How to Transfer Data from an Old iPhone to a New One: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Upgrading to a new iPhone is an exciting step, but the thought of transferring all your data—like photos, contacts, messages, and apps—can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Apple provides user-friendly methods to ensure a smooth transition, allowing you to move everything from your old device to your new one without hassle.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most reliable ways to transfer your data:

• Quick Start: A direct device-to-device transfer that's fast and efficient.
  
• iCloud Backup: A wireless method that restores your data from the cloud.
  
• Computer Backup: Using iTunes or Finder for a wired transfer.

Each method has its advantages, and we'll help you choose the one that best fits your situation.

Prepare Your Old iPhone for Transfer.

Before moving your data to the new iPhone, it's important to ensure your current device is ready. Preparing just a few minutes can prevent delays, failed transfers, or even data loss.

Here’s what you need to do:

Back-Up Your Data First

Creating a backup ensures your important files are safe in case anything goes wrong during the transfer.

Two reliable backup options:

• iCloud Backup
  
  • Go to: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
    
  • Tap Back Up Now
    
  • Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power.
    
    
• Computer Backup
  
  • Connect your iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC
    
  • Use Finder (macOS Catalina or newer) or iTunes (older macOS or Windows)
    
  • Select your device and click Back Up No.w
    
  • Choose an encrypted backup to save passwords and health data

Tip: If you’re low on iCloud storage, computer backup may be a better option.

Make Sure Both Devices Are Charged

Transferring data can take time. To avoid interruptions:

• Charge both your old and new iPhones to at least 50%
  
• Keep them plugged in if possible.
  

Check Apple ID and iCloud Settings.

• Sign into your Apple ID on both phones.
  
• Confirm that iCloud is enabled.d
  
• Turn on Find My iPhone (you’ll need to turn this off later if erasing the old device)
  

Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi Network

• Transfers using Quick Start or iCloud rely on a strong Wi-Fi connection.
  
• Avoid using mobile data during setup.

Proper preparation helps everything run smoothly. Once your old iPhone is ready, you can move on to choosing your preferred transfer method.

Method 1: Use Quick Start (Recommended for Most Users)

If you have both your old and new iPhones in hand, Quick Start is the easiest and fastest way to wirelessly transfer everything—including apps, settings, messages, and more.

This method uses a direct connection between the two phones and is available on iPhones running iOS 11 or later.

How to Use Quick Start

Follow these simple steps:

• Turn on your new iPhone
  
  • Place it near your old iPhone.
    
  • A Quick Start screen will appear on the old device, asking if you want to set up the new iPhone.
    
• Tap “Continue” on the old iPhone.e
  
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
    
• Hold your old iPhone over the new one.e
  
  • You’ll see an animation on the new phone.
    
  • Use the old iPhone’s camera to scan it.
    
• Enter your passcode
  
  • Input your current passcode on the new iPhone when prompted.
    
• Choose “Transfer from iPhone”
  
  • This keeps the transfer local, avoiding the need for iCloud or iTunes.
    
• Keep both phones closed and connected to the power.
  
  • Depending on your data size, the transfer could take from 15 minutes to over an hour.
    
  • Once complete, your new iPhone will have everything, just like your old one.

Important Notes:

• The face ID/Touch ID setup and Apple Pay configuration may need to be done manually again.
  
• Don’t use either device during the transfer to prevent delays.

Why this method is ideal:

• No cables or computers needed
  
• Direct and secure
  
• Transfers most settings, apps, and data exactly as they were

Method 2: Restore from iCloud Backup

If your old iPhone is no longer with you—or if you prefer using cloud storage—restoring from an iCloud backup is a safe and wireless way to transfer your data to a new iPhone.

This method works best if you’ve already backed up your old phone to iCloud before starting the new one.

How to Restore from iCloud Backup

Follow these steps during the initial setup of your new iPhone:

• Turn on your new iPhone
  
  • Begin setup and connect to Wi-Fi when prompted.
    
• Select “Restore from iCloud Backup.”
  
  • Sign in with your Apple ID and password (same as your old iPhone).
    
• Choose the latest backup.
  
  • Pick the most recent backup from the list.
    
  • Make sure the date and time match your last backup.
    
• Stay connected and wait.
  
  • The phone will begin downloading your data.
    
  • Apps, photos, and other files may continue restoring in the background after setup is complete.

This Method is Useful When

• You don’t have both devices with you.
  
• You’re upgrading from a broken or sold phone.
  
• You’re restoring a backup after erasing your old phone.

Keep in Mind

• You’ll need enough iCloud storage to make or restore a full backup.
  
• Some settings (like Apple Pay and Face ID) will need to be set up again.
  
• Large backups may take longer to download—especially on slower Wi-Fi.

Don’t have enough iCloud space? No problem. You can either delete old backups or use the next method: restore from a computer backup.

Method 3: Restore from a Computer Backup

Suppose you’ve previously backed up your iPhone using iTunes (on Windows or older Macs) or Finder (on macOS Catalina or newer). In that case, you can transfer everything to your new device using a USB cable.

This is a great option if:

• You have limited iCloud storage
  
• Do you prefer faster transfer speeds?
  
• You want a complete, encrypted backup with passwords and health data

How to Restore from a Computer Backup

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Back up your old iPhone (if you haven’t already):
  
  • Plug your old iPhone into your Mac or PC.
    
  • Open iTunes (on Windows/macOS Mojave) or Finder (on newer Macs).
    
  • Select your device when it appears.
    
  • Click Back Up Now.
    
  • Check the "Encrypt local backup" box to save account passwords, Health data, and Wi-Fi settings.
    
    
• Set up your new iPhone:
  
  • Turn it on and connect it to the same computer using a USB cable.
    
  • Choose "Restore from Mac or PC" during setup.
    
  • Open iTunes or Finder and select Restore Backup.
    
    
• Choose the most recent backup:
  
  • Enter the encryption password if needed.
    
  • Let the transfer complete without disconnecting your phone.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Do not unplug your phone until the process finishes.
  
• After setup, you may still need to sign in to iCloud and Apple ID services.
  
• Some apps may be re-downloaded from the App Store after setup.

Benefits of this method:

• Faster transfers—especially useful with large files like 4K videos
  
• Encrypted backups save more data (including Wi-Fi, passwords, and Health app info)
  
• No need for internet during the transfer

What Transfers (and What Doesn’t)?

When switching iPhones, most of your data and settings will move over—but not everything. Knowing what transfers (and what doesn’t) helps you avoid surprises and double-check important info after setup.

What Transfers to Your New iPhone

No matter which method you use—Quick Start, iCloud, or computer backup—the following items usually transfer successfully:

• Contacts
  
• Photos and Videos (if included in the backup or synced with iCloud Photos)
  
• Messages and iMessage history
  
• Call logs and voicemail.
  
• App data and layout
  
• Notes and calendar events
  
• Safari bookmarks and open tabs
  
• Wi-Fi passwords (if the encrypted backup is used)
  
• Apple Watch data
  
• Settings and accessibility preferences
  
• Health and fitness data (only if encrypted backup is used)
  
• Screen Time settings and parental controls

What May Not Transfer Automatically

Some sensitive or hardware-specific settings need to be set up again manually:

• Apple Pay cards – You’ll need to add them again for security.
  
• Face ID / Touch ID settings – Set these up fresh on the new device.
  
• Bluetooth pairings – Re-pair accessories like headphones or speakers.
  
• Mail passwords – If not using an encrypted backup, you may need to re-enter email credentials.
  
• Some app logins – Apps like banking, social media, and WhatsApp may require re-authentication.

Tip: Make sure you know your passwords or use a password manager for convenience.

Special Cases

• If you're using iCloud Photos, your pictures may not be included in the backup, but they’ll re-sync from the cloud.
  
• Messages in iCloud will also sync separately if enabled in iCloud settings.

Worried about losing something during the transfer?
Let Cellfixx handle the full setup—we’ll make sure everything moves over correctly, giving you peace of mind.

Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues

Even though Apple’s transfer methods are designed to be smooth, things don’t always go as planned. Here’s how to handle common problems if your data doesn’t move over correctly or the process gets stuck.

Not Enough iCloud Storage

Problem: Backup won’t complete, or restore fails due to storage limits.

Solution:

• Check your available storage: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage
  
• Options:
  
  • Upgrade your iCloud plan temporarily (starts at 50GB)
    
  • Delete old backups you no longer need
    
  • Use computer backup instead (see Method 3)

Devices Won’t Connect with Quick Start

Problem: New iPhone doesn’t detect the old one.

Solution:

• Make sure Bluetooth is on for both phones
  
• Restart both devices and try again.
  
• Bring phones closer together and keep them on a flat surface.
  
• Ensure both iPhones are on iOS 11 or later

Transfer Is Stuck or Taking Too Long

Problem: The progress bar won’t move or takes hours.

Solution:

• Check Wi-Fi signal strength
  
• Keep both phones plugged in.
  
• Wait longer—transfers with a lot of photos/videos may take time.
  
• As a backup plan, try switching to iCloud or computer transfer

Missing Apps or Data After Transfer

Problem: Some apps or photos are missing on the new iPhone.

Solution:

• Wait—it may still be downloading in the background.d
  
• Go to the App Store > Purchased to reinstall missing apps.
  
• Ensure iCloud Photos is enabled (Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos)

Forgot Apple ID or Password

Problem: You can’t sign in to iCloud during setup.

Solution:

• Visit iforgot.apple.com to reset your Apple ID
  
• For locked devices, Apple’s Activation Lock will require the original owner’s credentials.

If all else fails, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Cellfixx offers in-person iPhone transfer support—we’ll handle everything from backups to setup, even if your old phone is damaged or locked.

Tips After You Transfer

Once you’ve successfully moved your data to your new iPhone, take a few extra steps to ensure everything is working properly and securely. This will ensure a smooth transition and protect your personal information.

Check That All Data Is Present

• Open your Photos, Messages, Contacts, and Notes apps.
  
• Make sure nothing is missing—especially important photos or files.
  
• Confirm that your apps are downloaded and functioning.

Note: Some apps, especially large games or photo-heavy apps, may continue downloading in the background.

Sign Back into Apps

• Many apps (especially banking, social media, and messaging apps like WhatsApp) require you to log in again.
  
• Have your passwords or two-factor authentication ready.
  
• If you're using a password manager, reinstall it first.

Reconnect Your Apple Watch (if you use one)

• If you had an Apple Watch paired to your old iPhone:
  
  • Open the Watch app on your new phone.
    
  • Tap Start Pairing and follow the steps.
    
  • You can restore from your watch backup during setup.

Update Your iPhone

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
  
• Install the latest version of iOS to keep your device secure and up to date.

Erase Your Old iPhone (Once You’re Sure Everything’s Transferred)

Before you sell, recycle, or hand down your old phone, wipe it clean:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  
• Tap Erase All Content and Settings
  
• Enter your Apple ID password to confirm

Important: Only do this after double-checking that everything is working on your new iPhone.

Set Up Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple Pay Again

• These do not transfer for security reasons.
  
• Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode to set up.
  
• Open Wallet to re-add your cards for Apple Pay.

When to Get Help

Sometimes, even with the best instructions, things don’t go as planned. If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or worried about losing your data, asking for help is okay. That’s what professionals are for—and getting expert support can save you time, money, and stress.

You Should Get Help If:

• Your old iPhone is broken, unresponsive, or won’t turn on
  
• You forgot your Apple ID or password, and you’re locked out.
  
• Quick Start, iCloud, or iTunes backup fails repeatedly.
  
• Some or all of your data didn’t transfer
  
• You’re not comfortable handling backups or factory resets
  
• You’re switching from Android to iPhone and need cross-platform help.
  
• You want to ensure your phone is fully secure and optimized after transfer.

How Cellfixx Can Help You

Cellfixx doesn’t just fix phones; we help people solve phone problems.

• In-store support: Walk in with your old and new iPhone—we’ll handle the transfer.
  
• Broken phone? We can recover data from damaged or unresponsive devices.
  
• Full setup service: We’ll move your data, install your apps, configure your settings, and walk you through the new features.
  
• Security check: We’ll help you set up Face ID, Apple Pay, and parental controls if needed.
  
• Support all Apple devices: iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Macs.

Transfer with Confidence

Switching to a new iPhone doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and steps, you can move your photos, apps, settings, and personal data without missing a thing. Whether you choose Quick Start, iCloud, or a computer backup, each method is designed to simplify the process—even if you're already ahead if not tech-savvy.

If you’ve backed up your device, checked your passwords, and followed the steps, you’re already ahead. And if anything doesn’t go as expected, you’re not alone—Cellfixx is here to support you every step of the way.

Visit your nearest Cellfixx service centre or call us today.