Information current as of 09/11/2026.
Use Apple’s Quick Start: connect your old iPhone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, and place it near the new iPhone. Follow the setup prompts, enter your old iPhone’s passcode, activate cellular service if prompted, and choose either a direct transfer or Download from iCloud. Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until migration finishes.
Transfer everything with Quick Start
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old iPhone.
- Follow the onscreen Quick Start instructions. When prompted, scan the setup animation with the old iPhone.
- Enter the old iPhone’s passcode on the new iPhone.
- Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or its cellular network. If prompted, follow the instructions to activate cellular service.
- Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
- At the transfer screen, choose either a direct transfer from the old iPhone or Download from iCloud.
- Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until the migration is complete.
Choose direct transfer or Download from iCloud
Choose a direct transfer if you want the data to migrate from the old iPhone to the new iPhone before using both devices normally. Choose Download from iCloud if you want to begin using the new iPhone while apps and data continue downloading in the background. The time required varies with the amount of data and network conditions.
If Quick Start does not appear
If the Quick Start prompt disappears from the old iPhone, restart both iPhones and try again. Quick Start cannot be used when the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business.
Other ways to move your data
If Quick Start is not suitable, Apple also identifies iCloud and computer backups made with Apple Devices, iTunes, or Finder as transfer methods. Compatible iPhones can also migrate data through a direct wired connection. If the old iPhone is unavailable, restore the new iPhone from an iCloud backup during setup.
Sources
- Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad
- Transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone or iPad
- Use iCloud to transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone or iPad
- Use a wired connection to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad
- Set up cellular service on iPhone
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose direct transfer or iCloud download?
A direct transfer requires waiting for the transfer to finish on both iPhones. An iCloud download can let you start using the new iPhone while apps and data continue downloading in the background.
How do I transfer my phone number or eSIM?
During or after setup, follow the cellular-service instructions on the new iPhone. Some carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer, which can move a phone number from the previous iPhone without requiring a separate carrier contact.