Getting a new iPhone is exciting, but moving all your photos, apps, and messages across can feel complicated. Thankfully, Apple's Quick Start feature makes moving everything from your old phone to your new device easy and completely wireless.
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Method 1: The Quick Start Wireless Transfer (Recommended)
Quick Start is the fastest and most convenient way to move all your data directly from your old iPhone to your new one. It works on all iPhones running iOS 12.4 or later.
Key Preparation:
Charge both iPhones: Keep them plugged into a power source to prevent the transfer from stopping.
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Ensure both are switched on for both devices.
Update iOS: Check your old iPhone is running the latest software via: Settings > General > Software Update.
A Step-by-Step Guide:
Step One
Turn On Your New iPhone:
Power it on and place it immediately next to your old iPhone. The 'Hello' screen should appear.
Step Two
Activate Quick Start:
A message will appear on your old iPhone that says, "Set Up New iPhone" with an Apple ID verification. Tap Continue.
Step Three
Scan the Animation:
A blue, swirling animation will show on your new iPhone. Use your old iPhone's camera to scan this pattern. Wait for the 'Finish on New iPhone' message to appear.
Step Four
Enter Passcode:
Enter the passcode of your old iPhone on the new iPhone. This verifies you are the owner.
Step Five
Set Up Security:
Follow the steps to set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new device.
Step Six
Choose Transfer Method:
When the Transfer Your Data screen appears, select Transfer Directly from iPhone.
Step Seven
Wait for Completion:
Keep both iPhones close together until the process is complete. Transfer time depends on the amount of data you have, but a full move can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.
Once finished, your new iPhone will restart, and all your photos, messages, settings, and apps will be ready to use.
Method 2: Restoring from an iCloud Backup (Alternative)
If you don't have access to your old iPhone at the moment, you can still move all your content using an iCloud backup. This uses your Apple ID and the cloud to migrate data.
Key Preparation:
Ensure a Recent Backup: On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now.
Get Your Apple ID Details Ready: You will need your password for the setup process.
A Step-by-Step Guide:
Step One
Start New iPhone Setup:
Turn on the new iPhone and follow the steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
Step Two
Select Restore Option:
Tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
Step Three
Sign In:
Sign in with the Apple ID you used on your old iPhone.
Step Four
Choose Backup:
Select the most recent backup from the list.
Step Five
Wait for Download:
The phone will download the backup. Apps and data will continue downloading in the background as you start using your new phone.
