How to Switch iPhones or iPads and Transfer Data (2025)
Photograph: Simon Hill
If your old device doesn’t support Quick Start, or you don’t want to use it, then follow the steps on the Hello screen until you reach a screen asking whether you want to join a Wi-Fi network. Choose the network you wish to join. You will be prompted to set up eSIM (choose Transfer From Another iPhone) and then set up Face ID or Touch ID.
… or Restore Your Backup
Alternatively, you can restore the backup you made. Here’s how:
Restore From iCloud Backup
If you used iCloud to back up your iPad or iPhone, continue through the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen and tap the Restore from iCloud Backup option. Sign in to your Apple ID (if you’re forgetful, consider using a password manager to find and store old login information), and choose the backup you want to use. The backups are time-stamped, so if you’ve been regularly backing up your phone, there will be several listed; be sure to look at the date and size of the backup to make sure you pick the correct one.
Restore From Mac or PC
If you used your computer to back up your data, plug your phone or tablet into it. If you’re using a Mac running Catalina 10.15, open Finder and select your device. If your Mac is running an older operating system or you have a PC, open iTunes. Select your iPhone/iPad when it appears in the window. Click Restore Backup under the General tab and choose the correct date.
Make Sure Your Wi-Fi Connection Is Stable
Don’t disrupt the Wi-Fi connection until the transfer is complete. Disconnecting early will cause your backup to pause until you reconnect. The same goes if you are restoring by tethering your device to a Windows PC or Mac—leave your phone or tablet plugged in until it’s finished.
That’s It!
Photograph: Simon Hill
There isn’t anything else to it. If you went ahead and fired up your new iPhone or iPad without transferring anything, you’ll have to either erase it and start over or transfer your content manually—but that’s going to be a lot more work than doing a full transfer. We recommend starting over from scratch and following the above steps to get all your data over at once.
Do not delete data on your old device until your new one is up and running. Have fun with your new iPhone or iPad, and if you don’t need your old phone, consider selling it. Be sure to check out our Best MagSafe Accessories and Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers guides to kit out your new iPhone.
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