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How to Transfer Everything to a New iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Moving to a new iPhone? Here's how to transfer apps, photos, messages, and settings using Quick Start, iCloud, or a computer, plus a checklist so nothing gets left behind.

2026-10-14 · 4 min read · Phone Tips Daily

Illustration of two phones with arrows passing data between them

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Getting a new iPhone is exciting, but moving everything over can feel intimidating. Apple gives you three main ways to do it: Quick Start (phone to phone), an iCloud backup, or a computer backup. This guide explains each one and helps you pick the right method.

Before you start: a quick prep checklist

  1. Update your old iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Having both phones on recent iOS versions avoids hiccups.
  2. Know your Apple Account password. You'll need it on the new phone.
  3. Charge both phones, or keep them plugged in during the transfer.
  4. Connect to Wi-Fi. A strong, stable connection makes everything faster.
  5. Check two-factor authentication. Make sure you can still receive codes on a trusted device or phone number.
  6. Note your authenticator apps. Some two-factor apps don't transfer codes automatically. Check each app's export or transfer option before wiping the old phone.

Method 1: Quick Start (the easiest option)

Quick Start transfers data directly from your old iPhone to the new one, wirelessly.

  1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to your old one.
  2. On the old iPhone, a Set Up New iPhone card should appear. Tap Continue.
  3. An animation appears on the new iPhone. Hold your old iPhone over it so the animation is centered in the camera viewfinder.
  4. Enter your old iPhone's passcode on the new iPhone.
  5. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
  6. When asked how to transfer your data, choose Transfer from iPhone.
  7. Keep the phones close together and plugged in until the transfer finishes.

The time it takes depends on how much data you have. It can range from a few minutes to over an hour.

Method 2: Restore from an iCloud backup

This is a good choice if your old phone isn't with you, or if you prefer not to keep both phones side by side.

Make a fresh backup on your old phone

  1. Go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup.
  2. Make sure Back Up This iPhone is on.
  3. Tap Back Up Now and wait for it to finish.

Restore on your new phone

  1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup screens.
  2. When you reach the transfer screen, choose From iCloud Backup.
  3. Sign in with your Apple Account.
  4. Pick the most recent backup.
  5. Stay on Wi-Fi until the restore completes. Apps and photos may keep downloading in the background afterward.

Method 3: Transfer with a computer

A computer backup doesn't depend on iCloud storage and can be faster for big libraries.

On a Mac

  1. Connect your old iPhone with a cable.
  2. Open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
  3. Check Encrypt local backup so your passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi settings are included. Choose a password you'll remember.
  4. Click Back Up Now.

On Windows

  1. Install the Apple Devices app (or iTunes on older setups) from the Microsoft Store.
  2. Connect your iPhone and follow the same steps to make an encrypted backup.

Restore on the new iPhone

  1. Start setting up the new iPhone.
  2. On the transfer screen, choose From Mac or PC.
  3. Connect it to the computer and select the backup you just made.

Which method should you choose?

  • Quick Start: Best for most people with both phones in hand.
  • iCloud: Best if you already have enough iCloud storage, or your old phone isn't available.
  • Computer: Best for very large libraries or limited iCloud storage.

After the transfer: things to double-check

  1. Sign in to apps. Banking and some secure apps require you to log in again.
  2. Wallet cards. You'll usually need to re-add your cards in the Wallet app.
  3. Apple Watch. If you have one, follow Apple's prompts to pair it with your new iPhone.
  4. Messages and photos. Open both apps to confirm everything's there. Some items may finish downloading over time.
  5. Mobile service. Most newer iPhones use eSIM. Your carrier setup may transfer during Quick Start, or you may need to contact your carrier.

Protect your new iPhone

Brand-new phones are at their shiniest the day you get them. A case and screen protector are inexpensive insurance against drops and scratches.

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What to do with your old iPhone

Before selling, trading in, or giving away your old iPhone:

  1. Make sure everything is on your new phone.
  2. If you have an Apple Watch paired to the old phone, unpair it.
  3. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
  4. Enter your Apple Account password to turn off Find My and remove Activation Lock.

That's it. With a little prep, moving to a new iPhone is usually painless, and you'll be up and running with all your apps, photos, and messages right where you left them.

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