOS flow is for initial setup. To use it after setup is complete, you must erase the new device and begin again; alternatively, move content manually. Save anything new on the device before erasing it. Apple Move to iOS instructions.

Rank #4
Sale
Apple iPad, 10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB, Space Gray (Renewed)
  • Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
  • A10 Fusion chip.
  • Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
  • 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
  • Stereo speakers.
Rank #3
Sale
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Silver
  • WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
  • PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
  • 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
  • IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
  • FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Rank #2
Sale
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Pink
  • WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
  • PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
  • 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
  • IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
  • FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.