How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone (2025 Guide)
Contents
📱 Introduction
So you’ve got a brand-new iPhone in your hands — nice upgrade! Now comes the task of moving everything from your old iPhone. Whether you’re switching from an iPhone 12, 13, or even older, Apple makes it surprisingly easy in 2025.
In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using the best and safest methods available — Quick Start, iCloud, or a direct cable transfer. You’ll be back to texting, streaming, and scrolling in no time.
🔄 1. Use Quick Start (Best for Fast, Wireless Transfer)
Quick Start is the easiest method if you have both iPhones side by side.
Steps:
Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old one.
A prompt will appear on the old device → tap Continue
Use your old iPhone’s camera to scan the animation on the new one
Choose “Transfer from iPhone”
Let the data transfer finish — keep devices plugged in
✅ Transfers nearly everything including photos, messages, apps, and settings
☁️ 2. Use iCloud Backup (Great if Old Phone Isn’t Available)
If you already backed up your old iPhone to iCloud:
Steps:
On the old iPhone:
Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
On the new iPhone:
Set up → choose Restore from iCloud Backup
Log in with your Apple ID
Select latest backup
✅ Perfect for remote setup or if your old phone is no longer active
🔌 3. Use Cable Transfer (Best for Speed & Stability)
You can also connect the iPhones directly with a Lightning to Lightning or USB-C to Lightning cable.
Steps:
Plug both iPhones together with the cable
On the new iPhone, choose Transfer from iPhone
Follow on-screen instructions
✅ Ideal if Wi-Fi is unstable or you have a large amount of data
⚠️ What You Can Transfer (And What You Can’t)
| Data Type | Transferable | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photos & Videos | ✅ | All via iCloud or direct transfer |
| Contacts, Messages | ✅ | Fully transferred |
| Apps & App Data | ✅/❌ | Depends on app type |
| Apple Pay, Face ID | ❌ | Must set up manually for security |
| Keychain Passwords | ✅ | If using iCloud Keychain |
💡 Tips Before You Start
🔋 Charge both devices above 50%
📶 Use strong Wi-Fi if doing wireless transfer
✅ Sign in to iCloud on old device before beginning
🧹 Clean up unused apps/files to speed up transfer
🔗 You Might Also Like
👉 Need to move from Android instead? Here’s how to copy data from Android to Android
👉 Setting up a new iPhone from scratch? Read the full new iPhone data transfer guide
👉 Want to clean your phone after transfer? Learn how to free up space on iPhone
❓ FAQ
Q: What’s the easiest way to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone?
A: Quick Start is the easiest and most seamless way — no cables or iCloud required if both phones are nearby.
Q: Can I transfer data without iCloud?
A: Yes! You can use Quick Start (wireless) or cable transfer directly between iPhones.
Q: Will I lose my messages and apps?
A: No. Messages, apps, photos, and settings are all transferred — only Apple Pay and Face ID need to be set up again.