What do you think about Mashable? Take a quick survey to let us know!

How to transfer iPhone to iPhone

New iPhone? Here's how to haul your stuff over.
By Shannon Connellan  on 
A brand new Apple iPhone 15 pro titanium is displayed with box and packaging.
How do I get my stuff on this? Credit: John Keeble / Getty Images

So you've got a new iPhone. First of all, if it's a brand new device, enjoy that magnificent moment of peeling the protective film from your sweet, sweet, unmarked screen. Second, get a case, if you're as spectacularly uncoordinated as me.

Now, unless you're starting a clean slate in a new town, you probably want to bring over all your data so you can hit the ground running with your new phone. But how do you transfer iPhone to iPhone? It's pretty simple, but before you do anything, back up your iPhone and have your Apple ID and password ready to go (even if you have to reset your password — everyone forgets!).

Now that's done, let's move.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

How to transfer iPhone to iPhone

Total Time
  • 5 min
What You Need
  • iPhone
  • iCloud account

Step 1: Transfer your SIM card from your old iPhone to your new iPhone.

Apple has a handy video explainer on how to do this if you need it.

Step 2: Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and your Bluetooth is switched on.

Step 3: Follow the onscreen instructions from iOS' Quick Start to set up your phone.

Step 4: At the "Apps & Data" screen, pick which way you want to transfer your data.

Apple will offer you options. Choosing to download from iCloud means your data (including apps) will start downloading and you can begin using your new iPhone while it chugs away in the background. Choosing to transfer directly means an extra step (see below) and you won't be able to use your new iPhone until the download is done.

Step 5: If you're transferring data directly (not through iCloud), make sure your two iPhones are near each other and plugged into chargers.

Step 6: And you're done!

How to transfer an iPhone backup to your new iPhone

You can also transfer your iPhone data using a backup you've previously made. If you've already set-up your new iPhone and want to restore a backup, you need to erase the device first before carrying out the steps below.

In your iPhone, navigate to Settings, then tap General, then scroll to "Transfer or Reset [Device] " before tapping "Erase All Content and Settings". Then you'll be able to set up your iPhone from scratch.

OK, now we can restore the backup.

Total Time
  • 5 min
What You Need
  • iPhone
  • Mac or PC

Step 1: Turn on your new iPhone and make sure it's connected to WiFi.

Step 2: When you're setting up your iPhone through Quick Start, stop at the "Apps & Data" screen.

Step 3: Tap "Restore from Mac or PC".

Step 4: Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC, whichever you backed up your iPhone to.

Step 5: Select your iPhone in either Apple Devices, iTunes, or a Finder window.

Step 6: Click "Restore Backup" and select the backup you want.

Step 7: The backup will take a moment to restore, then you can finish setting up your iPhone.

Now you're all set up, head over here for more tips and tricks for your iPhone on Mashable.

Topics iPhone

A black and white image of a person with a long braid and thick framed glasses.
Shannon Connellan

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about everything (but not anything) across entertainment, tech, social good, science, and culture.


Recommended For You

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: How are they different?
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro




Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 1
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 1
a phone displaying Wordle

Netflix's 'Kaos': A basic guide to the Greek myths and figures in the series
Sam Buttery, Suzy Eddie Izzard, and Ché as The Fates in "Kaos."

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 1
A game being played on a smartphone.

How to watch the 2024 Italian Grand Prix online for free
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands leads
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!