Marcus Richards
Congratulations on getting a new phone. Before you start taking selfies or playing with all the exciting features, you need to set it up and make a data transfer. Your old phone might have essential photos, files, and contacts you’ll need.
In this case, you’ll need to transfer your data to the new phone, which is quite possible and easy without losing a thing. Apple supports several transfer options; you can pick one depending on your preference or situation.
The transfer usually gets everything into your new phone, including settings, contacts, messages, photos, and apps. This makes it easy to continue using your phone while exploring new features and taking cool selfies.
Here are the three methods you can use to make the data transfer to a new iPhone.
1. Use the Direct Transfer Method
If you want to transfer contacts between iPhones without iCloud, you can use the new built-in feature, which is supported by iOS 12.4 and new versions. The feature is known as Quick Start. The process takes several minutes, so make sure you pick a time when you’ll not need your phone.
Turn on Bluetooth on your old device and ensure it’s connected to Wi-Fi. Do the same with the new device and place it close to your old phone. You will then need to follow the on-screen prompts to pair the phones and initiate the transfer. In this case, you have two options:
- Download from iCloud: In this case, you pick the latest backup from iCloud, and this option downloads your data and app in the background, allowing you to use your phone while the process is in progress.
- Make a direct transfer: This option transfers data directly from your old phone to the new phone. You’ll need to wait for the transfer to complete on both devices before using any of them.
You might be prompted to complete other steps, such as activating your cellular service and setting up your Face ID or Touch ID. Apple might need these steps for security purposes, so be sure to complete them before the transfer.
During the transfer, it’s vital to keep the phones close to each other throughout the entire process. They should also be plugged into power until the transfer is complete. The transfer time will depend on the volume of your data and the network conditions — you’ll see a time estimate on your screen.
2. Restore Your iCloud Backup to Your New iPhone
Your iCloud backup offers the easiest way to transfer data to your new phone. During the initial phone setup, you’ll be given the option to “Restore from iCloud Backup.” You simply need to tap the button, sign in with your Apple ID, and select the most recent backup.
Before initiating the restore process, you need to confirm the last backup time. If the recent backup is a day or two old, it’s advisable to create a new backup on your old phone. Simply go to “Settings,” then “iCloud Backup,” and pick “Back Up Now.”
This gives you the most recent data — you can then go ahead and initiate the restore process on your new phone. The process will take about 15 minutes, and it will carry over all your data. Sign in to your iCloud account and confirm everything is okay.
This method doesn’t need a connection with your old phone or laptop. You simply need to connect to a Wi-Fi connection and access your iCloud account to transfer the data, making it the easiest option for anyone to complete.
3. Transfer Using a Mac or PC
Some people prefer using their laptops to make the data transfer. If you like this method, you’ll need to create an encrypted backup of your old phone. You don’t need to be a computer geek to do this.
If you have a Mac, use Finder to create the backup. Finder is the alternative option after Apple killed iTunes, which was traditionally used for this process. Connect your old iPhone with your Mac and open Finder — go to “Locations,” and locate your connected device and click on it.
After clicking the “Trust” button, it will open a page similar to the iTunes page. Select the “Encrypted Local Backup” box and enter a password you’ll easily remember when prompted. On PC, you can still use iTunes to create the backup — it’s not entirely dead yet.
Once you have created the backup, open Finder or iTunes and connect your new phone to the laptop. Click “Trust” and select the backup you have just created to make the transfer. You’ll need to enter your password for the transfer to start.
Switch to a New iPhone Easily with Data Transfer
Making data transfer between two iPhones isn’t a difficult task. In this process, we’ve shared three methods you can use to complete the transfer. These methods are easy and involve following on-screen prompts to complete the transfer.
Whatever option you pick, ensure the connection is stable and your devices are plugged into power. You should also make the transfer when you are most likely not to use your phone – preferably at night. Any disruption will stop the transfer, and you’ll need to start all over again.
Also, note that you shouldn’t delete data on your old phone until you’ve completely set up your new phone. After the transfer is complete, take a day or two to assess your phone to ensure you have everything you need.
No matter the method you use, be certain you’ll get all your data on your new iPhone.
