How do you transfer data?
When you upgrade from an Apple iPhone to a new one, you will probably also want to transfer all of your data. This includes apps, settings, and other valuable files stored on your device or in the cloud.
Below we describe three different methods you can use to do this. None of these require installing additional software or third-party apps—you can use Apple’s own reliable methods and apps instead.
1. Transfer your iPhone data with Quick Start
For this method, you need both the old and the new iPhone. Make sure both devices have sufficient battery charge.
- Place the two iPhones close to each other and make sure Bluetooth is turned on on the old iPhone.
- Turn on the new iPhone and tap “Continue” when a prompt appears on the screen of your old iPhone.
- After tapping “Continue,” an animation will appear on the new iPhone. Use the camera on the old iPhone to scan the animation. This will connect the two devices.
- The new iPhone will then ask for your passcode. Enter the passcode and your Apple ID. At this point you can also set up Face ID.
- After entering your Apple ID, choose “Transfer from iPhone” and wait for the transfer to complete. You can also choose to transfer from iCloud or another option. Keep the two iPhones close to each other during the entire transfer.
- Done!
2. Upgrade to a new iPhone with iCloud
To use iCloud to transfer your data, you first need an up-to-date iCloud backup of your old iPhone. Check out our blog post to learn how to back up your iPhone.
This method also requires that you restore your iPhone so you can enter the setup phase. Read more about how to restore the phone here. You do not need to worry about this if your iPhone has not been set up yet.
- After backing up your old iPhone to iCloud, turn on your new iPhone.
- Continue the setup process and connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- In the “Apps & Data” screen, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” and sign in to iCloud.
- Select the backup you want to restore and wait until it finishes.
- Done!
3. Transfer data from your old iPhone using iTunes
Finally, you can transfer data from an old iPhone to a new one by using iTunes and your computer. Always make sure you are using the latest version of iTunes—this applies to all other apps and software as well.
As with method 2, you need a backup of your old iPhone to use iTunes. Read more about creating a backup with iTunes here. To use this method, you may need to restore your iPhone if it has already been set up.
- After backing up your old iPhone to iTunes, turn on your new iPhone and continue the setup process.
- In the “Apps & Data” screen, choose “Restore from Mac or PC” and connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC with a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on the computer and locate your new device in the upper-left corner.
- Select “Restore Backup” and choose the backup you want to restore.
- Wait until the backup is finished.
- Done!
Summary: Three ways to transfer data to your new iPhone
You should now be able to transfer data from your old iPhone to a new one using Quick Start, iCloud, or iTunes. The great thing about using any of these methods is that none of them require unsafe software or third-party apps. You’ll also be able to back up your device, which is a smart thing to do regularly—either locally on your computer or in the cloud.