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Use Apple Quick Start during the iPhone 18 Pro’s initial setup to move data directly from your iPhone 16 Pro, or choose an iCloud download to start using the new phone while content continues downloading. Back up the old phone first. “Everything” is not automatic: Face ID must be set up again, and Health data, Apple Watch pairing, and cellular activation each need attention.

Choose a transfer method

Method Best for Trade-off
Quick Start direct transfer Both iPhones are available and you want to transfer directly between them. Both phones need to stay nearby and powered until the transfer finishes. Timing depends on network conditions and the amount of data. Apple Quick Start guidance
Quick Start with Download from iCloud You want to begin using the iPhone 18 Pro while apps and data download in the background. Requires internet access and the relevant iCloud data or backup. Apple Quick Start guidance
Restore from iCloud backup The iPhone 16 Pro is unavailable, or you prefer restoring a saved backup. You need the Apple Account used for the backup and a suitable backup. Apple restore guidance
Restore from a computer backup You have a recent backup on a Mac or PC, or prefer a local backup. Encrypt the backup if you want to preserve Health and Activity data. Apple computer-backup guidance
Wired transfer You prefer a cable-based migration. Apple documents wired migration generally, but the exact cable or adapter combination for these two models is not established here. Check current iPhone 18 Pro documentation before buying a cable. Apple Quick Start guidance

Prepare both iPhones

  • Have your Apple Account password and iPhone 16 Pro passcode available.
  • Install available iOS updates on the old phone if practical; Apple recommends keeping devices updated for Quick Start. Apple Quick Start guidance
  • Make a fresh iCloud or computer backup before starting.
  • Check that the iPhone 18 Pro has enough storage for the content you intend to move. Its available capacity depends on the configuration you purchased.
  • For Quick Start, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the iPhone 16 Pro. Keep both phones close together, connected to power, and on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
  • If Health and Activity history matters, confirm Health is syncing with iCloud or make an encrypted computer backup.

To make a manual iCloud backup on the iPhone 16 Pro, connect to Wi-Fi and go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Apple iCloud backup instructions

Transfer directly with Quick Start

  1. Turn on the iPhone 18 Pro and place it near the unlocked iPhone 16 Pro. Make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old phone.
  2. Follow the setup prompts on the new iPhone. When asked, authenticate with the iPhone 16 Pro passcode and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. At the transfer choice, select the option to transfer directly from the iPhone. Keep the phones close together and connected to power until the transfer is complete.
  4. Continue through the remaining setup prompts, including any prompts to activate cellular service.

Apple’s setup guidance allows a nearby iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or later to help set up a new device; its full wireless data-transfer instructions specify iOS 12.4 or later on both devices. If the iPhone 18 Pro is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device; follow your organization’s setup process or contact its administrator. Apple Quick Start guidance Apple deployment guidance

Use iCloud instead

Choose iCloud during Quick Start

When Quick Start offers a choice, select Download from iCloud if you want to use the iPhone 18 Pro while apps and data continue downloading. Keep the new phone connected to Wi-Fi and power afterward when possible. Apple Quick Start guidance

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Restore an iCloud backup during setup

If the old phone is unavailable, choose the iCloud restore option during the iPhone 18 Pro’s initial setup and sign in with the Apple Account used for the backup. Check the backup date and size so you select the intended one. If you have already finished setting up the new phone, Apple requires you to erase it before using the setup-time restore flow. Apple restore guidance

People who have purchased a new iPhone may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage if their existing storage is insufficient. Eligibility is not guaranteed. Check Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone on the old phone for an offer and its instructions. Apple temporary iCloud storage guidance

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Restore from a Mac or PC backup

  1. Back up the iPhone 16 Pro using Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on a PC.
  2. If you need Health and Activity history, enable backup encryption before relying on that backup. Apple says this data will not transfer from an unencrypted computer backup.
  3. During iPhone 18 Pro setup, choose the option to restore from a Mac or PC, connect the new phone, and select the intended backup.

Some content stored in iCloud may still download after a computer-backup transfer. Apple computer-backup guidance Apple iCloud backup instructions

Finish items that need separate setup

Face ID

Set up Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple says Face ID and Touch ID data does not leave its device or get saved elsewhere. Apple setup basics

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Health and Activity

For iCloud, check that Health is enabled for iCloud syncing. For a computer restore, use an encrypted backup; an unencrypted computer backup omits Health and Activity data, including data from Apple Watch. Apple iCloud backup instructions Apple computer-backup guidance

Apple Watch

Back up the iPhone 16 Pro and make sure the Watch is backed up with it. Then follow the new iPhone’s prompts or use the Apple Watch app to complete pairing. Apple recommends updating both iPhones and the Watch, connecting to Wi-Fi, and charging the devices; its pairing instructions specify at least 50 percent battery for the Watch and new iPhone before starting. Apple Watch pairing instructions

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Cellular service and eSIM

Quick Start may prompt you to activate cellular service. Whether a SIM or eSIM can be moved directly depends on the iPhone model, carrier, and region. Follow the carrier prompts; if transfer is not offered or fails, contact your carrier. Apple Quick Start guidance Apple cellular setup guidance

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If Quick Start does not appear

  • Keep the iPhone 16 Pro unlocked, nearby, and with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on; connect both phones to power.
  • Restart both phones and try again. If setup has already been completed on the iPhone 18 Pro, the setup-time migration and restore choices may require erasing the new phone first.
  • Use an iCloud backup or computer backup instead if Quick Start remains unavailable.
  • If the new phone is managed by a school or business, follow the organization’s deployment instructions rather than trying Quick Start.

Allow time for the process: Apple says transfer duration varies with network conditions and how much data is being moved. Direct transfer also keeps both phones occupied during migration. Apple Quick Start guidance

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.