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To move data to a new iPhone 18 Pro, choose Quick Start if your old iPhone is nearby, restore an iCloud or computer backup if you already have one, or use Apple’s Android migration option if you’re switching platforms. Start the transfer during initial setup when possible, keep devices powered, and don’t erase or trade in the old phone until you’ve checked the new one.
Choose the transfer method that matches your starting point
| Method | Best fit | What you need | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Start, direct transfer | Your working old iPhone is nearby | Both iPhones, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth setup, and power | Both phones are occupied until migration finishes. Apple says duration depends on network conditions and the amount of data transferred. Apple Support |
| Wired iPhone migration | You prefer a cable and have compatible iPhones | A USB-C charge cable; Apple documents this route for iPhone 15 or later to iPhone 15 or later | Both phones remain unavailable during transfer, and timing varies. Apple Support |
| iCloud restore | Your old phone is unavailable or you prefer a backup | A suitable iCloud backup, Apple Account, Wi-Fi, and power | Cloud content can continue downloading after setup; the described restore requires erasing an iPhone that has already been set up. Apple Support |
| Computer restore | You already have a backup on a Mac or PC | The computer used for the backup; the password if it is encrypted | An unencrypted backup does not include Health and Activity data. Apple Support |
| Android migration | You’re moving from an Android phone | Initial iPhone setup, Move to iOS or a supported direct option, and enough iPhone storage | Compatibility and transferable content vary; if setup is already complete, you may need to start over to use the setup-time route. Apple Support |
1. Transfer directly from an old iPhone with Quick Start
Quick Start is the simplest route when your previous iPhone is working and close by. Before starting, connect the old phone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, unlock it, and update it if practical. Place it next to the new iPhone 18 Pro and follow the pairing prompts. Enter the old phone’s passcode when asked.
Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power. You can choose direct iPhone-to-iPhone migration or download from iCloud during setup. Direct migration keeps both devices occupied until the transfer finishes. An iCloud download can let you begin using the new phone sooner while apps and data continue arriving in the background. Apple says transfer times vary with network conditions and the amount of data being moved. Apple’s Quick Start instructions explain the setup flow.
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Use a cable if you prefer a wired connection
Wired migration is an alternative way to connect the two iPhones directly, not a separate backup source. Apple supports connecting an iPhone 15 or later to another iPhone 15 or later with a USB-C charge cable. Both phones remain unavailable until migration completes. See Apple’s wired-transfer instructions.
#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%.
A cable is optional: Quick Start can also be used without one, and iCloud, computer restore, and Android migration are separate options. Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro specifications list USB-C.
A device enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business cannot use Quick Start to transfer from its current device, according to Apple’s Quick Start guidance.
2. Restore the new iPhone from iCloud
Choose iCloud when you have a recent backup but cannot use the old iPhone for direct migration, or when restoring a saved backup is your preference. Check the backup’s date before relying on it: on the old iPhone, go to Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup. Apple says a manual backup runs over Wi-Fi. Automatic backups require iCloud Backup to be enabled, plus power, Wi-Fi, and a locked screen. Apple’s iCloud backup guide describes the requirements.
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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.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Begin iPhone 18 Pro setup and follow the prompts until the transfer or restore screen appears.
- Choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup and sign in with the Apple Account used for that backup.
- If several backups are listed, check the date and size and select the one you want.
- Keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi and power while the restore and any remaining downloads proceed.
Apple’s restore procedure requires erasing a new iPhone that has already been set up. Erasing removes its current data, so confirm you have saved anything you need from that phone before resetting it. Apple’s iCloud transfer guide covers the restore flow.
3. Restore a backup from a Mac or PC
Use this route if you have a usable backup on the computer that created it. Start the iPhone 18 Pro at the Hello screen and select the option to restore from a Mac or PC. Connect it to the computer, open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, select the iPhone, and choose the backup by date and size. Enter the password if the backup is encrypted. Apple provides the steps for each computer app in its computer-transfer guide.
An unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data from the iPhone or Apple Watch. If that information matters, use an encrypted backup or choose another appropriate transfer route. If the new iPhone has already passed setup, Apple’s described restore flow requires erasing it first.
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- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
4. Move from Android
Start Android migration from the iPhone’s initial setup. Choose Set Up Without Another Device, then select the Android option on the Transfer Apps & Data screen. Apple documents migration using its Move to iOS app and, for supported devices and software, app-free options or a compatible direct USB-C connection. Keep both phones powered and follow the prompts, including enabling Wi-Fi when asked. The selected content—including anything on external Micro SD storage—must fit on the iPhone. See Apple’s Android-to-iPhone instructions and its wired-transfer guidance.
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Prepare before you start
- Keep the old phone intact. Wait to erase, reset, or trade it in until you’ve checked important photos, messages, contacts, and other data on the new iPhone.
- Have credentials ready. Keep your Apple Account password and old-device passcode available; setup may ask for them. Apple’s setup guide describes the prompts.
- Check space and power. Compare what you plan to transfer with the new iPhone’s available storage. Keep both phones powered for direct migration. The iPhone 18 Pro specification lists a standard configuration footprint of approximately 12GB to 24GB, including iOS 27 with its latest features and Apple apps that can be deleted; this is not a transfer-size estimate or the amount of storage available for your data. Apple’s 2026 specifications.
- Plan cellular activation separately. Apple’s 2026 iPhone 18 Pro specification says the model activates with eSIM and does not support a physical SIM. Setup may prompt eSIM activation; carrier support and availability vary by region, so follow your carrier’s supported activation or transfer process. Apple’s specifications and setup guide.
- Allow syncing to finish. Reaching the Home Screen does not mean every cloud item has downloaded. Leave the iPhone on Wi-Fi and power while remaining content arrives. Apple’s iCloud transfer guidance.
If setup is already complete
Some restore and migration flows are available only during initial setup. Apple’s documented iCloud and computer restore procedures require erasing an already-configured target iPhone, and Android migration may also require starting setup again. Before erasing, save anything new on the iPhone 18 Pro that you need to keep. If you don’t want to erase it, transfer compatible content manually instead.
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