3 Easy Ways to Transfer Data between iPhones

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Learn different ways to transfer or send data from one iPhone to another

Co-authored by Josef Storzi and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: April 19, 2023

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• Creating an iCloud Backup
|
• Restoring from iCloud Backup
|
• Sending Files with AirDrop

|Show more |Show less

This wikiHow teaches you how to transfer your apps and personal data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone, as well as how to share individual files between iPhones using AirDrop.

Things You Should Know

• Use an iCloud backup to restore a new phone to your old phone's settings and data.
• To create an iCloud backup, go to "Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now".
• To make your new iPhone have all the data and settings as your old iPhone, restore that backup as you're setting up the new phone.
• If you're resetting a new iPhone, go to "General > Reset > Erase all content & settings," and use the other phone's backup when you're offered the restore option.
• Alternatively, select AirDrop from the Share menu to transfer data without iCloud.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating an iCloud Backup

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1. 1
   Open the Settings

   

   on your old iPhone. You’ll usually find this app on the home screen.
2. 2
   Tap your Apple ID. It’s at the top of the screen, where you can see your name.
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3. 3
   Tap iCloud.
4. 4
   Switch on each type of item you want to transfer. You can do this with the switch on the right side of each item. Make sure the switch for each option you want to transfer is green

   

   .
5. 5
   Tap iCloud Backup.
6. 6
   Slide the “iCloud Backup” switch to On

   

   . A pop-up message will appear.
7. 7
   Tap OK.
8. 8
   Tap Back Up Now. This saves all of your data as a backup to iCloud. When the backup is complete, see Restoring from iCloud Backup to learn how to transfer the selected data to the new iPhone.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Restoring from iCloud Backup

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1. 1
   Turn on the new iPhone. You’ll be greeted with the “Hello” screen.

   • Use this method after you’ve created an iCloud backup on your old iPhone.
   • If you’ve already set up the new iPhone, you will have to reset it so you can start from scratch. Here’s how:
     • Open your iPhone’s Settings
       
     • Tap General.
     • Tap Reset.
     • Tap Erase all content and settings. The iPhone will then reboot to the “Hello” screen.
2. 2
   Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Wi-Fi screen.
3. 3
   Join a Wi-Fi network. You’ll need to be online to restore from the iCloud backup.
4. 4
   Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
5. 5
   Tap Restore from iCloud backup. A login screen will appear.
6. 6
   Sign in to iCloud. Use the same Apple ID and password you used to sign in on your old iPhone.
7. 7
   Select the latest backup when prompted. This begins the restore process.

   • When the restore is finished, all of the data you backed up to iCloud will be available on your new iPhone.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sending Files with AirDrop

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1. 1
   Enable AirDrop on both iPhones. If you only need to transfer a few files between iPhones, it’s easiest to use AirDrop. Here’s how to turn it on:

   • Swipe up from the bottom of the home screen to open Control Center.
   • Tap and hold any of the connection icons (Wi-Fi, data, or Bluetooth). A menu will appear.
   • Tap AirDrop.
   • Select whether you want to Receive Only, connect with Contacts Only, or Everyone.
   • If the other iPhone’s user’s Apple ID is not in your contact list, you won’t be able to see their phone if Contacts Only is selected. In this situation, either add the person as a contact or select Everyone.
2. 2
   Open the app with the data you want to transfer. For example, if you want to send photos, open the Photos app.
3. 3
   Tap the item you want to transfer. This opens it in the app.

   • You can select multiple items in most apps, such as in Photos. Just tap and hold one of the photos, then tap each additional photo you want to select.
4. 4
   Tap the Share

   

   icon. It’s usually at the bottom of the screen. A list of sharing options will appear.

   • The AirDrop section is at the top of the Sharing menu. People nearby (if you chose Everyone) with AirDrop on appear here.
5. 5
   Tap the iPhone you want to transfer to. As long as both iPhones have the correct AirDrop settings enabled, the file will be transferred to the other iPhone.
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Join the Discussion...

Easiest ways to transfer my old iPhone data to new iPhone?

WikiLynxJumper585

I just got a new iPhone (yay) and now comes the task of transferring all my data over from my old phone (boo). Anyone have any quick tips for doi... Read More

WikiStoatWatcher436

You can transfer your iPhone using a few different methods:
1. You could Airdrop your info from one phone to another (go to settings > general... Read More

WikiChinchillaFlyer503

i don't want to pay for icloud so what else can i do... Read More

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