How to Transfer Data to a New iPhone: Step-by-Step

Quick answer

The fastest way to transfer data to a new iPhone is Apple's Quick Start: place both iPhones near each other, follow the on-screen prompts, and let the transfer run over a direct wireless connection. If you prefer a hands-off method, restore from an iCloud backup made on your old phone. For refurbished iPhones that arrive with a generic box and no cable, Quick Start still works because it uses the built-in camera and Wi-Fi, but you'll need your own charger and a stable Wi-Fi network.

Before you start: prep both iPhones

A failed transfer usually traces back to skipped prep. Charge both iPhones to at least 50% or keep them plugged in. Update the old iPhone to the latest iOS it supports, because Quick Start requires a compatible version on both devices. If you're moving to a refurbished iPhone, check that it powers on and reaches the Hello screen before you begin. Also, have your Apple ID password and Wi-Fi password ready; you'll need both during setup. If your old phone uses a physical SIM, note that newer iPhones may use eSIM only, so contact your carrier about moving your number before you wipe the old device.

Method 1: Quick Start (iPhone to iPhone)

Quick Start copies your settings, contacts, messages, photos, apps, and even your home screen layout directly from one iPhone to another. It works over a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection, so you don't need a computer or a paid iCloud plan. The tradeoff is time: large photo libraries can take an hour or more. Keep both phones near each other and don't open other apps during the transfer. If the transfer stalls, tap Cancel and restart; your data on the old phone remains untouched until you erase it.

Method 2: iCloud backup and restore

If you want to set up your new iPhone later or you're not near your old one, use iCloud. On the old iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. Then, during setup on the new iPhone, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in. This method requires enough iCloud storage for your backup; if you're over the free 5GB, you can buy more or exclude large items like photos and use a different method for those. Restoring from iCloud can take longer than Quick Start because everything downloads over the internet.

Method 3: Transfer with a computer (Finder or iTunes)

A wired backup is the most reliable option when Wi-Fi is slow or you have a huge library. Connect your old iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes), trust the computer, and choose Back Up Now with encryption enabled if you want saved passwords and Health data included. Then connect the new iPhone, choose Restore Backup, and select the backup you just made. This method avoids iCloud storage limits and is often faster for large transfers. The downside is you need a computer and a cable, and you must not unplug either phone during the process.

What about contacts, photos, and apps?

All three methods above move contacts, photos, and apps, but each has quirks. Contacts stored in iCloud sync automatically once you sign in; if they were saved only on the old phone, they'll be included in the backup or Quick Start transfer. Photos are the biggest variable: if you use iCloud Photos, your library is already in the cloud and will appear on the new iPhone as it syncs, but if you manage photos locally, they transfer with the backup. Apps re-download from the App Store, so you'll need your Apple ID password and enough free storage on the new phone. Some apps require you to log in again, and a few (like banking apps) may need to be re-authorized.

Setting up a refurbished iPhone: what's different

A refurbished iPhone from The iOutlet arrives with a generic box, not a retail package, so you won't find a charging cable or documentation inside. That doesn't change the transfer process: you'll still see the Hello screen and can use Quick Start, iCloud, or a computer. Just make sure you have a compatible cable and power adapter on hand before you start. Also, if the refurbished phone was previously used, it should be erased and unlocked; if you see a previous owner's Apple ID lock, stop and contact the seller before proceeding. Once you're past setup, the experience is identical to a new iPhone.

Step-by-step transfer checklist

1. 1. Back up your old iPhone: Make a fresh iCloud or computer backup right before you start, so you have a fallback if the direct transfer fails. Checkpoint: confirm the backup finished by looking at the timestamp in Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
2. 2. Charge both phones and connect to Wi-Fi: Plug both iPhones into power and join the same Wi-Fi network. Quick Start uses a direct wireless link but still needs a network for activation. Common mistake: starting at 20% battery; the transfer can drain both phones before it finishes.
3. 3. Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one: Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears, then set the new iPhone next to your old one. Wait for the Quick Start card to appear on the old screen. If the card doesn't appear, unlock the old iPhone and make sure Bluetooth is on.
4. 4. Scan the animation and enter your passcode: Use the old iPhone's camera to scan the moving pattern on the new phone, then enter your old passcode when prompted. Checkpoint: if the camera won't focus, clean the lens and hold the phones 2–3 inches apart.
5. 5. Choose Transfer from iPhone and keep both phones awake: Select Transfer from iPhone on the new device. Leave both phones untouched and plugged in until the transfer completes and the new iPhone shows the home screen. Common mistake: opening another app on the old phone mid-transfer, which can pause or cancel the process.
6. 6. Verify your data and sign back into apps: After setup, open Contacts, Photos, and Messages to confirm everything arrived. Then open each app that requires a login and sign in again. Next step: once you're sure the new iPhone has your data, erase the old one via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Refurbished iPhones ready for your transfer

• iPhone 11 Pro – 64GB – Gold – Grade A: iPhone 11 Pro – 64GB – Gold – Grade A, generic box A low-cost entry point if you mainly need calls, messages, and photos; 64GB fills up quickly, so offload videos to iCloud or a computer.
• iPhone 15 – 128GB – Blue – Grade A+ Pristine: iPhone 15 – 128GB – Blue – Grade A+ Pristine, generic box More storage and a newer chip make it a better fit for large photo libraries and app-heavy setups; the pristine grade means minimal wear.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max – 512GB – Deep Blue – Grade A+ Pristine: iPhone 17 Pro Max – 512GB – Deep Blue – Grade A+ Pristine, generic box The 512GB capacity suits users who shoot a lot of video or keep years of photos on-device; it's the most future-proof option here.