How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone

Switching to a new iPhone doesn’t mean losing your data. Here are three easy ways to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone.

New iPhones come out every year, and if you’re anything like us, you’re eager to get your hands on the latest model. Whether you just got yourself the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max or settled for one of the older iPhones, you’d want to know how to transfer data from one iPhone to another.

Switching phones is exciting, but it’s essential to bring along all your important data, like photos of your loved ones, important files, and your favorite apps.

Apple has made iPhone-to-iPhone data transfer incredibly easy. With just a few taps, you can move all your data to a new iPhone. You have the option to do it wirelessly using iCloud or via a wired connection through your desktop. We’ll guide you through the steps to transfer data from one iPhone to another.

Before you get started

Before you start transferring your data, we suggest making a backup of your old iPhone. It’s best to do this after you’ve received your new iPhone so that the backup is current. You can back up your data using iCloud, iTunes, or the Finder (if you’re using macOS Catalina or later).

One easy way to back up everything is by using the “Prepare for New iPhone” feature introduced with iOS 15. It gives free temporary storage space in iCloud for 21 days to store all your data. If you transfer all the data to your new iPhone within this timeline, you don’t have to pay anything extra for storage. Apple even gives you the option to request an extra 21 days.

Follow these steps to use the Prepare for New iPhone feature:

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Under Prepare for New iPhone, tap Get Started.

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone with Quick Start

Apple

If you have both your new and old iPhone with you, Quick Start is the easiest way to transfer data. Plug your phones into a charger if the battery is low and follow these steps to transfer data from one iPhone to another.

1. Place both iPhones next to each other.
2. Tap Continue once the Set Up New iPhone menu appears on the new iPhone.
3. A circular animation should appear on the new iPhone. Scan it using your old iPhone’s camera to connect both iPhones.
4. At this point, you’ll be asked to enter your old iPhone’s passcode into the new one. Once entered, follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Once you see the Transfer Your Data screen, tap Transfer Directly from iPhone and select the data you want to transfer. That’s it! You have transferred your old iPhone’s data to new one.

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using iCloud

iCloud transfer is another easy option, provided you have backed up all your data in iCloud. However, the phone to which you want to transfer data should be either new or erased and reset.

1. Power on your new iPhone.
2. Enter the setup process and connect the new iPhone to WiFi.
3. Once you reach the Apps & Data menu, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
4. Sign in to your iCloud and choose the backup you want to restore.

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using iTunes

Another way to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone is by using iTunes. You’ll need a Mac or a Windows PC to follow this step. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes on your device and that your data is backed up.

1. Turn on your new or erased iPhone and proceed with the setup process.
2. When prompted with the Apps & Data view, select Restore from Mac or PC and connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC using a USB cable.
3. Open iTunes on your computer and locate your new device at the top-left corner of the screen.
4. Select Restore Backup and choose the correct backup that you want on your new iPhone. Wait for the backup to finish and you’re good to go.

Never lose your data again

Losing data when switching phones was common in the past. But thanks to thoughtful software features, you now get to transfer everything from your old phone to the new one. While you’re at it, you may also want to know how to hide pictures or apps on iPhones.