How to Transfer Everything from an Old iPhone to a New iPhone

by

The easiest way to move to a new iPhone is usually Quick Start, because it can bring over your apps, settings, photos, messages, accounts, and other data while you set up the new phone. Before starting, update the old iPhone if practical, connect it to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, and make a fresh backup.

Contents hide
1 Quick steps
2 Choose direct transfer or iCloud
3 Do not erase the old iPhone yet
4 When Quick Start stalls
5 Before trading in the old phone
6 Quick Start is usually the simplest complete transfer
7 Verify the new iPhone before erasing the old one

Quick steps

  1. Turn on the new iPhone and place it next to the old iPhone.
  2. Follow the Quick Start prompt and confirm the Apple Account shown.
  3. Scan the setup animation or authenticate as requested.
  4. Set up cellular service and Face ID or Touch ID.
  5. Choose a direct iPhone transfer or an iCloud download.
  6. Keep the phones nearby and connected to power until the migration is complete.

Choose direct transfer or iCloud

A direct transfer keeps the two phones tied up until the copy finishes, but it can be convenient when both devices are available. An iCloud transfer restores from the cloud and lets some content continue downloading after setup. Apple also supports wired migration; the cable or adapter required depends on the ports on the two iPhones.

Do not erase the old iPhone yet

Open Photos, Messages, Contacts, Notes, and a few important apps on the new phone. Check cellular calling, two-factor authentication apps, banking apps, Apple Pay cards, and any locally stored files. An Apple Watch may also need to finish its migration or pairing process.

When Quick Start stalls

Keep Bluetooth on and both devices close together. Restarting both phones can clear a failed setup attempt. If direct migration remains unreliable, use an iCloud backup or a computer backup instead. The amount of data and network conditions can make a large transfer take much longer than expected.

Before trading in the old phone

Only erase the previous iPhone after you have verified the new one. If you use an eSIM, confirm the cellular plan is active on the new device first. Keep your Apple Account password available because setup, Activation Lock, and some restored services can ask for it.

Quick Start is usually the simplest complete transfer

Place the old and new iPhones near each other, turn on the new iPhone, and follow Quick Start. Depending on the choices offered, the new phone can transfer directly from the old iPhone or restore through iCloud. Keep both devices charged and nearby until the initial migration finishes.

Verify the new iPhone before erasing the old one

Check photos, messages, contacts, files, cellular service, authenticator apps, and any data that is difficult to replace. Some iCloud content can continue downloading after setup. Do not trade in or erase the old iPhone until you can sign in to essential accounts and confirm the information you need is available.