Transfer Data to New iPhone - Complete Guide

• Charge both iPhones to at least 50%
• Update old iPhone to latest iOS (Settings → General → Software Update)
• Know your Apple ID password
• Have WiFi available
• Cancel any Watch pairings if transferring Apple Watch too

The fastest and easiest method—transfers everything directly between phones:

1. Turn on your new iPhone
2. Place it next to your old iPhone
3. A "Set Up New iPhone" card appears on old phone—tap Continue
4. Point old iPhone camera at the animation on new iPhone
5. Enter your old iPhone's passcode on the new phone
6. Set up Face ID or Touch ID
7. Choose "Transfer from iPhone"
8. Keep phones close together until transfer completes

This transfers everything: apps, photos, messages, settings, passwords, even wallpaper!

Good if you don't have both phones at the same time:

On Old iPhone:

1. Connect to WiFi
2. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
3. Tap Back Up Now
4. Wait for backup to complete

On New iPhone:

1. Turn on new iPhone and follow setup
2. When asked, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup"
3. Sign in with your Apple ID
4. Choose the backup you just made
5. Wait for restore (keep phone connected to WiFi and power)

Best for large transfers or if you have limited iCloud storage:

Create Backup:

1. Connect old iPhone to Mac/PC with cable
2. Mac (Catalina+): Open Finder, select iPhone
3. Mac (older) / Windows: Open iTunes
4. Check "Encrypt local backup" (saves passwords & health data)
5. Click Back Up Now
6. Wait for backup to complete

Restore to New iPhone:

1. Connect new iPhone to same computer
2. In Finder/iTunes, click Restore Backup
3. Choose the backup you made
4. Enter encryption password if prompted
5. Wait for restore to complete

✅ Automatically Transferred:

• Photos and videos
• App data and settings
• Messages and call history
• Contacts and calendars
• Wallpaper and display settings
• Home Screen layout
• Apple Watch pairing (with encrypted backup)
• Saved passwords (with encrypted backup)
• Health data (with encrypted backup)

⚠️ Requires Re-setup:

• Apple Pay cards (re-add in Wallet)
• Some app logins (banking, etc.)
• Two-factor authentication apps
• Bluetooth device pairings

Quick Start Not Working:

• Make sure both phones are on iOS 11 or later
• Turn Bluetooth on for both phones
• Restart both phones and try again
• Use iCloud or computer backup instead

Transfer Taking Too Long:

• Large photo libraries take time
• Stay on WiFi—don't switch to cellular
• Keep phones close together
• Let it run overnight if needed

Not Enough iCloud Storage:

• Apple offers free temporary storage for transfers
• Or use Mac/PC backup method instead
• Consider upgrading iCloud temporarily

Before selling or giving away your old iPhone:

1. Sign out of iCloud: Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out
2. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
4. Enter passcode and Apple ID password
5. Confirm erase

This removes Activation Lock and prepares the phone for its next owner.