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For most iPhone-to-iPhone, iPad-to-iPad, or iPhone-to-iPad moves, use Apple’s Quick Start during the new device’s initial setup. Choose direct transfer if you can leave both devices nearby and plugged in until it finishes; choose the iCloud option if you want to start using the new device while apps and data download in the background. Moving from Android? Start Apple’s Move to iOS process during initial setup.
Choose the migration method that fits your situation
| Method | Best suited to | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start direct transfer | Your old iPhone or iPad is available, and you can leave both devices unused during the transfer. | Keep both devices close together and connected to power until the transfer completes. Apple’s Quick Start instructions say transfer times vary with network conditions and the amount of data. |
| Quick Start with iCloud download | You want to begin using the new device sooner. | Apps and data continue downloading in the background; stay connected to Wi-Fi and power to support the download. Apple’s Quick Start instructions |
| Restore an iCloud backup | You have a suitable iCloud backup, or your previous device is unavailable. | Select the backup during setup. If the new device is already set up, Apple says you must erase it before restoring. Apple’s restore instructions |
| Restore a computer backup | You have a backup made with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. | Connect the device to the computer, select it, and choose the relevant backup to restore. Apple’s restore instructions and Apple’s computer backup instructions |
| Move to iOS | You are moving from Android to an iPhone or iPad. | Begin during the new device’s initial setup. Apple also documents USB-C cable transfer for supported devices. Move from Android to iPhone or iPad and Apple’s USB-C transfer guidance |
Prepare before you start
- Check your backup. On the old device, go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup. You can start a backup there and check the displayed date and time of the last backup. Apple’s iCloud backup instructions
- Have your Apple Account password ready. Apple recommends having it available when setting up the new device. A new iPhone or iPad buyer may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage; check eligibility rather than assuming it is included. Apple’s setup and restore instructions
- Prepare power, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Charge or plug in both devices. For Quick Start, keep them close together and make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on for the old device. Apple’s Quick Start instructions
- Check storage if moving from Android. The content you select to transfer must fit on the new device. Apple’s Move to iOS instructions
- Plan for cellular service. Follow the setup prompts for SIM or cellular activation. If the new device needs a different SIM, contact your carrier. Apple’s Quick Start instructions
Move from an old iPhone or iPad with Quick Start
Use direct transfer when you can wait
- Turn on the new device and place it near the old iPhone or iPad.
- Follow the Quick Start prompt on the old device and continue through the onscreen setup steps.
- When prompted, choose the option to transfer directly from the old device.
- Keep both devices close together and connected to power until the transfer finishes. You will not be able to use them normally during that time.
Apple does not give a universal time estimate: transfer times vary with network conditions and the amount of data being moved. Apple’s Quick Start instructions
Choose iCloud download if you want to use the new device sooner
During Quick Start, select the iCloud download option when offered. You can begin using the new device while apps and data continue downloading in the background. Keep it connected to Wi-Fi and power so the downloads can continue. Apple’s Quick Start instructions
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Restore an iCloud backup during setup
When the new device offers transfer or restore choices, select the option to restore from an iCloud backup and choose the backup you need. If Quick Start is unavailable or you prefer a saved backup, this lets you set up without transferring directly from the old device. Apple’s restore instructions
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Restore a backup from a computer
Connect the new device to the computer containing the backup. Open Finder on a Mac, Apple Devices on a supported Windows setup, or iTunes where applicable. Select the device and choose the saved backup you want to restore. Apple’s restore instructions and Apple’s computer backup instructions
If the new device is already set up
Restoring an iCloud or computer backup onto a device that has already completed setup requires erasing it first. Erasing removes the current contents and settings, so save anything you need from the new device before proceeding. Apple’s setup guidance explains the erase-and-restore path. Apple’s restore instructions
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Move from Android with Move to iOS
Start the Move to iOS process from the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen while setting up the new iPhone or iPad. Follow the onscreen instructions and select only content that will fit on the destination device. Apple’s Move to iOS instructions
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Apple documents a USB-C cable transfer for supported devices. Because connectors and support depend on the particular devices, check both models before buying or choosing a cable; a USB-C connection is not a guarantee that every pairing supports wired migration. Apple’s USB-C transfer guidance
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If you have already finished setting up the new device, Apple says you must erase it to use Move to iOS, or transfer content manually instead. Apple’s Move to iOS instructions
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When a transfer does not start or setup is already finished
- Quick Start does not appear: Keep the devices near each other, confirm Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on the old device, and restart the setup process if needed. Apple’s Quick Start steps are available at Apple Support.
- You would rather restore a backup: Choose the iCloud or computer backup route during setup. If setup is complete, account for the required erase before restoring. Apple’s restore instructions
- Move to iOS is no longer available: After setup, erase the new device to use the setup flow, or move content manually. Apple’s Move to iOS instructions
- A wired Android transfer is uncertain: Verify that both specific devices support the documented USB-C transfer and that their ports are compatible before proceeding. Apple’s USB-C transfer guidance
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