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You may not need to delete anything. Apple says that if your data fits on the new iPhone, you can transfer it without removing content. First compare your current usage with the new phone’s capacity; if you are moving to a lower-capacity model, use iPhone Storage to find the biggest items and make space selectively. Keep the old phone intact until the transfer and any restore are confirmed.
Check iPhone and iCloud storage separately
- On the current iPhone, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Review the used and available space, the category breakdown, and any recommendations shown.
- Compare the amount of data you need to keep with the capacity of the new iPhone. If it fits, cleanup is optional. If the new phone has less capacity, identify the largest categories before deciding what to optimize or remove.
- If you plan to use iCloud Photos or an iCloud backup, check iCloud space separately in Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Device storage and iCloud storage are different. Apple says a new iCloud account includes 5 GB of free storage, but that does not mean a particular photo library or backup will fit.
Apple’s lower-capacity device guidance says that when all your data fits on the new device, you can transfer it without removing anything. Apple does not specify a universal amount of spare space to leave for a transfer, so avoid treating an arbitrary free-space target as a requirement.
Choose the least risky way to reclaim space
Optimize photos with iCloud Photos
If photos and videos dominate your storage, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, turn on Sync this iPhone, then choose Optimize iPhone Storage. iCloud keeps the full-resolution originals while the iPhone can retain smaller, space-saving versions as needed. This depends on having enough iCloud space and network access to sync and retrieve originals. Menu wording can vary with iOS version.
Remove downloads and unused content
Use the iPhone Storage recommendations and category list to review downloaded music, films, TV shows, books, app content, and apps you no longer use. Remove only content you recognize and are comfortable losing or downloading again. App storage behavior differs, so do not assume every app has a universal cache-clearing control; use the app’s own documented options where relevant.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- 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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Archive photos before deleting them
If you want to remove photos or videos from the phone, first import the selected items to a computer using Apple’s photo-transfer instructions. Open the copied files or otherwise verify that the archive is complete before deleting the originals. An external SSD can be used as optional storage through a compatible computer workflow, but compatibility depends on the equipment and setup; it is not required for an iPhone transfer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- 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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Rank #4
- 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.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- 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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- 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.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- 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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #2
- 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.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- 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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Pick a transfer or backup method
| Method | What you need | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | Both iPhones nearby, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, and power for both devices. | Choose direct device-to-device transfer or download from iCloud. Direct transfer keeps both phones occupied until it finishes; an iCloud download can continue in the background. Apple says transfer time varies with network conditions and data volume. Devices enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business cannot use Quick Start to transfer from the current device. |
| iCloud backup | Enough iCloud space for the backup, plus a network connection. | Make a manual backup at Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Automatic backups require power, Wi-Fi, and a locked screen. See Apple’s iCloud backup instructions. |
| Computer backup | A Mac or PC and a suitable connection to the iPhone. | Apple supports backup and restore with Apple Devices, Finder, or iTunes, depending on your computer. Follow Apple’s computer backup instructions. |
| Temporary iCloud storage for a transfer | Eligibility for Apple’s temporary storage offer and access to the new device before the backup expires. | Apple says eligible customers buying a new iPhone or iPad can use temporary iCloud storage for a transfer backup. Restore it within 21 days; if the new device has not arrived, Apple says you can request an additional 21 days. After restoring, the temporary backup remains available for 7 days before deletion. See Apple’s temporary iCloud storage instructions. |
Complete the transfer without risking your only copy
- Choose the transfer route that suits your available iCloud space, access to a computer, network reliability, and preference for direct transfer or restoring a backup.
- Follow Apple’s setup or restore steps for the selected method. For Quick Start, keep the phones near one another and connected to power; do not plan around a fixed duration.
- On the new iPhone, check that important data—especially photos, messages, and files you rely on—is present or syncing as expected.
- Keep the old iPhone and any backup untouched until you have confirmed the new phone has what you need. Apple explicitly warns not to erase the current device before restoring a temporary transfer backup.
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