If you just got a new iPhone, the first thing you probably want to know is how to transfer data from one iPhone to another without losing your photos, contacts, or apps. The good news is that Apple makes this process simple, and there are four official ways to do it depending on your situation. If you’re switching to the latest model, check out our iPhone 17 features, price, and specs review first.
In this guide, you will learn how to transfer data from one iPhone to another using Quick Start, iCloud, iTunes/Finder, or a wired cable, along with what gets transferred, how long it takes, and how to fix common problems. For full official details, you can also check Apple’s own support page on transferring data.
Quick Answer
Apple offers four ways to transfer data from one iPhone to another: Quick Start for direct wireless transfer, iCloud backup restore, an iTunes or Finder backup restore, and a wired cable transfer. For most people, Quick Start is the fastest and easiest option since it requires no computer and very little setup.
Key Takeaways
- Quick Start is the easiest way to transfer data from one iPhone to another — just bring both phones close together.
- iCloud backup works even if your old iPhone is no longer with you.
- An encrypted iTunes or Finder backup transfers the most data, including health records, passwords, and app settings.
- None of these methods erases or deletes data from your old iPhone.
- A full data transfer between iPhones can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours.
Table of Contents
- What Data Transfers Between iPhones?
- Which Method Should You Use?
- Method 1: Quick Start (Easiest)
- Method 2: iCloud Backup
- Method 3: iTunes or Finder Backup
- Method 4: Wired Direct Transfer
- How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone After Setup
- How Long Does the Transfer Take?
- Common Problems and Fixes
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What Data Transfers Between iPhones?
Before learning how to transfer data from one iPhone to another, it helps to know exactly what moves over.
Transfers automatically: Photos and videos, contacts, messages, app data, Wi-Fi passwords, Apple Pay cards, health data (with an encrypted backup), Face ID/Touch ID setup, home screen layout, email accounts, and saved passwords.
Does not transfer automatically: Music ripped from CDs, certain app login tokens, and content tied to a different Apple ID.
Anything already stored in iCloud — like iCloud Photos and iMessages — syncs through your Apple Account rather than through a physical backup file. You can read more about how iCloud sync works on Apple’s iCloud support page.
Which Method Should You Use to Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another?
| Situation | Best Method |
| Both iPhones are with you | Quick Start |
| The old iPhone is no longer available | iCloud Backup |
| You want the most complete data transfer | iTunes or Finder (Encrypted) |
| Weak or no Wi-Fi | Wired Direct Transfer |
| The new iPhone is already set up | iTunes or Finder Backup |
Method 1: Quick Start (Easiest Way to Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another)
Quick Start is Apple’s built-in tool to transfer data from one iPhone to another wirelessly, without needing a computer.
Requirements: Both phones need iOS 12.4 or later, Bluetooth turned on, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and enough battery (or keep both plugged in).
Steps:
- Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to your old one.
- Follow the on-screen prompt on your old iPhone, then tap Continue.
- An animation appears on the new iPhone — center it in your old iPhone’s camera viewfinder.
- Enter your old iPhone’s passcode on the new device.
- Set up Face ID or Touch ID, then enter your Apple ID password.
- Choose to transfer your data and wait for the process to finish.
Quick Start moves your settings and app layout first, in just a few minutes, then quietly downloads your apps and remaining data through iCloud in the background.
Pro tip: Keep both phones plugged into power and close together until the transfer finishes — moving them apart too soon can cause errors. If your old iPhone’s battery has been draining unusually fast, fix that first with our iPhone Battery Drain Fix iOS 18 guide.
Related read: iPhone Bluetooth Not Working in 2026? Fix It Fast Now
Method 2: iCloud Backup — Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another Wirelessly
This is the best way to transfer data from one iPhone to another if you no longer have your old device.
Step 1 — Back up the old iPhone:
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Stay connected to Wi-Fi until it finishes.
Step 2 — Restore on the new iPhone:
Turn on the new iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi, set up Face ID/Touch ID, and on the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud Backup. Sign in with your Apple ID and pick the latest backup.
Once setup finishes, your iPhone is usable right away — apps and photos keep downloading in the background for a few hours.
Related read: iPhone Storage Full Fix 2026: Simple Ways That Work Fast
Method 3: iTunes or Finder Backup — The Most Complete Way to Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another
For the most complete way to transfer data from one iPhone to another, use a computer backup.
An encrypted iTunes or Finder backup includes almost everything — app data, settings, messages, health data, passwords, and HomeKit configurations — without depending on iCloud storage limits.
Step 1 — Back up the old iPhone:
Connect it to your computer, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select the device, check Encrypt Backup, set a password, then click Back Up Now.
Step 2 — Restore to the new iPhone:
On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from Mac or PC, connect the new iPhone to the same computer, select Restore Backup, choose the correct backup file, enter the password, and wait for it to finish.
Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power afterward so iCloud content can finish downloading.
Method 4: Wired Direct Transfer
If you have a large amount of data or slow Wi-Fi, a cable transfer is the fastest way to transfer data from one iPhone to another.
You’ll need a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter (iPhone 14 and earlier) or a USB-C-to-USB-C cable (iPhone 15 and later). If you’re unsure which cable your phone uses, check our complete iPhone charger cable guide.
During Quick Start setup, when you reach the Transfer Your Data screen, choose the cable option instead of wireless, connect both phones, and let the transfer run — it’s usually quicker than Wi-Fi and ideal for 100GB+ of photos and videos.
How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone After Setup
If you have already finished setting up your new iPhone and skipped the restore step, you’ll need to erase it before you can transfer data from one iPhone to another.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Once the Hello screen reappears, follow the iCloud or iTunes restore steps above.
If you don’t want to erase the phone, you can only restore specific items like photos or contacts manually.
How Long Does It Take to Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another?
| Method | Typical Time | Depends On |
| Quick Start | 30 min – 2 hours | Data size, Wi-Fi speed |
| iCloud Backup Restore | 1 – 3 hours | Backup size, internet speed |
| iTunes/Finder Backup | 45 min – 2 hours | Backup size, USB speed |
| Wired Direct Transfer | 20 min – 1.5 hours | Data size only |
Your iPhone remains usable while apps and media continue downloading in the background.
Common Problems When You Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another
Transfer stuck or frozen: Keep both phones plugged in and close together. If it’s frozen for 30+ minutes, restart both and try again.
Not enough iCloud storage: Apple often offers a free temporary storage upgrade on the Apps & Data screen during setup. If your old iPhone itself keeps showing a storage warning, see our iPhone Storage Full Fix 2026 guide.
Apps missing after transfer: Sign in to each Apple ID you’ve used to purchase apps in the past. If apps keep crashing after the move, check our iPhone Apps Crashing Fix in 2026 guide.
Health data missing: Health data only transfers through an encrypted iTunes/Finder backup — an unencrypted backup won’t include it.
Wi-Fi drops during transfer: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can stall any of these methods. If your iPhone’s Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, our iPhone WiFi Not Working 2026 guide covers the fix.
Related read: iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo Fix 2026
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how to transfer data from one iPhone to another using whichever method fits your situation best. Whether you choose Quick Start for speed, iCloud for convenience, iTunes/Finder for completeness, or a wired cable for large data, your photos, contacts, and apps will move over safely without erasing anything from your old device.
For more iPhone setup guides and troubleshooting tips, check out more articles on iPhoneHacks.
FAQs
How do I transfer data from one iPhone to another?
Use Quick Start for a wireless device-to-device transfer, restore from an iCloud backup, restore from an iTunes/Finder backup, or use a wired cable transfer during setup.
Does Quick Start transfer everything when you transfer data from one iPhone to another?
It transfers settings and app data first, then downloads apps and remaining content via iCloud in the background. For the most complete transfer, use an encrypted iTunes/Finder backup.
Can I transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud?
Yes — use an iTunes/Finder backup on a computer, or a wired transfer during Quick Start setup.
Will my old iPhone be erased after transferring?
No. None of these methods erases your old iPhone automatically. You’ll need to do that manually.
What if I already set up my new iPhone?
Erase it via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, then restore from your backup.
Which method transfers the most data?
An encrypted iTunes or Finder backup is the most complete option, including app data, passwords, and health records.
Kiran is a passionate content writer and SEO specialist with hands-on experience in crafting clear, helpful and reader-friendly articles. She loves breaking down complex tech topics into simple, easy-to-follow guides. When she is not writing, she is exploring the latest trends in digital marketing and content strategy.
