Move your data from your old iPhone to your new one using iCloud or a computer

The fastest way to set up a new iPhone is to restore from a backup of your old phone. Apple offers two main routes: iCloud, which works wirelessly if both phones are nearby, or Finder on a Mac or iTunes on a Windows computer, which is faster if you have a lot of data. Both methods copy your apps, photos, messages, contacts, passwords, and settings to the new phone in one operation.

You do not need to erase your old phone first. The transfer happens during the new phone's setup, before you start using it. The whole process takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • iCloud backup is wireless and works if your old phone and new phone are both on the same Wi-Fi network, but requires enough iCloud storage space for your data.
  • Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) is faster for large backups and does not use iCloud storage, but requires a cable and a computer.
  • Start the new iPhone's setup and choose "Restore from Backup" when prompted, then select your backup from iCloud or your computer.
  • Your new phone will read and install all your apps automatically after the backup restores, which can take extra time depending on app size.
  • Two-factor authentication codes and some banking apps may require you to sign in again on the new phone for security reasons.

Set up iCloud backup on your old iPhone before you switch

Before you open your new phone, make sure your old iPhone has a recent backup in iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn it on if it is not already. Then tap Back Up Now to create a fresh backup right away.

Check that you have enough iCloud storage for the backup. Your backup size appears under Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. If your backup is larger than your available iCloud storage, you will need either to delete old backups, buy more iCloud storage (which costs money), or use the computer method instead.

The backup runs in the background and can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on your data size and Wi-Fi speed. You can use your phone normally while it backs up.

Restore from iCloud during new iPhone setup

When you power on your new iPhone for the first time, you will see the setup screen. Follow the prompts until you reach Apps & Data. Tap Restore from iCloud Backup, then sign in with your Apple ID (the same one you used on your old phone).

Select your backup from the list. If you have multiple backups, choose the most recent one. The phone will read your data, which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on backup size and Wi-Fi speed. Do not unplug the phone or close the setup until it finishes.

After the backup restores, your phone will read and install all your apps from the App Store. This happens automatically in the background and can take several more hours if you have many apps. You can use your phone while apps install, but they will not be fully ready until the read finishes.

Use Finder or iTunes on a computer for faster transfer

If you have a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer, open Finder and plug your new iPhone into the computer with a USB cable. If you have a Mac running an older version or a Windows computer, read and open iTunes instead, then plug in the phone.

Your computer will recognize the phone and show it in Finder or iTunes. Click the phone icon, then choose Restore from Backup. Select your backup from the list (it will show the date and size). The computer will copy the backup to your phone, which takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on backup size.

Keep the phone plugged in and do not close Finder or iTunes until the transfer finishes. The phone will restart automatically when done. After that, unplug it and let the apps install in the background, which can take a few hours.

Create a backup on your computer if you do not have iCloud backup

If your old iPhone does not have a recent iCloud backup, you can create a backup on your computer first, then restore from that backup to your new phone. Plug your old iPhone into your computer, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), click the phone icon, and choose Back Up Now. This creates a backup file on your computer.

After the backup finishes, unplug your old phone and plug in your new one. Choose Restore from Backup and select the backup you just created. The transfer works the same way as restoring from iCloud.

Sign in again to apps that use two-factor authentication

Some apps, especially banking apps and social media, require you to sign in again on your new phone even though your password was backed up. This is a security feature. When you open these apps for the first time, enter your username and password, then complete the two-factor authentication (usually a code sent to your email or phone number).

If an app asks for a security code and you do not receive it, check your email spam folder or the phone number on file with that app. Some apps let you use a backup code instead, which you may have saved when you first set up two-factor authentication.

Troubleshoot if the backup does not restore

If the restore stops or fails partway through, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and your old phone is still nearby (for iCloud) or plugged in (for computer). Restart both phones and try again. If you are using iCloud and the backup is very large, the computer method is often more reliable.

If you see an error message about iCloud storage, your backup is too large for your available space. Delete old backups from Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups, or use the computer method instead.

If the new phone gets stuck on the setup screen, force restart it by pressing and releasing the volume-up button, pressing and releasing the volume-down button, then pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Then try the setup again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restore from a backup that is older than a few days?

Yes. iCloud keeps your last backup automatically, and you can restore from any backup in your iCloud account. Computer backups stay on your computer until you delete them. Older backups work fine, but they will not include any data, photos, or messages from after the backup was created.

What if my old iPhone is broken and I cannot turn it on?

If you have an iCloud backup, you can restore from it on your new phone without touching the old one. If you do not have an iCloud backup and the old phone will not turn on, you will start your new phone fresh and manually add your contacts and photos later.

Do I need to erase my new iPhone before restoring?

No. The restore process erases the new phone automatically and replaces everything with your backup. You do not need to do anything to the new phone before you start setup.

Will my text messages and iMessages transfer?

Yes, both SMS text messages and iMessages are included in your backup and will restore to your new phone. You will see your full message history from your old phone.

How long does the whole process take?

The backup restore itself takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on data size. Apps then install in the background, which can take several more hours if you have many apps. You can use your phone while apps install, but they will not be fully ready until the read finishes.