For most people moving from another iPad, Apple’s Quick Start is the simplest route: place the old iPad beside the new iPad Pro M4, follow the setup prompts, then choose an iCloud download or a direct device-to-device transfer. If the old iPad is unavailable, restore an iCloud or computer backup instead. Choose your transfer method before setup, because moving content from Android or restoring a computer backup after setup may require erasing the new iPad.
Choose a transfer method before you begin
Use this comparison to choose a path that fits the devices and backup you have. Quick Start can help configure the new iPad and offer transfer choices; an iCloud or computer backup can also be restored during setup.
| Method | What you need | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start with direct transfer | Both iPads; compatible software on both; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and power | You want to transfer directly and can leave both iPads close together and unused until it finishes. |
| Quick Start with iCloud download | Both iPads for setup, Wi-Fi or cellular internet, and an available iCloud backup | You want to start using the new iPad sooner while content downloads in the background. |
| Restore from iCloud backup | An iCloud backup, Apple Account sign-in and internet access | The old iPad is unavailable or you prefer restoring a saved backup. |
| Restore from Mac or PC | A computer backup and a compatible Mac or Windows computer; a cable may be needed | You have a local backup or want a computer-based alternative. An encrypted backup can preserve Health and Activity data. |
| From Android | An Android device and Apple’s Move to iOS process during iPad setup | Your previous device is Android rather than an iPad. |
Apple’s [Quick Start guidance] says direct wireless transfer requires iOS 12.4 or iPadOS 13 or later on both devices. An earlier iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 or later can automatically set up the new iPad, but that does not mean every transfer option is available on every software version.
Get the old iPad and new iPad Pro M4 ready
- Have internet access, your Apple Account and password, and the old iPad or a backup available. A Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad may also use cellular service for internet, depending on availability.
- Connect the old iPad to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it and leave it at the Home Screen.
- Plug both iPads into power. For a direct transfer, keep them near one another until it is done.
- Make sure you can sign in to your Apple Account when prompted. Some apps may also require their own credentials after migration.
Apple says eligible purchasers may receive temporary iCloud storage for an iPad backup for up to three weeks from purchase. Eligibility and the availability of this offer may vary; it is not a general transfer-time estimate. See Apple’s [instructions for temporary iCloud storage].
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- 13" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 256 GB Flash Memory
Set up the iPad Pro M4 with Quick Start
- Turn on the new iPad Pro M4 and place it beside the unlocked old iPad.
- Follow the on-screen Quick Start prompts on the old iPad. If asked, verify your Apple Account and enter the displayed setup code.
- Connect the new iPad to Wi-Fi or cellular when prompted, then configure Face ID.
- Choose the offered transfer method: download from iCloud or transfer directly from the old iPad. Review the displayed options and select the one that matches your plan.
- Keep the iPads close and connected to power while a direct transfer runs. If you choose an iCloud download, you can use the new iPad sooner while some apps and content continue downloading.
The direct transfer keeps both devices occupied until it finishes. Apple Support notes, “Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.” Apple does not provide a universal average or typical duration, so allow the process to complete rather than relying on a fixed time estimate. Apple’s [Quick Start article] describes the steps and transfer choices.
Restore from iCloud if Quick Start is not available
- Turn on the iPad Pro M4 and proceed through setup until the transfer or restore screen appears.
- Choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup and sign in with the Apple Account associated with that backup.
- Review the available backups, including their dates and sizes, and choose the one you intend to use.
- Keep the iPad connected to Wi-Fi and power while the restore begins. Apps, photos and other content may continue to download after the initial setup.
Apple’s [transfer guidance] covers moving to a new iPad and restoring from iCloud. The exact items that return depend on what was included in the backup and how individual apps store their data.
Rank #2
- 13" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 256 GB Flash Memory
Restore a Mac or PC backup
A computer backup is a useful alternative when you already have one or prefer a local restore. Apple’s iPad guide says Finder is used on macOS 10.15 or later; earlier macOS versions use iTunes, and Windows uses iTunes. Apple’s computer guidance also refers to Apple Devices on Windows where available.
- Connect the iPad Pro M4 to the computer with a compatible USB-C data cable. Check whether you already own a suitable cable before buying one.
- Open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later, or use the applicable Apple Devices or iTunes app on your computer.
- Select the iPad when it appears, then choose the option to restore a backup.
- Compare the listed backup dates and sizes, then select the appropriate backup. If it is encrypted, enter its password when prompted.
- Keep the iPad connected until the restore completes, then follow any remaining on-screen setup steps.
An encrypted local backup can preserve Health and Activity data. Apple warns that an unencrypted backup will not transfer Health and Activity data from an iOS device or Apple Watch. See Apple’s [iPad backup and restore guide] and [computer backup restore instructions].
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro is the ultimate iPad experience in an impossibly thin and light design. Featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, outrageous performance from the M4 chip, superfast wireless connectivity,* and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Plus powerful productivity features in iPadOS.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- 13-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — Ultra Retina XDR delivers extreme brightness and contrast and exceptional color accuracy and features advanced technologies like ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Plus a nano-texture display glass option is available in 1TB and 2TB configurations.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — Up to 10-core CPU in the M4 chip delivers powerful performance, while the 10‑core GPU provides blazing-fast graphics. And with all-day battery life, you can do anything you imagine on iPad Pro.* Up to 2TB of storage means you can store everything from apps to large files like 4K video.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* Stage Manager makes multitasking easy with resizable, overlapping apps and external display support. iPad Pro comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
If you already finished iPad setup
Apple’s computer restore and iPad restore guidance directs you to erase a new iPad that has already been set up before restoring a computer backup. Erasing removes the data currently on the iPad. Do not proceed until anything newly created or stored on it is backed up or otherwise safe. Then use Settings to erase the device, return to the setup assistant and select “Restore from Mac or PC.” Follow Apple’s [restore instructions] for the current steps.
Move from Android during setup
- Start setting up the iPad Pro M4 and proceed to the transfer screen.
- Choose “From Android,” then follow the on-screen instructions to use Move to iOS on the Android device.
- Keep the devices available and follow the prompts until the transfer completes.
Apple’s [Move to iOS instructions] explain this setup path. If iPad setup is already complete, Apple says you must erase the iPad and start again to use Move to iOS, or move content manually instead.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
What to check after the transfer
Migration does not guarantee that every app’s server-side information, password or setting will arrive exactly as it was. Check essential apps individually: sign in again where needed, confirm that account-based content has synced, and re-download offline content that is missing. Also check photos, messages, mail, contacts and any work or school apps you rely on before wiping or trading in the old iPad.
If the Quick Start prompt disappears, restart both iPads and try again, as Apple recommends in its [Quick Start troubleshooting guidance]. If the new iPad is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business, Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device; follow your organization’s setup instructions instead. Apple’s [deployment guidance] explains managed-device setup.
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Best Value
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
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