When you are upgrading from one Apple iPhone to a new one, you’ll want to transfer all of your data as well. This includes all apps, settings and other precious files saved on your device or in the cloud.
We’ll cover three different methods you can use to do this. None of these require you to install any additional third-party software or applications, but you can use Apple’s own trusty methods and apps instead.
Let’s begin with the first method.
Method 1. Transfer your iPhone’s data with Quick Start
For this method, you’ll need both the old and new iPhone. Make sure that both devices have enough power.
- Start by bringing the two iPhones close to each other and check that the old iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
- Turn on the new iPhone and press “Continue” when a prompt appears on the screen of your old iPhone.
- After pressing “Continue”, there should be an animation on the screen of your new iPhone. Use the camera of the old iPhone to scan this animation. This will connect the two devices.
- Next, the new iPhone will ask for your passcode. Enter the passcode as well as your Apple ID. At this point, you can also set up Face ID to make identification on your phone much easier.
- After entering your Apple ID and passcode, select “Transfer From iPhone” and wait for the transfer to complete. At this point, you can also choose to transfer data from iCloud or use some other option. Remember to keep the two iPhones close to each other the entire time during the transfer.
- Done!
Method 2. Update to a new iPhone using iCloud
In order to use iCloud to transfer your data, you’ll first need an up-to-date backup of your old iPhone on iCloud. Check out our other blog post to learn how to back up your iPhone.
This method also requires you to reset your iPhone so that you can enter the setup phase. Read more about resetting your phone here. You don’t need to worry about this if your iPhone has not been set-up already.
- Once you have backed up your old iPhone into iCloud, turn on your new iPhone.
- Proceed in the setup process and connect the new iPhone to WiFi.
- In the “Apps & Data” -view, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” and sign in to iCloud.
- Choose the backup you want to restore and wait for the backup to finish.
- Done!
Method 3. Transfer data from your old iPhone with iTunes
Finally, you can transfer data from an old iPhone into a new one by using iTunes and your computer. Always make sure that you are using the latest version of iTunes – or any application or software for that matter.
Just like in the second method we just went through, you need a backup of your old iPhone to use iTunes for transferring data. Read more about creating a backup with iTunes here. To use this method you may have to reset your iPhone if it has been set-up already.
- Once you have backed up your old iPhone into iTunes, turn on your new iPhone and proceed with the setup process.
- In the “Apps & Data” -view, select “Restore from Mac or PC” and plug your iPhone into your Mac or PC with a USB cable.
- On your computer, open iTunes and locate your new device on the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Restore Backup” and choose the correct backup that you want to restore.
- Wait for the backup to finish.
- Done!
Summary: Three ways to transfer data to your new iPhone
Now you should be able to transfer data from your old iPhone into a new one using Quick Start, iCloud or iTunes. The great thing about using one of these methods is that none of them require you to use sketchy third-party software or apps. You’ll also be backing up your device which is a smart thing to do regularly, either locally on your computer or into the cloud.
Getting a new phone is exciting, but before you tear open your new iPhone 14 box and start playing with all the new features of iOS 16, stop right there. You don't want to rush the setup process. Instead, take time to make sure your new iPhone 14 is set up to your liking.
Apple has several options for transferring data from iPhone to iPhone, depending on your situation. For instance, you can set it up as brand-new, but you'd be starting from scratch with no settings, messages, photos, apps or accounts transferred over. There's also the option to move everything from your current phone to the iPhone 14 -- even if you're an Android user.
We'll explain the four different methods for restoring your phone from a recent backup of your current iPhone.
1. Restore a recent iCloud backup to your new iPhone
The easiest and quickest method to set up your new iPhone is to restore from a recent iCloud backup. As you walk through the initial setup process, tap Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in with your Apple ID and then pick the most recent backup of your old iPhone.
If the backup is more than a day or two old, I suggest you take an extra few minutes to create a new backup. To do so, open the Settings app on your old phone and search iCloud Backup (click the icon), then select Back Up Now.
Once that finishes, go back to your new iPhone and select the backup you just created as what you want to use to restore from.
Your phone will then restore your settings and preferences, and you'll be able to start using it in about 15 minutes while it finishes downloading your installed apps.
Once everything is restored, you'll need to sign back into any accounts you added to your phone, as well as go through your apps and make sure you're still signed in.
You've got several options when it comes to setting up your new iPhone.
James Martin/CNET2. Use Apple's direct transfer method
During the setup process, you'll be asked if you want to directly transfer apps and information from your old iPhone to your new one. This feature was first rolled out with iOS 12.4, so if it's been a few years since you've upgraded phones, it'll be the first time you've seen the option.
The tool is straightforward to use. Make sure you have both phones, preferably plugged in and charging to ensure they don't run out of battery, a Wi-Fi connection and enough time for the process to finish -- it could take over an hour.
The more information you have on your phone, like photos in your camera roll, the longer it will take. When the transfer starts, the phones will show you a time estimate. Every time I've used this tool, that estimate has been accurate within a couple of minutes. It's worth taking the time if you don't use Apple's iCloud service to back up your phone.
3. Use a Mac or PC to transfer your data to an iPhone
The method I personally use with every new iPhone is to restore from an encrypted backup using a Mac or PC. Not only does this process transfer all of your apps, settings and preferences, but it also means you don't have to sign into the countless apps you have on your phone.
Before you can use this method, you'll need to create an encrypted backup of your current iPhone. I know that may sound intimidating or overly complicated, but it only means you have to check an extra box and enter a password.
On a Mac, you'll use Finder to back up your old iPhone. We outlined the steps when Apple killed iTunes. Just make sure to check the Encrypt backup box and enter a password you'll remember when prompted. Let your Mac go to work, creating a backup file. It will let you know when it's done.
On a PC, you'll need to use iTunes (it's not completely dead) to create a backup. That process is explained here. Again, you'll need to make sure the Encrypt backup box is checked and enter a password.
To restore your new phone, open Finder or iTunes, and connect your phone to your computer. Click Trust when prompted, and then follow the prompts, selecting the backup you just created as what you want to use to restore the phone. You will need to enter the backup's password before the process begins -- so make sure you don't forget it!
Once it's done, your new phone will be an exact copy of your old phone and you won't have to spend any time signing into apps or random accounts.
Apple made an Android app called Move To iOS that makes moving your messages, photos, videos and more from an Android phone to an iPhone easy.
Patrick Holland/CNET4. Android user? This app is your answer
Apple doesn't have many Android apps listed in Google's Play Store, but Move to iOS is one of them. This free app will connect your Android phone to a new iPhone and allow you to transfer the most important information from one phone to the other.
Here's the entire step-by-step process as well as some caveats, like the fact that it won't transfer any locally stored music or PDF files.
No matter the process you used to set up your new phone, you're sure to be giddy with excitement as you explore what it can do.