The fastest way: use iCloud to restore everything at once
When you set up a new iPhone, Apple gives you the option to restore from an iCloud backup of your old phone. This copies your apps, their settings, your photos, messages, contacts, and almost everything else in one step. If you backed up your old iPhone before you stopped using it, this is the simplest route.
During iPhone setup, you'll see a screen that says "Apps & Data." Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup," then sign in with your Apple ID. Select the backup from your old iPhone — it will show the date and size. The restore process takes time depending on how much data you have and your internet speed, but your apps will download automatically in the background after setup finishes.
This method works only if you created a backup before your old phone was erased or stopped working. If your old iPhone is still on and you haven't backed it up yet, plug it into power and go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then tap "Back Up Now."
Key Takeaways
- Restoring from an iCloud backup during setup transfers your apps and their data automatically, and is the fastest method if a backup exists.
- If you don't have a backup, you can sign into the App Store on your new iPhone and re-download apps from your purchase history.
- Apps you deleted from your old iPhone won't restore — only apps that were on the phone when you backed it up will come back.
- Some apps require you to sign in again after they restore, even though your login data may have transferred.
- If you're switching from Android, you'll need to download apps fresh from the App Store because Android and iOS apps are separate.
Re-downloading apps from your purchase history if you have no backup
If you don't have an iCloud backup, or if you want to restore only certain apps rather than everything, you can download them again from the App Store using your Apple ID. Every app you've ever bought or downloaded for free is tied to your Apple ID and stays in your purchase history.
On your new iPhone, open the App Store and tap the account icon in the bottom right corner. Tap your name, then "Purchased." You'll see a list of every app linked to your Apple ID. Tap "Not on This iPhone" to see only the apps you don't currently have. Tap the cloud icon next to any app to download it again.
This method is slower than restoring a backup because you download each app individually, but it gives you control over which apps you want. You can skip apps you no longer use and avoid cluttering your new phone with things you don't need anymore.
What happens to app data and settings when you transfer
When you restore from an iCloud backup, most apps come back with their settings and data intact. Games restore your progress, email apps remember your accounts, and social media apps keep you logged in. However, some apps store their data on their own servers rather than in iCloud, so they may require you to sign in again even though the app itself transferred.
Apps that use two-factor authentication — like banking apps or password managers — almost always ask you to verify your identity on the new phone, even if your data transferred. This is a security measure. Have your phone number or authentication app ready when you open these apps for the first time.
If you download apps fresh from the App Store without restoring a backup, you'll need to sign into each one and set it up from scratch. Your data won't transfer unless the app syncs to a cloud account you can log into.
Transferring apps when you're switching from Android
Android and iOS apps are completely separate, so there's no direct transfer. Apps you used on an Android phone don't exist in the same form on iPhone. However, most popular apps — Gmail, Instagram, Spotify, Netflix, Microsoft Office — have versions on both platforms.
On your new iPhone, search the App Store for the Android apps you used. Download the iOS versions and sign in with the same account you used on Android. Your data will sync because it's stored on the app's servers, not on your phone.
Some Android apps don't have an iOS equivalent, or the iOS version works differently. Before you switch, check whether the apps you rely on are available on iPhone. Apple's website has a tool called "Move to iOS" that helps you find iOS alternatives for Android apps, though it doesn't transfer the apps themselves.
Manually moving apps you want to keep organized
After your apps restore or download, you may want to organize them into folders or move them around your home screen. On your new iPhone, press and hold any app icon until a menu appears. Tap "Edit Home Screen," then drag apps to rearrange them or create folders by dragging one app onto another.
If you had a specific home screen layout on your old iPhone and want to recreate it, you can do this manually, but it takes time. There's no automatic way to transfer your exact home screen arrangement — only your apps and their data transfer. If your old iPhone still works, you can keep it nearby and reference your old layout while you organize the new one.
Troubleshooting apps that won't restore or download
Sometimes an app won't restore or download, usually because it's no longer available in the App Store or your Apple ID doesn't have permission to use it. If an app shows a cloud icon with a prohibition symbol, the app has been removed from the store and can't be downloaded again.
If an app you own won't download, try signing out of your Apple ID in Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then sign back in. If that doesn't work, restart your iPhone by turning it off and back on. Check your internet connection — apps won't download on a weak or unstable network.
If you're trying to restore from a backup and apps aren't downloading, wait a few hours. The App Store queues app downloads during restore, and they may still be processing in the background. You can check progress by opening the App Store and tapping your account icon, then "Purchased" to see which apps are still downloading.
Backing up your new iPhone so you don't lose apps again
Once your apps are on your new iPhone, set up automatic backups so you don't have to repeat this process if you get another new phone. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn it on. Your iPhone will back up automatically when it's plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.
You can also back up manually at any time by going to the same screen and tapping "Back Up Now." This is useful before you travel or before you know you're getting a new phone. iCloud gives you 5 GB of free backup storage — if you have a lot of photos or videos, you may need to buy more storage or delete old backups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my apps if I don't back up before switching to a new iPhone?
No. Your apps are tied to your Apple ID, not your old phone. You can download them again from the App Store on your new iPhone using the same Apple ID. However, you will lose any data stored only on your old phone — game progress, notes, photos — unless you backed up first.
Will my app subscriptions transfer to my new iPhone?
Yes, if you use the same Apple ID. Subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID, not your phone. When you sign in on your new iPhone, your subscriptions come with you. You won't be charged twice, and you don't need to resubscribe.
Can I transfer apps from someone else's iPhone to mine?
No. Apps are tied to the Apple ID that purchased or downloaded them. You can't transfer an app from another person's phone to yours. You can only download apps that your own Apple ID has access to, or download free apps fresh from the App Store.
What if I forgot my Apple ID password?
Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email address. Apple will send you a link to reset your password. You'll need access to your email or a recovery phone number to verify your identity. Once you reset your password, you can sign in on your new iPhone and download your apps.
How long does it take to restore apps from a backup?
Initial setup takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you're restoring. Apps download in the background after setup finishes, which can take several hours if you have hundreds of apps. Larger apps take longer to download. You can use your phone while apps are still downloading.