The fastest way to transfer everything is to use iCloud during setup

When you turn on a new iPad for the first time, you'll see a screen asking if you want to restore from a backup. If you sign in with the same Apple ID you used on your old iPad, and you have iCloud backup turned on, the new iPad will download your apps, photos, documents, settings, and most of your data automatically. This takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending on how much you have and your internet speed.

This method works best if your old iPad still has power and you're setting up the new one right away. You don't need to keep both iPads next to each other — the transfer happens over the internet to Apple's servers and back down to your new device.

If you've never turned on your new iPad yet, this is the simplest path. If you already set it up without restoring from backup, you can still use iCloud, but you'll have to erase the new iPad and start over, which takes extra time.

Key Takeaways

  • iCloud backup during initial setup is the fastest method and requires only your Apple ID and internet connection.
  • If you've already set up your new iPad, you can still restore from iCloud by erasing it first and going through setup again.
  • Direct transfer between two iPads using Quick Start works if both devices are nearby and you want to avoid erasing your old device.
  • Some apps and data won't transfer automatically — you'll need to sign back into banking apps, email accounts, and subscription services on the new iPad.
  • If iCloud backup is not turned on, you can transfer files and photos using AirDrop, but apps and settings won't move this way.

Using Quick Start to transfer between two iPads at the same time

Quick Start lets you move data from your old iPad to your new one while both are powered on and in the same room. During the new iPad's setup, hold it near your old iPad. Your old iPad will show a setup screen — tap "Continue" and point your new iPad's camera at the animation on the old one. Once they connect, you'll enter your Apple ID password on the new iPad, and the transfer begins.

Quick Start copies your apps, photos, settings, and most data the same way iCloud does, but it happens directly between the devices instead of going through Apple's servers. The transfer can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have.

The main advantage of Quick Start is that your old iPad stays exactly as it was — you don't have to erase anything. The main disadvantage is that both devices need to be in the same location and stay connected during the transfer, which can be inconvenient if you're trading in your old iPad or sending it somewhere else.

What happens to apps, accounts, and subscriptions after transfer

When you restore from iCloud or use Quick Start, your apps download to the new iPad automatically, but they won't be signed in. Apps like email, banking, social media, and streaming services will ask you to log in the first time you open them. This is intentional — Apple doesn't transfer passwords for security reasons.

Subscription apps (like Netflix, Spotify, or Adobe Creative Cloud) will recognize your account once you sign in, and you won't be charged twice. However, some apps tied to specific devices or licenses may need you to deauthorize the old iPad first. Check the app's settings or support page if you run into trouble.

Two-factor authentication can slow this down. If an app requires a code sent to your phone or email, have your phone nearby so you can receive those codes quickly.

Transferring files and photos if you don't want to restore everything

If you want to move only specific files, photos, or documents without transferring your entire setup, use AirDrop. On your old iPad, open the file or photo app, select what you want to send, tap "Share," and choose AirDrop. On your new iPad, make sure AirDrop is on (swipe down from the top right to open Control Center, long-press the connectivity options, and tap AirDrop). The files will appear as a notification on the new iPad — tap "Accept" to receive them.

AirDrop works for photos, videos, documents, and some other file types, but it won't transfer apps, settings, or your home screen layout. It's useful if you're keeping your old iPad and just want to copy a few things over, or if you're transferring to a device that isn't yours.

For larger amounts of data, you can also use iCloud Drive or another cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Upload files from your old iPad, then download them on the new one.

What to do if iCloud backup is turned off on your old iPad

If you never turned on iCloud backup, you can't restore from a backup. Your best option is to use AirDrop or a cloud service to move files manually, then download your apps from the App Store on the new iPad. You'll need to sign into each app individually.

To prevent this in the future, turn on iCloud backup on your current iPad. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap "iCloud," then "iCloud Backup," and toggle it on. Your iPad will back up automatically when it's plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.

If you're setting up a new iPad now and your old one is no longer available, you can still restore from iCloud if you remember your Apple ID and password. During setup, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in. The new iPad will download your most recent backup.

Erasing your old iPad after transfer is complete

Once your new iPad is set up and working, you may want to erase your old one before selling it, recycling it, or giving it away. Go to Settings, tap "General," scroll down to "Transfer or Reset," and tap "Erase All Content and Settings." You'll need your Apple ID password to confirm. This removes everything and resets the iPad to factory condition.

Before you erase, make sure your new iPad has everything you need. Check that photos, documents, and important data are on the new device. If you used iCloud backup or Quick Start, they should be there, but it's worth confirming.

If you're trading in your old iPad to Apple or a retailer, ask whether they want you to erase it first. Some programs handle that step for you.

Troubleshooting common transfer problems

If the transfer stops or fails, check your internet connection. Both devices need a strong Wi-Fi signal. If you're using Quick Start, make sure both iPads stay close together and don't go to sleep. If the transfer times out, restart both devices and try again.

If some apps didn't transfer, they may have been deleted from the App Store or may not be compatible with your new iPad's version of iPadOS. You can download compatible apps manually from the App Store. Paid apps you've already bought won't charge you again.

If you see a message that iCloud backup is full, your Apple ID's iCloud storage is maxed out. You can buy more storage through Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage, or you can delete old backups from other devices to make room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both iPads turned on at the same time to transfer data?

Only if you're using Quick Start. With iCloud backup, you can set up your new iPad anytime after your old one has backed up to iCloud. The old iPad doesn't need to be on or nearby.

Will my passwords transfer to the new iPad?

Passwords saved in iCloud Keychain will transfer automatically if you restore from backup. However, app passwords (like for email or banking) won't transfer for security reasons — you'll need to sign in to each app separately on the new iPad.

What if I don't have an Apple ID?

You need an Apple ID to restore from iCloud backup or use Quick Start. If you don't have one, you can create one for free at iCloud.com or during iPad setup. You'll need an email address and a password.

Can I transfer data from an iPad to a different type of device, like an iPhone?

Some data will sync if you use the same Apple ID — photos, notes, reminders, and calendar events sync through iCloud. However, iPad-specific apps and settings won't transfer to iPhone. You'll need to download iPhone versions of apps separately from the App Store.

How long does a full transfer usually take?

It depends on how much data you have and your internet speed. A transfer with a few gigabytes of data and a good Wi-Fi connection typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. Larger backups can take several hours.