If you want to know how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, Apple provides several built-in methods to make the process simple and secure. You can move photos, messages, contacts, apps, settings, passwords, and other important information without setting up your new iPhone from scratch.

For most users, Quick Start is the easiest option. Place your old and new iPhones close together, follow the onscreen instructions, and choose whether to transfer data directly from the previous device or restore it from iCloud.

You can also use an iCloud backup, a wired connection, or an encrypted backup from a Mac or Windows PC. Understanding how to transfer data from one iPhone to another using these different methods helps you choose the best option based on your devices, storage, internet connection, and backup availability.

Quick Answer

The easiest way to transfer data from one iPhone to another is with Apple’s Quick Start. Place both iPhones near each other, connect them to Wi-Fi and power, and follow the onscreen setup instructions. You can transfer data directly from the old iPhone or restore it from iCloud. Photos, contacts, messages, apps, settings, and other supported data can move to the new device.

Key Takeaways

• Quick Start is the easiest option for most users.
• Direct transfer is ideal when both iPhones are available.
• iCloud restoration works even if your previous iPhone is not nearby, provided you have a suitable backup.
• Apple can provide temporary iCloud storage for eligible new-device migrations.
• A wired transfer can be useful for large amounts of data.
• Mac and Windows backups provide a local alternative.
• Encrypt a computer backup if you want additional information such as saved passwords, Health data, Wi-Fi settings, and call history included.
• Check eSIM, Apple Pay, passwords, authenticator apps, Apple Watch, and important third-party apps before wiping the old phone.

Which iPhone Transfer Method Is Best?

If you are deciding how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, the best method depends on whether you still have your old iPhone, your internet connection, and how you prefer to move your data.

Choose Quick Start if:

• Both iPhones work
• You have both devices with you
• You want the easiest transfer method

Choose iCloud if:

• You have a recent backup
• Your old iPhone is unavailable
• You want apps and data to continue downloading after setup

Choose a Wired Transfer if:

• Wi-Fi is unreliable
• You prefer a physical connection
• You have a large amount of local data

Choose a Computer Backup if:

• You want a local backup
• You regularly back up to a Mac or PC
• You prefer not to rely mainly on iCloud

For most users, Quick Start is the best first option because it is simple and designed specifically for moving data to a new iPhone.

Before You Transfer Data to Your New iPhone

Before starting how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, a few quick checks can help prevent backup, storage, and connection problems.

1. Back Up Your Old iPhone

Even if you plan to use Quick Start, creating a recent backup gives you an extra recovery option.

Go to:

Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now

Wait until the backup finishes before starting the transfer.

2. Check Your Apple Account

Make sure you know:

• Your Apple Account email or phone number
• Your password
• Your old iPhone passcode

You may also need access to a trusted device or phone number for verification.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

Connect your old iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network if you are using Quick Start or restoring from iCloud.

4. Turn On Bluetooth

Bluetooth must be enabled on the old iPhone for Quick Start.

5. Charge Both iPhones

Connect both devices to power, especially if you are transferring a large photo, video, or app library.

6. Update iOS

Install the latest compatible iOS version when possible to reduce software compatibility problems.

7. Check Available Storage

On your old iPhone, go to:

Settings → General → iPhone Storage

Compare the amount of used storage with the capacity of your new iPhone.

If your old iPhone uses 220 GB but the new device has only 128 GB of storage, you may need to remove unnecessary downloads or reduce locally stored content before transferring.

Best Ways to Transfer Data From One iPhone to Another

There are four main ways to move your information to a new iPhone. The best option depends on whether you still have your old device, how much data you need to transfer, and whether you prefer a direct, cloud, wired, or computer-based method.

Method 1: Transfer Data With Quick Start

For most users, Quick Start is the easiest option. It lets you use your old iPhone to set up the new one and transfer supported data directly or through iCloud.

Step 1: Prepare Your Old iPhone

Make sure it is:

• Connected to Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Unlocked
• Sufficiently charged

Step 2: Turn On the New iPhone

Place the new iPhone beside the old one and follow the Quick Start prompts.

If the prompt disappears, restart both devices and try again.

Step 3: Authenticate the New iPhone

Use your old iPhone to scan the setup animation, then enter your existing device passcode when requested.

Step 4: Set Up Security and Cellular Service

Configure Face ID or Touch ID and follow any prompts to transfer your SIM or eSIM.

Step 5: Choose Your Transfer Option

When deciding how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, you may see two choices:

• Transfer from iPhone
• Download from iCloud

Direct transfer keeps both devices occupied until migration finishes. Downloading from iCloud allows some apps and data to continue downloading after setup.

Transfer From iPhone vs Download From iCloud

For most users who have both devices available, direct transfer is the simplest choice.

Quick Start Not Working?

Try these checks:

• Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on
• Keep both iPhones close together
• Connect both devices to power
• Restart both iPhones if the prompt disappears
• Check available storage
• Update iOS if necessary

If Quick Start still does not work, use iCloud, a wired transfer, or a computer backup instead.

How Long Does an iPhone Transfer Take?

There is no fixed transfer time.

The duration depends mainly on:

• Amount of data
• Photo and video library size
• Wi-Fi speed
• Transfer method
• Number of apps

A smaller transfer may finish relatively quickly, while a phone containing hundreds of gigabytes of data can take much longer.

Method 2: Transfer Data Using an iCloud Backup

An iCloud backup is a good option if your old iPhone is unavailable or you already have a recent backup.

Create an iCloud Backup

On your old iPhone, go to:

Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now

Wait until the backup finishes.

Restore the Backup

On your new iPhone:

1. Begin setup
2. Choose the option to restore from iCloud
3. Sign in to your Apple Account
4. Select the correct backup
5. Check the backup date and size
6. Stay connected to Wi-Fi and power

Apps and cloud-based content may continue downloading after the initial setup is complete.

Can You Transfer Data Without the Old iPhone?

Yes, if your information was already backed up or synchronized.

You may still recover data through:

• iCloud Backup
• Computer backup
• iCloud Photos
• Contacts in iCloud
• Messages in iCloud
• iCloud Drive
• Other cloud services

However, information stored only on an inaccessible old iPhone and never backed up may not be recoverable.

What If You Don’t Have Enough iCloud Storage?

Apple may provide eligible users with temporary iCloud storage when moving to a new iPhone.

Go to:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Get Started

Apple currently gives you 21 days to restore the temporary backup. You may be able to extend this period by another 21 days, and the temporary backup remains available for 7 days after restoration.

Method 3: Transfer Data With a Cable

A wired transfer can be useful if Wi-Fi is unreliable or you have a large amount of locally stored data.

The cable you need depends on your iPhone models.

Common options include:

• USB-C to USB-C
• USB-C to Lightning
• Supported adapters for older Lightning-based iPhones

Once the devices are connected:

1. Turn on both iPhones
2. Follow the onscreen setup prompts
3. Connect to Wi-Fi or cellular service when requested
4. Set up cellular service
5. Configure Face ID or Touch ID
6. Keep both devices connected until migration finishes

A wired connection can reduce reliance on wireless transfer, although internet access may still be needed for activation, app downloads, and cloud synchronization.

Method 4: Transfer Data Using a Mac or Windows PC

You can also back up your old iPhone to a computer and restore that backup to the new device.

Depending on your computer, use:

• Finder on Mac
• Apple Devices on Windows
• iTunes on supported older systems

Create the Backup

Connect your old iPhone to the computer and select it.

For a more complete backup, enable:

Encrypt local backup

Then create the backup.

Why Encryption Matters

An encrypted computer backup can include additional information such as:

• Saved passwords
• Wi-Fi settings
• Health data
• Call history
• Website history

Face ID, Touch ID, and your device passcode are not included.

Make sure you save the encryption password securely because you will need it to restore the backup.

Restore the Backup to Your New iPhone

During setup:

1. Choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC
2. Connect the new iPhone to your computer
3. Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes
4. Select Restore Backup
5. Choose the correct backup
6. Enter the encryption password if required
7. Keep the device connected until restoration finishes

For most users learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, Quick Start remains the best first option. iCloud is ideal when the old phone is unavailable, while wired and computer-based transfers are useful when you prefer a physical or local backup method.

What Data Transfers to a New iPhone?

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, it helps to know which information usually moves directly and which content may sync afterward through iCloud.

Depending on your settings and transfer method, this may include:

• Photos and videos
• Messages
• Contacts
• Apps
• Supported app data
• Calendars
• Reminders
• Notes
• Device settings
• Home Screen layout
• Files
• Passwords
• Passkeys
• Health information
• Apple Watch backup information

However, backup and synchronization are not the same thing. Some content may transfer from a backup, while other information can reappear later through iCloud or another connected account.

iCloud Backup vs iCloud Sync

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, it is important to understand the difference between a backup and iCloud synchronization.

Apple explains that iCloud Backup mainly stores information that is not already syncing through iCloud.

For example, content such as:

• iCloud Photos
• Messages in iCloud
• Contacts in iCloud
• iCloud Drive
• Notes in iCloud

can synchronize separately instead of being duplicated in the regular backup.

Example

If iCloud Photos is enabled, your photos and videos are stored in iCloud and can begin appearing on the new iPhone after you sign in.

This means reaching the Home Screen does not always mean every photo, message, file, or other synced item has finished loading.

What May Not Transfer Automatically?

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, it is also important to know that some items may need to be set up again after migration.

Apple confirms that Face ID, Touch ID, Apple Pay information, and some offline content are not included in standard device backups.

How Do Passwords and Passkeys Transfer?

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, it is important to check whether your saved passwords and passkeys are available on the new device.

If you use Apple’s password syncing and iCloud Keychain, supported passwords and passkeys can synchronize across approved devices signed in to the same Apple Account.

After the transfer, open the Passwords app and check important credentials, especially for:

• Primary email
• Banking
• Social media
• Workplace accounts
• Hosting accounts
• Cloud storage
• Password managers

If you restore from a computer backup, the backup must be encrypted if you want saved passwords included.

Some banking, security, and other sensitive apps may still require you to sign in or verify the new iPhone again.

Don’t Forget Authenticator Apps

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, do not overlook authenticator apps. If you erase your old iPhone too soon, you could lose access to important two-factor authentication codes.

Authenticator apps may protect accounts such as:

• Email
• Banking
• Social media
• Work systems
• Web hosting
• Cloud services
• Other secure accounts

Before erasing the old iPhone:

1. Open the authenticator app on the new device
2. Confirm your important accounts appear
3. Test critical logins
4. Save recovery codes where available
5. Follow the app provider’s migration instructions if required

Do not assume the authenticator transferred correctly just because the app icon appears on the new iPhone.

What About WhatsApp and Other Third-Party Apps?

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, remember that third-party apps may handle their data differently.

An app may:

• Store data in iCloud
• Keep data on its own servers
• Use a separate backup system
• Require phone-number verification
• Ask you to sign in again
• Provide its own transfer feature

Some third-party apps may also need to download information again from their provider after the main iPhone restore is complete.

For messaging apps, banking apps, password managers, authenticator apps, and business tools, check the app’s own transfer requirements before erasing your old iPhone.

How to Transfer Your SIM or eSIM

Your personal data and cellular plan are separate parts of the migration.

If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, you may be able to move your phone number between nearby iPhones without contacting the carrier.

Apple’s current guidance says the relevant nearby-iPhone process requires supported devices and carriers, with both phones nearby and Bluetooth enabled. Apple also says iOS 26 can transfer more than one phone number to the new iPhone where supported.

After setup, you can also check:

Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM

Once the plan activates on the new iPhone, the corresponding previous SIM is deactivated.

Carrier support varies.

How to Transfer Your Apple Watch

If you use an Apple Watch, include it in your iPhone migration plan.

Before starting, make sure you:

• Update your old iPhone
• Update your Apple Watch
• Know your Apple Account credentials
• Know your Apple Watch passcode
• Create a recent backup

Apple recommends keeping the old and new iPhones connected to Wi-Fi and ensuring the Apple Watch and new iPhone have sufficient battery before pairing.

If pairing does not finish automatically:

1. Open the Watch app on the new iPhone
2. Go to My Watch → All Watches
3. Find the watch that has not finished pairing
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process

Can You Transfer Only Photos, Contacts, or Certain Data?

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, you do not have to move everything. If you prefer a fresh setup, you can transfer only the information you need.

Depending on the type of data, you can use:

• iCloud Photos for photos and videos
• iCloud Contacts for contacts
• iCloud Drive for files
• Google or Microsoft account syncing for contacts and calendars
• AirDrop for individual photos and files
• App-specific export and import tools

A selective transfer can be useful if:

• Your new iPhone has less storage
• You want a cleaner setup
• You no longer need many old apps
• You only want essential photos, contacts, or files

Quick Start is usually better when you want to reproduce most of your old iPhone setup on the new device.

Can You Transfer Data After Setting Up the New iPhone?

Yes. If you are figuring out how to transfer data from one iPhone to another after the new device is already set up, your options depend on how much information you want to move.

Individual content such as photos, contacts, email, and cloud files can often be synced or transferred without resetting the new iPhone.

However, if you want to restore a complete iCloud or computer backup, you generally need to erase the new iPhone and return to the initial setup process.

Before doing this, save any new information you want to keep.

Then go to:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings

When the Hello screen appears, begin setup again and choose the appropriate transfer or restore method.

What If Your Backup Requires a Newer iOS Version?

Sometimes an iPhone backup was created using a newer version of iOS than the version installed on the new phone.

If the backup cannot be restored:

1. Update the new iPhone to the latest compatible iOS version.
2. Erase it again if necessary.
3. Restart the initial setup process.
4. Restore the backup.

This is worth checking when your backup appears available but the new phone refuses to restore it.

Why Is My Data Missing After the Transfer?

When learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, remember that some content may continue downloading or syncing even after the main transfer appears complete.

Different types of data can return in different ways:

After an iCloud restore, keep the new iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while photos, messages, apps, and other cloud-based content finish downloading.

If information is still missing after synchronization finishes, check that you are signed in to the correct Apple Account and any Google, Microsoft, or third-party accounts you previously used.

Common iPhone Transfer Problems and Fixes

Even when you follow the correct steps, an iPhone transfer can occasionally stall, miss content, or fail to start. Most problems are related to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, storage, software compatibility, or cloud syncing.

Quick Start Does Not Appear

If Quick Start does not show up, make sure both iPhones are close together, the old iPhone is unlocked, Wi-Fi is connected, and Bluetooth is turned on.

If everything looks correct but the prompt still does not appear, restart both devices and try again.

The Transfer Seems Stuck

Large transfers can spend a long time preparing, especially when the old iPhone contains many photos, videos, apps, or files.

Keep both devices connected to power and avoid moving them too far apart. If the process shows no progress for an unusually long time, check your Wi-Fi connection and available storage before trying again.

The New iPhone Does Not Have Enough Storage

If the new device has less storage than the old one, the transfer may not complete as expected.

Go to:

Settings → General → iPhone Storage

Remove unnecessary downloads, large videos, unused apps, or offline media if you need to reduce the amount of local data.

Photos or Messages Are Missing

Missing photos or messages do not always mean the transfer failed. If you use iCloud Photos or Messages in iCloud, some content may still be syncing after setup.

Keep the new iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power until synchronization finishes.

Contacts Are Missing

Contacts may be stored in iCloud, Google, Microsoft Exchange, or another account.

If they do not appear on the new iPhone, check that the same account has been added and that contact syncing is turned on.

Apps Are Greyed Out

Greyed-out apps are usually still downloading from the App Store.

Leave the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power and allow the downloads to finish.

Passwords Are Missing

If saved passwords do not appear, make sure you are signed in to the correct Apple Account and that password syncing is enabled.

If you restored from a computer backup, remember that saved passwords are included only when the backup was encrypted.

Final Checklist Before Erasing Your Old iPhone

After learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, do not erase the old device until you have confirmed that the new iPhone is working properly.

Check that you can access:

• Photos and videos
• Contacts
• Recent messages
• Notes and calendars
• Files and email
• Passwords and passkeys
• Authenticator apps
• Banking and messaging apps
• Cellular service and voicemail
• Apple Watch
• Health information
• Apple Pay
• Important work apps

For critical accounts, open the app and make sure you can actually sign in before wiping the old iPhone.

When Is It Safe to Erase Your Old iPhone?

Erase your old iPhone only after you have confirmed that the new device is working properly and your important data is available.

If you plan to sell, trade in, or give away the old iPhone, first make sure your backup and transfer are complete.

Avoid manually deleting iCloud-synced photos, contacts, notes, or files just to clean the old device. Those deletions can also affect content synced to your other Apple devices.

Once everything has been verified, use:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings

Best Transfer Method by Situation

Conclusion

Knowing how to transfer data from one iPhone to another makes upgrading easier and helps reduce the risk of leaving important information behind.

For most users, Quick Start is the easiest option. Keep both iPhones close together, follow Apple’s setup instructions, and choose either a direct device-to-device transfer or an iCloud download.

If Quick Start is not suitable, you can use an iCloud backup, wired transfer, or encrypted Mac/PC backup instead. Understanding how to transfer data from one iPhone to another with these different methods helps you choose the best option for your devices, storage, and internet connection.

Before erasing the old iPhone, check your photos, contacts, messages, passwords, authenticator apps, cellular service, Apple Watch, Health information, banking apps, and other important accounts.

How to Transfer Data From One iPhone to Another FAQs

1. How to transfer data from one iPhone to another without losing anything?

Use Apple Quick Start, iCloud backup, a wired connection, or a computer backup. Create a recent backup before starting and verify your important data afterward.

2. How to transfer data from one iPhone to another without iCloud?

You can use Quick Start for direct device-to-device migration, connect the iPhones with a compatible cable, or restore a backup from a Mac or Windows PC.

3. How to transfer data from one iPhone to another without a SIM card?

You can complete the main data transfer without a physical SIM card. Cellular service or eSIM can be activated separately during or after setup.

4. How to transfer data from one iPhone to another if the old phone is broken?

If you have an iCloud or computer backup, restore it on the new iPhone. Data stored only on an inaccessible old device may not be recoverable.

5. How to transfer data from one iPhone to another and keep the same phone number?

Transfer your data first, then move or activate your physical SIM or eSIM. Your existing number can usually remain the same if your carrier supports the transfer.

6. Does an iPhone transfer include Safari bookmarks?

Safari bookmarks and related information can sync through iCloud when Safari syncing is enabled on the same Apple Account.

7. Can I use my old iPhone after the transfer?

Yes. Transferring data does not automatically erase the old device. Keep it until you confirm that everything important works on the new iPhone.

8. Can I transfer data to an iPhone with less storage?

Yes, but the new iPhone must have enough space for the content you want to keep locally. You may need to remove downloads, unused apps, or large files first.

Kylie Kimberly

Kylie Kimberly is a passionate SEO writer, content strategist, and digital growth enthusiast who helps brands create content that is both useful for readers and optimized for search engines. Her work focuses on building strong content foundations through keyword research, SEO-friendly writing, content optimization, and audience-focused strategy. She believes great content should do more than rank on Google — it should educate, engage, and build trust. Kylie Kimberly enjoys simplifying complex digital marketing ideas into clear, practical content that businesses, bloggers, and creators can use to grow online. With a strong interest in organic visibility and long-term brand growth, she aims to create content strategies that attract the right audience, improve search performance, and support meaningful digital success.

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