How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone (3 Methods)

1. Method 1: Quick Start (Recommended)

Quick Start wirelessly transfers data directly between your old and new iPhone:

Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to your old iPhone.
A "Set Up New iPhone" card will appear on your old phone. Tap Continue.
Use your old phone to scan the animated blue pattern on your new phone.
Enter your old phone's passcode on the new phone.
Set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new phone.
Choose "Transfer from iPhone" to transfer directly, or "Download from iCloud."
Keep both phones near each other and connected to power. Transfer takes 15 minutes to 2+ hours depending on data volume.

Quick Start requires both phones to be on iOS 12.4 or later, and works best when both are on the same iOS version.

2. Method 2: iCloud Backup Restore

On your old iPhone, create a fresh iCloud backup (Settings → [Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now).
Turn on your new iPhone and proceed through setup.
On the "Apps & Data" screen, select "Restore from iCloud Backup."
Sign in with your Apple ID.
Select the most recent backup.
Stay connected to Wi-Fi. Restoration can take 30 minutes to several hours.

Limitation: iCloud backups may not include Health data, Wi-Fi passwords, or app credentials unless your backup is encrypted (local backups only).

3. Method 3: Computer Backup Restore (Most Complete)

On your computer, create an encrypted local backup of your old iPhone (Finder on Mac, Apple Devices on Windows).
Disconnect old iPhone, connect new iPhone.
The computer will detect the new iPhone. Click "Restore Backup."
Select the backup you just created and enter the encryption password.
Wait for the restore to complete (15–60 minutes).

This method transfers everything, including Health data, Wi-Fi passwords, saved credentials, and app data that iCloud backup may miss.

Do not do these

Ensure both phones are running the same iOS version (or the new phone has a newer version). You cannot restore a backup from a newer iOS onto an older iOS.
Quick Start requires both phones to have sufficient battery (or be plugged in). The transfer will fail if either phone dies mid-process.
Some apps require you to sign in again after transfer (banking apps, authenticator apps). Make sure you have login credentials accessible.
Two-factor authentication codes from apps like Google Authenticator do NOT transfer automatically. Export/migrate them before wiping your old phone.

Questions this page actually answers

How long does iPhone-to-iPhone transfer take?

Quick Start takes 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on data volume. A 64GB phone typically transfers in 20–30 minutes; a 256GB phone can take 1–2 hours.

Do my apps transfer automatically?

Yes. All apps re-download from the App Store automatically. App data transfers via the backup. Some apps (especially banking and auth apps) may require re-authentication.

What about my eSIM?

During Quick Start, iOS will offer to transfer your eSIM from the old phone to the new phone. If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, it takes seconds. Otherwise, contact your carrier.

Next useful pages

Sources

Prepared by the iPhone Update Editorial Desk. Independent technical reference. Not affiliated with Apple Inc.