A new iPhone feels much more familiar once your personal data is available on it. If you are searching for how to transfer iPhone to iPhone, you may be wondering which method to use and whether everything from your old device will come with you.
The process is easier when both iPhones are prepared correctly and you know what to check afterward. This guide walks you through the available transfer methods and helps you complete the move without leaving important data behind.
1. What to Prepare Before Transferring Data to a New iPhone
Prepare both phones before starting. A little time spent checking your backup, login details, storage, and mobile service can save you from restarting the transfer later.
Update and Back Up Your Old iPhone
Check for an iOS update under Settings > General > Software Update. Once the update is complete, make a new backup so it contains your latest messages, settings, and app data.
To back up with iCloud:
- Join a reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.
- Open iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
- Check the time shown under the latest successful backup before continuing.
You may also want a separate copy of your pictures outside iCloud. If you are researching how to transfer photos from iPhone to computer, connect the old iPhone to a Mac or PC and import the required images before setting up the replacement device.
Check Your Apple ID, Passwords, and Available Storage
Make sure you can sign in to your Apple Account and remember the passcode used on the old iPhone. Some banking, email, and security apps may ask for their own login details again.
Next, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage on the old device. Compare the amount in use with the capacity of the new iPhone. If space is tight, review large videos, offline downloads, and unused apps, but keep anything that has not been copied elsewhere.
Prepare Your SIM Card or eSIM
Check whether the new iPhone uses a physical SIM, an eSIM, or both. A physical SIM may be moved after the data transfer unless the new model does not include a compatible SIM tray.
An eSIM may transfer during setup if the carrier supports Apple’s eSIM transfer feature. Otherwise, you may need the carrier’s app, a QR code, or help from customer support. Keep the old cellular line active until calls, texts, and mobile data work on the new iPhone.
>>> Read more: Free eSIM Service for iPhone: How to Get Started Without a Physical SIM
2. Which iPhone Transfer Method Should You Choose?
Each method can move a large part of your information, but the time and equipment required are different. Choose according to your backup status, internet connection, and access to the old device.
| Transfer Method | Best For | Internet Required? | Main Limitation |
| Quick Start | People who still have both iPhones | Yes, for activation and some downloads | Both devices must remain nearby during setup |
| iCloud backup | Restoring without keeping the old iPhone beside you | Yes | Requires a recent backup and enough iCloud storage |
| Mac or Windows PC backup | Restoring from a locally stored backup | Internet may still be needed for activation and downloads | Requires a computer, cable, and available storage |
Quick Start is usually the most direct option when the old iPhone still works. An iCloud or computer backup is useful when direct device-to-device transfer is inconvenient.
>>> Read more: Why Is My Phone On SOS Mode? Here’s The Reason
3. How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Using 3 Methods
The new iPhone should normally display the Hello screen before you begin. If you have already completed setup, you may need to erase the new device before restoring a full backup.
Transfer Directly With Quick Start
Quick Start places the two iPhones together and copies data during the initial setup. For anyone asking how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, follow these steps:
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Plug both iPhones into power.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it beside the old one.
- Unlock the old iPhone and wait for the setup prompt.
- Tap Continue.
- Use the old iPhone to scan the animation displayed on the new one.
- Enter the old iPhone’s passcode on the new device.
- Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
- Choose the option to transfer directly from the old iPhone.
- Follow the prompts for cellular service and account settings.
- Leave both devices near each other and connected to power until the transfer finishes.
Transfer time depends on the amount of data and the connection. Apple notes that you shouldn’t move the devices or unplug them before migration is complete.
Review Apple’s current Quick Start instructions if the setup prompt does not appear.
Restore the New iPhone From an iCloud Backup
A recent iCloud backup offers another way to transfer data to new iPhone when a direct transfer is not practical:
- Create a current iCloud backup on the old iPhone.
- Turn on the new iPhone.
- Follow the setup prompts until you reach Transfer Your Apps & Data.
- Choose From iCloud Backup.
- Sign in to your Apple Account.
- Select the most recent relevant backup by checking its date and size.
- Follow the prompts to restore apps and purchases.
- Keep the new iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power.
- Allow photos, apps, and other content to continue downloading after setup.
The initial progress bar may finish before every app or photo appears. Apple states that some content continues restoring in the background, so leave the phone connected when possible.
Restore the New iPhone From a Computer Backup
A Mac or Windows PC can store a local backup and restore it to the new device. This method for transferring data from iPhone to iPhone is useful when you prefer not to rely entirely on iCloud.
First, back up the old iPhone:
- Connect the old iPhone to the computer.
- Open Finder on a recent Mac.
- On Windows, open Apple Devices or iTunes if Apple Devices is unavailable.
- Select the iPhone when it appears.
- Choose to trust the computer if prompted.
- Turn on encrypted local backup if you want supported passwords, Health data, and other protected information included.
- Create the backup and wait for it to finish.
- Keep the encryption password somewhere safe.
Next, restore the new iPhone:
- Connect the new iPhone to the same computer.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes.
- Select the new iPhone.
- Choose Restore Backup.
- Select the most recent backup.
- Enter the encryption password if requested.
- Start the restoration.
- Keep the iPhone connected after it restarts.
- Disconnect it only after the restore and synchronization are complete.
Some apps and purchased media may still need to download again. Sign in with the same Apple Account and check that the new iPhone has a stable internet connection.
4. What Transfers to the New iPhone and What Requires Extra Setup?
Knowing how to transfer iPhone to iPhone also means checking which items need to be restored or activated separately. The result can vary by transfer method, app settings, and carrier support.
| Data or Setting | Usually Transfers? | What You May Need to Do |
| Photos and videos | Yes | Wait for iCloud Photos to finish syncing |
| Contacts and calendars | Yes | Sign back into linked email or cloud accounts |
| Messages | Yes | Turn on Messages in iCloud if content is missing |
| Apps and app data | Usually | Allow apps to download and log in again where required |
| Saved passwords | Usually | Turn on iCloud Keychain or restore an encrypted computer backup |
| Apple Pay cards | No | Add and verify each card again |
| SIM or eSIM | Varies | Complete the carrier’s activation process |
| Authenticator apps | Varies | Restore accounts with backup, export, or recovery codes |
| Downloaded music and media | Varies | Download purchases and offline content again |
5. How to Complete the New iPhone Setup After the Transfer
A completed progress bar does not always mean every item is ready. Before erasing the old iPhone:
- Check recent photos, messages, contacts, notes, and app data.
- Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi and power while content finishes downloading.
- Open important apps and sign in again when required.
- Add and verify payment cards in Apple Wallet.
- Confirm that calls, texts, and mobile data work with the SIM or eSIM.
- Restore access to banking and authenticator apps.
- Test email, cloud storage, and other linked accounts.
- Keep the old iPhone until all important data and services have been verified.
6. What to Do if the iPhone Transfer Fails or Gets Stuck
Problems with how to transfer iPhone to iPhone are often linked to connectivity, storage, software versions, or carrier activation. Try the relevant fix below before restarting the entire process.
| Transfer Problem | Possible Cause | What to Try |
| Quick Start does not appear | Bluetooth is off or the devices are not detected | Turn on Bluetooth, unlock both phones, and restart them |
| Devices disconnect during transfer | Weak connection or low battery | Keep the phones close together and connected to power |
| Transfer remains on “Preparing” | Large transfer or temporary software issue | Wait, check Wi-Fi, and restart if there is no progress |
| Not enough storage on the new iPhone | The old device contains more data | Remove unneeded files or use a higher-capacity device |
| Some photos or messages are missing | iCloud syncing is incomplete | Connect to Wi-Fi and check the relevant iCloud settings |
| Apps are waiting to download | Weak internet or App Store issue | Check Wi-Fi, pause and resume the download, or restart |
| eSIM does not transfer | Carrier transfer is unsupported or needs approval | Contact the carrier for activation help |
7. How to Erase Your Old iPhone Safely After the Transfer
Erase the old iPhone only after checking the new device:
- Confirm that your important data is present on the new iPhone.
- Create a backup of the new device.
- Unpair an Apple Watch if one is still connected.
- Move or activate your SIM or eSIM.
- Open Settings on the old iPhone.
- Go to General and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter the device passcode and Apple Account password if requested.
- Remove the eSIM when prompted if you are selling or trading in the phone.
- Wait for the Hello screen to appear, then remove any physical SIM card.
8. Conclusion
The right transfer method depends on whether you have both devices, a recent backup, or computer access.
Once you know how to transfer iPhone to iPhone, take time to check your data and reactivate protected services before wiping the old device. That final review can prevent missing files and account access problems later.
>>> Read more: How to See Deleted Messages on iPhone: 7 Proven Ways to Find and Recover Them