How to Set Up New iPhone with Old iPhone [2025 Guide]
Contents
- 1 🚀 Intro: Start Fresh Without Losing Anything
- 2 🔄 Method 1: Use Quick Start (Fastest & Recommended)
- 3 ☁️ Method 2: Restore from iCloud Backup
- 4 💻 Method 3: Restore from Mac or PC
- 5 🆚 Comparison Table: Quick Start vs iCloud vs Computer
- 6 🛠️ Pro Tips & Common Issues
- 7 📌 Internal Links to Explore Next:
- 8 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🚀 Intro: Start Fresh Without Losing Anything
Just got a shiny new iPhone 15 or SE 2025? Congrats! 🎉 But before you dive into taking crisp photos or trying out iOS 18, there’s one crucial step—setting it up the right way with everything from your old iPhone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through three easy and safe methods to transfer all your data—from photos and contacts to apps and settings—without stress or data loss. Whether you’re using Quick Start, iCloud, or a computer, we’ve got you covered.
🔄 Method 1: Use Quick Start (Fastest & Recommended)
Requirements: Both iPhones must run iOS 12.4 or later, have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
Steps:
Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone.
A Quick Start screen will appear on your old iPhone – tap Continue.
Use the old iPhone to scan the animation on the new iPhone.
Enter your old iPhone’s passcode on the new iPhone.
Follow the prompts to set up Face ID/Touch ID.
Select Transfer from iPhone to move your data wirelessly.
☁️ Method 2: Restore from iCloud Backup
Best if: Your old iPhone is no longer available, but you have an iCloud backup.
Steps:
Ensure your old iPhone was recently backed up (Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup).
On your new iPhone, follow the setup instructions until the Apps & Data screen.
Tap Restore from iCloud Backup, then sign in with your Apple ID.
Choose the latest backup.
Wait for the process to complete—stay connected to Wi-Fi!
💻 Method 3: Restore from Mac or PC
Best if: You have a local backup made via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
Steps:
Connect your old iPhone to a computer and back it up using Finder/iTunes.
Disconnect old iPhone, connect your new iPhone.
Select Restore Backup, choose the correct file.
Let the restore process complete, then finish setup on your iPhone.
🆚 Comparison Table: Quick Start vs iCloud vs Computer
| Method | Speed | Needs Internet? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | Fast | Yes | Both iPhones available |
| iCloud Restore | Moderate | Yes | Old iPhone not available |
| Computer Restore | Fast | No (after backup) | Offline transfer with full control |
🛠️ Pro Tips & Common Issues
Update both iPhones to the latest iOS version before transfer.
Charge your devices to at least 50% or plug them in.
Having trouble with Quick Start? Restart both phones and try again.
iCloud too full? Use a computer backup method instead.
📌 Internal Links to Explore Next:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I set up a new iPhone without the old one?
A: Yes, using iCloud or computer backups works just fine.
Q: What if the iPhone says “Unable to Complete Transfer”?
A: Try again after restarting both devices and ensuring a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Q: Do apps get transferred too?
A: Yes, including data for most apps. You might need to log back into some apps.