The fastest way is to use iCloud or a direct transfer between phones

You have three main paths to move your data, apps, photos, and settings to a new iPhone. The quickest is direct transfer, which moves everything wirelessly between your old phone and new phone while they sit next to each other — this takes 30 minutes to a few hours depending on how much you have. The second option is iCloud backup, where your old phone backs up to Apple's servers and your new phone downloads from there — this is slower but works if your old phone is broken or far away. The third is a computer backup using a Mac or Windows PC with iTunes or Finder, which is the most reliable if you have connection problems but requires a cable and a computer.

Direct transfer works only if your old phone still turns on and you have both phones in the same room. iCloud backup works from anywhere but requires enough free storage space in your iCloud account (you get 5 GB free, and can buy more). Computer backup works even if your old phone is damaged, as long as it powers on.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct transfer between two iPhones is the fastest method and requires only that both phones turn on and are near each other.
  • iCloud backup lets you transfer from anywhere but needs free storage space in your iCloud account, which you may need to purchase.
  • Computer backup using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) is most reliable for damaged phones or poor internet connections.
  • All three methods transfer apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings, but some apps may need to be reinstalled from the App Store.
  • After any transfer, sign into services like email, banking apps, and social media with your passwords, as these do not transfer automatically.

Direct transfer: the fastest option if both phones work

Start with your new iPhone powered on but not yet set up. Hold it next to your old iPhone. On your old phone, you will see a prompt asking if you want to set up the new device — tap "Continue." Your old phone will create a temporary connection and show a visual code on the new phone's screen. Point your new phone's camera at this code to confirm the connection.

Next, you will be asked to enter your old phone's passcode into the new phone. Then choose whether to restore from iCloud or set up as new — select "Restore from iPhone Backup" if you want everything moved over. The new phone will download your data, apps, photos, and settings from iCloud (or directly from your old phone if you choose that option). This process can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

Once the transfer finishes, your new phone will restart and you can start using it. Your old phone will ask if you want to keep it as a backup or erase it — you can decide this later, so just tap "Not Now" if you are unsure.

iCloud backup: transfer from anywhere without your old phone nearby

On your old iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap "iCloud." Scroll down and tap "iCloud Backup." Make sure the toggle is turned on (it will be blue), then tap "Back Up Now." Your phone will upload your data, apps, photos, messages, and settings to Apple's servers. This can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much you have and your internet speed. Keep your phone plugged in and on Wi-Fi while this happens.

When your new iPhone starts up, you will see the setup screen. Follow the prompts until you reach "Apps & Data," then tap "Restore from iCloud Backup." Sign in with your Apple ID and password, then select the backup you just created (it will show the date and time). Your new phone will download everything and restart when done.

Check how much free iCloud storage you have before you start. Go to Settings, tap your name, then "iCloud," then "Manage Storage." If you do not have enough space, you can buy more (50 GB for $0.99 per month, 200 GB for $2.99 per month, or 2 TB for $9.99 per month). The free 5 GB is usually not enough if you have many photos or videos.

Computer backup: the most reliable method for damaged phones

Connect your old iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC with a cable. On a Mac, open Finder and click your phone's name in the sidebar. On Windows, open iTunes. Click "Back Up Now" (or "Back Up" on Windows). Your computer will create an encrypted backup file on your hard drive. This takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.

When your new iPhone is set up and ready, connect it to the same computer. In Finder or iTunes, click "Restore Backup" and select the backup file you just created. Your computer will transfer everything to the new phone. This method is slower than direct transfer or iCloud but works even if your old phone has a cracked screen or will not connect to Wi-Fi.

Computer backup is also the safest option if you have a slow or unreliable internet connection, because the data moves through a cable instead of over the network. It is the only method that works if your old phone is completely broken but still powers on.

What transfers and what does not

All three methods move your photos, videos, messages, contacts, calendar events, notes, reminders, health data, and home automation settings. Your apps will transfer too, but some may need to be reinstalled from the App Store — this usually happens automatically over the next few hours, but you can speed it up by opening the App Store and tapping your profile picture, then "Purchased," then "Not on This iPhone."

Things that do not transfer automatically: passwords for email accounts, banking apps, social media, and other services. You will need to sign into these manually on your new phone. Two-factor authentication codes stored in the Authenticator app will transfer, but codes sent by text message will not (you will receive new texts on your new phone once you update your number with those services). Cellular plan information does not transfer — contact your carrier to activate your new phone on your plan.

Some older apps may not be compatible with your new iPhone's operating system and will not transfer. You can check the App Store to see if updated versions are available. Voicemail does not transfer — your carrier will set up a new voicemail box on your new phone.

Troubleshooting common transfer problems

If the transfer stalls or fails, the most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi connection. Move both phones closer to your router and try again. If you are using iCloud backup, make sure you have enough free storage space — if you do not, the backup will not complete. You can check this in Settings under your name, then "iCloud," then "Manage Storage."

If your old phone keeps disconnecting during direct transfer, restart both phones and try again. Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network and that neither is in airplane mode. If direct transfer keeps failing, switch to iCloud backup instead — it is slower but more stable over distance.

If you see an error message about your Apple ID, make sure you are signed into the same Apple ID on both phones. If you are switching to a new Apple ID, you will need to set up the new phone as new and then sign into services individually. If your old phone is too damaged to complete any transfer method, contact Apple Support — they may be able to recover data if your phone powers on at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer if my old iPhone is broken or will not turn on?

If your phone will not power on at all, you cannot transfer anything. If it powers on but has a cracked screen or other damage, computer backup is your best option — connect it to a Mac or PC with a cable and back up to your computer, then restore to the new phone. If you have an iCloud backup from before the phone broke, you can restore from that instead.

How long does the transfer take?

Direct transfer usually takes 30 minutes to a few hours. iCloud backup takes longer — often several hours if you have a lot of photos or videos. Computer backup is usually 10 to 30 minutes for the backup itself, plus another 10 to 30 minutes to restore to the new phone. Speed depends on how much data you have and your internet connection.

Do I need to keep my old phone after the transfer?

No, but you can erase it after you confirm everything transferred correctly. Wait a few days and check that your photos, messages, and apps are all on the new phone before you erase the old one. If you sell or give away your old phone, erase it completely by going to Settings, then "General," then "Reset," then "Erase All Content and Settings."

Will my text messages and iMessages transfer?

Yes, all three transfer methods move your text messages and iMessages. They will appear in the Messages app on your new phone exactly as they were on the old one. This includes group chats and attachments like photos and videos sent in messages.

What if I do not have enough iCloud storage for a backup?

You can buy more storage in Settings under your name, then "iCloud," then "Manage Storage," then "Change Storage Plan." You can also use direct transfer or computer backup instead, which do not require iCloud storage. After you transfer to your new phone, you can delete the old backup from iCloud to free up space.