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To move your data to a new iPhone Air, use Quick Start if you still have your old iPhone. You can transfer directly between the phones or choose an iCloud download. If the old phone is unavailable, restore the new iPhone from an iCloud or computer backup during setup.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Your situation | Method | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| You have the old iPhone and can leave both phones unused until the move finishes. | Quick Start with direct transfer | Keep both phones nearby and connected to power. You cannot use either normally until the transfer is complete. |
| You have the old iPhone and want to start using the new one sooner. | Quick Start with Download from iCloud | Apps and data download in the background, so you can use the new phone while that continues. |
| The old iPhone is unavailable, but an iCloud backup exists. | Restore from iCloud during setup | Sign in with your Apple Account and select the right backup by date and size. |
| You have a backup on a Mac or PC. | Restore from Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes | An encrypted backup requires its password. An unencrypted backup does not transfer Health and Activity data. |
For a direct transfer, Apple says, “Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.” Apple’s Quick Start instructions do not give a fixed completion time.
Prepare before you start
- On the old iPhone, check that a recent backup exists. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and check the date and time shown for the last successful backup. Apple also displays this information near Back Up Now.
- Have your Apple Account password ready. If you use other Apple Accounts for earlier App Store or iTunes purchases, you may need to sign in to those too.
- If iCloud reports that there is not enough storage, resolve that warning before relying on the backup. Do not assume a backup completed until its date and time confirm it.
- For automatic iCloud backups, connect the old phone to power and Wi-Fi and leave its screen locked. To back up immediately, connect to Wi-Fi and use Back Up Now.
- Allow enough time for the old phone to remain unused if you choose direct transfer. Keep both phones close together and connected to power.
- Plan for cellular activation. Follow the setup prompts for SIM or eSIM, and contact your carrier if the new phone needs a different SIM or you cannot activate service.
Apple’s instructions describe a wired transfer option, but the cited Quick Start guidance does not specify the cable requirements for iPhone Air. Follow the current on-screen directions rather than assuming a particular cable or adapter is compatible.
Transfer directly from your old iPhone with Quick Start
- Prepare the old phone. Connect it to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it, and go to the Home Screen. Update both iPhones where possible.
- Start the iPhone Air. Turn it on and place it beside the old iPhone. Follow the Quick Start prompts. If the setup prompt disappears, restart both phones and try again.
- Follow setup and activate service. Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or its mobile network when prompted. Complete cellular activation and set up Face ID or Touch ID as directed.
- Choose the transfer option. Select direct transfer to copy data from the old iPhone, or choose Download from iCloud to let apps and data download in the background.
- Wait for the transfer to finish. For direct transfer, keep the phones near each other and connected to power. Both remain unavailable for normal use until migration completes. With iCloud download, you can use the new phone while the remaining content arrives.
Restore from iCloud when the old iPhone is unavailable
- Turn on the iPhone Air and follow setup until you reach the Wi-Fi and Apps & Data screens.
- Join a Wi-Fi network and choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with the Apple Account used for the backup. If prompted, sign in to other Apple Accounts associated with previous iTunes or App Store purchases.
- Compare the available backups by date and size, then select the one you want.
- Keep the iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power while the restore proceeds and content downloads.
If you already completed setup on the iPhone Air, Apple’s restore flow requires erasing it first. Erasing removes the phone’s current data, so preserve anything you have created on it before proceeding. The path is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings; then restart setup and choose the iCloud restore option.
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#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone Air, 256GB, Sky Blue, Unlocked, US Version
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Apple’s instructions for using a nearby old device to select an iCloud download identify iOS 17.2 or later as the minimum for that described flow. If the old iPhone runs older software, follow the current on-screen prompts and update it if needed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Restore a computer backup
- Make sure the iPhone Air is new or has been erased, then connect it by USB to the Mac or PC that contains the backup.
- Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or open Apple Devices or iTunes as applicable on a PC.
- Select the iPhone and choose Restore Backup. Pick the backup by date and size.
- If the backup is encrypted, enter its password. Wait for the restore to complete and finish any remaining setup prompts.
An unencrypted computer backup will not transfer Health and Activity data from the iPhone or Apple Watch. If those records matter, verify the backup is encrypted and that you know its password before restoring.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone Air, 256GB, Space Black, Unlocked, US Version
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility before use
- Simple Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Rank #3
Apple iPhone Air, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Sky Blue- Unlocked (Renewed)
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Rank #2
Sale
Apple iPhone Air, US Version, 256GB, eSIM, Space Black- Unlocked (Renewed)
- Universal Carrier Compatibility: This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
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.
