A new or used iPhone switches on quickly. But the actual move is not finished until important data, calls and essential apps work. This guide gives you an orderly process. Keep the old iPhone available as a fallback until you have actually checked the transfer.
Preparation: what to have ready before starting
- Old and new iPhone with enough charge and suitable power connections
- Access to reliable Wi-Fi
- The old iPhone's passcode and access to your Apple Account
- Access to the verification methods your account requires
- Login details or instructions for banking, authenticator and other essential apps
- Enough time when you temporarily do not need either device
Check used storage on the old phone under General → iPhone Storage. The data must fit the new phone's available capacity. More iCloud storage does not enlarge its internal storage.
Install available compatible system updates well ahead of the move. A company-managed iPhone may have its own setup rules. Clarify these with IT beforehand.
An up-to-date backup as extra protection
A transfer moves data to the new device. A backup provides extra protection in case you need to restore data later. A current backup is worthwhile even when transferring directly between devices.
In iCloud, check the backup section in account settings, its date and successful completion. An enabled switch alone does not prove a current backup has finished. If cloud space is limited, check Apple's options for preparing a device move.
On newer Mac systems, iPhone is backed up through Finder. For a local backup, deliberately choose whether to enable Encrypt local backup. Encrypted backups can include additional information such as saved passwords or Health data. You will need the backup password later, so store it reliably.
Face ID and Touch ID are not transferred as ready-to-use biometric setups from a computer backup. Set them up again on the new device. A backup does not replace checking important apps individually either.
Which transfer method suits you?
| Method | Suitable when | What to allow for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start with the old iPhone | Both devices are available and usable | Both devices are needed for setup |
| Restore from iCloud | A suitable current backup exists | Internet access and time for content to download afterwards |
| Restore from a computer | You have a suitable local backup | Computer, data cable and, if encrypted, the backup password |
The assistant displays the options available for your devices. Duration depends on data volume, transfer method and network, among other things. A fixed number of minutes would be misleading.
Quick Start step by step
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and enable Bluetooth on it.
- Unlock the old iPhone and switch on the new device nearby.
- Follow Setup Assistant and confirm you are setting up the correct device.
- Connect the new iPhone to a network and set up Face ID or Touch ID if offered.
- Choose the displayed transfer method.
- Keep both devices close together and connected to power until direct transfer finishes.
If the Quick Start prompt disappears, Apple's suggestions include restarting both devices. Then check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and setup status again. A newer iPhone already fully set up does not automatically return to the transfer assistant.
Do not thoughtlessly erase an already configured destination phone to restart the assistant. First back up any new data held only there and establish the appropriate recovery method.
Why content may still be missing after setup
The Home Screen does not always mean all data is fully present. Apps and synced content can continue downloading in the background. Keep the iPhone on Wi-Fi and power and check progress.
Some data is downloaded again from its online service rather than the backup. Other content exists only locally inside an app and needs its own export or migration method. Distinguish “not finished downloading” from “not included in this backup”.
Do not merely compare Home Screens. Open an older photo, an important note or a file you need offline when travelling. This checks whether the content is genuinely available.
SIM and eSIM: transferred data does not mean calls are ready
A physical SIM is the small carrier card. An eSIM is configured digitally. Which your new iPhone supports can depend on model and sales region.
Direct eSIM transfer also depends on the carrier and devices. Follow the carrier's instructions if the assistant does not offer a suitable transfer. Allow for possible activation or a newly issued eSIM.
After activation, test a call, receipt of a message and mobile data with Wi-Fi off. Otherwise Wi-Fi can hide mobile service that is not fully working.
These apps and services need individual checking
- Banking and approval apps: Banks may require separate registration of the new phone. Check the intended migration before deregistering the old one.
- Authenticator apps: Check the provider's transfer procedure and available recovery options. An app icon alone does not prove access codes work.
- Messaging: Chat histories and media may have their own backup and recovery rules.
- Wallet and payments: Cards may need confirming or adding again.
- Company access: Coordinate device management and work apps with IT.
- Apple Watch: Follow the intended move to the new iPhone and check it afterwards.
These points do not promise identical transfer functions in every app. The provider's own instructions govern. Do not migrate essential access methods in the final minutes before travelling.
Final checks before erasing the old iPhone
- Spot-check photos, contacts, calendars, notes and important files by opening them.
- Check messages and important chat histories.
- Test calls, mobile data, email and required access.
- Check banking, approval apps and other irreplaceable functions.
- Make a new backup of the new iPhone and check it completes.
- Only then prepare the old phone for passing on according to Apple's instructions.
Do not manually delete photos or contacts from the old phone as a tidying method while they sync with iCloud. Those deletions may affect other devices. Proper preparation for passing on differs from removing synced items individually.
If a previous owner's Activation Lock or unexpected Remote Management appears during setup, resolve it with the seller or responsible organisation. A general migration guide does not replace their release.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both iPhones throughout setup?
For direct transfer, both must stay available until it finishes. Restoring from a suitable backup follows the selected method's process.
Can I reset the old iPhone as soon as the new Home Screen appears?
Wait until data, calls and essential apps are checked. Content may still be downloading and some access requires separate setup.
Are banking and authenticator apps transferred completely automatically?
Do not rely on it. Check the official device-change process for your particular apps and test them.
Why do I need an encrypted backup's password?
It protects the local backup and is needed to use it. It is not automatically the device passcode or Apple Account password.
Official sources and further information
Technical information is based on the linked manufacturer sources. Buying recommendations are mac-store24 editorial assessments; no in-house laboratory tests were performed.
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