The fastest way to move apps is to sign in with your Apple ID during setup
When you set up a new iPhone, you can restore your apps automatically by signing in with the same Apple ID you used on your old phone. During the initial setup process, you'll be asked to sign in. Once you do, iOS will offer to restore your apps, photos, messages, and other data from your previous device. This is the simplest path and requires no manual work on your part.
If you've already finished setting up your new phone without restoring, you can still get your apps back. Go to the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll down to "Purchased", and you'll see every app you've ever downloaded with that Apple ID. You can reinstall any of them from there.
The key requirement is that both phones must use the same Apple ID. If you're switching to a phone that will use a different Apple ID, or if you have apps that aren't tied to your account, you'll need a different approach.
Key Takeaways
- Sign in with your Apple ID during setup on the new iPhone to restore all your apps automatically in one step.
- If setup is already complete, open the App Store, go to Purchased, and reinstall apps one at a time or in bulk.
- Apps you bought or downloaded are tied to your Apple ID, so you need the same account on both phones to restore them.
- Some apps may not restore if they've been removed from the App Store or if you don't have permission to use them anymore.
Using iCloud to restore apps during setup
The most hands-off method is to use iCloud backup. Before you set up your new iPhone, make sure your old phone has a recent backup stored in iCloud. You can check this by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tapping "Back Up Now" to create a fresh one.
When you turn on your new iPhone, you'll see the "Apps & Data" screen during setup. Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in with your Apple ID. Select the backup from your old phone, and iOS will restore everything—apps, settings, photos, messages, and more. This takes time depending on your internet speed and how much data you're restoring, but it's completely automatic once you start it.
The downside is that this method restores everything, not just apps. If you only want to move apps and nothing else, the App Store method gives you more control.
Reinstalling apps manually from the App Store
If you want to pick and choose which apps to install, or if you're setting up a phone with a different Apple ID, you'll reinstall manually. Open the App Store on your new iPhone and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Tap "Purchased" to see all apps associated with that Apple ID.
You'll see two tabs: "My Purchases" shows apps you've downloaded, and "Not on This iPhone" shows apps that aren't currently installed. Tap the cloud icon next to any app to download and install it. You can also search for a specific app by name if you remember it.
This method takes longer than automatic restore, but it's useful if you want to declutter—you can skip apps you no longer use instead of reinstalling everything. It also works if you're switching to a new Apple ID, as long as you own the apps under that account.
What happens to paid apps and in-app purchases
Apps you paid for are tied to your Apple ID, not to a specific device. When you restore or reinstall a paid app on your new iPhone using the same Apple ID, you don't pay again. The App Store recognizes that you own it and installs it for free.
In-app purchases—like coins, levels, or premium features you bought inside an app—are also tied to your Apple ID. When you reinstall the app, those purchases come with it. However, the app's progress, saved games, and personal settings may not restore unless the app developer uses iCloud or another cloud service to save that data. You'll need to check the app's settings to see if it offers cloud sync.
Subscription apps (like Netflix or Spotify) don't need to be reinstalled at all—you just sign in with your account. But apps you subscribed to through Apple (like Apple Music or Apple News+) will remain active on your new phone as long as you're using the same Apple ID.
Transferring apps when you're switching Apple IDs
If your new iPhone will use a different Apple ID than your old one, you can't automatically restore apps from your previous account. Instead, you'll need to purchase or download them again under the new Apple ID.
Before you switch, make a list of the apps you use most. You can take screenshots of your home screen or write down app names. Then, on your new phone with the new Apple ID, search for each app in the App Store and download it. Free apps will install immediately. Paid apps will need to be purchased again under the new account, so budget for that if you have many paid apps.
Some apps offer a way to transfer your account or data. For example, if you use Dropbox or Google Drive, you can sign in with your existing account on the new phone and your files will appear. Check the app's settings to see if it supports account login or data transfer.
Why some apps won't restore
Occasionally you'll find an app in your Purchased list that won't install. This usually happens because the developer removed the app from the App Store. Once an app is delisted, you can't download it again, even if you paid for it. The App Store will show it as unavailable.
Another reason is permissions. If you shared an app purchase with family members through Family Sharing, only the person who bought it can download it on a new device. Other family members can use it on their own devices, but they can't install it on a phone that uses a different Apple ID.
If an app won't restore and you need it, check whether the developer released a newer version under a different name, or whether a similar app is available. You can also contact the app's developer to ask if they plan to restore it to the App Store.
Transferring app data and settings
Restoring apps is one thing; moving your progress, preferences, and saved data is another. If you used iCloud backup during setup, most of this transfers automatically. But if you're installing apps manually, you may need to set them up again.
Many apps now use iCloud to sync data across devices. Open the app on your new phone, sign in with your account, and check the settings for an option like "Sync with iCloud" or "Cloud Backup". Turn it on, and your saved games, notes, photos, or other data will appear.
For apps that don't use iCloud, you may be able to export your data from the old phone and import it on the new one. Some apps let you back up to a file or email it to yourself. Check the app's settings or help section for export options before you stop using the old phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer apps from an iPhone to an Android phone?
No. Apps are built for specific operating systems, so an iPhone app won't run on Android. You'll need to find Android versions of the apps you use. Many popular apps like Gmail, Spotify, and Instagram exist on both platforms, but some iPhone-exclusive apps have no Android equivalent. Check the Google Play Store for Android versions before you switch.
What if I don't remember 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 the email address or phone number associated with your account. Once you reset it, you can sign in on your new iPhone and restore your apps.
Do I need Wi-Fi to transfer apps?
Yes. Restoring from iCloud backup requires a Wi-Fi connection, and downloading apps from the App Store works faster over Wi-Fi. Cellular data will work for small app downloads, but large apps and full backups can use a lot of data and take much longer. Connect to Wi-Fi before you start the transfer.
Will my app subscriptions transfer to the new phone?
Subscriptions tied to your Apple ID—like Apple Music or apps you subscribe to through the App Store—will transfer automatically when you sign in on the new phone. Subscriptions managed through the app itself (like a Spotify Premium subscription) require you to sign in with your account in the app. Your subscription status doesn't change; you just need to log in again.
Can I transfer apps without using my Apple ID?
No. The App Store requires an Apple ID to download or restore apps. Even free apps need an account. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com or during iPhone setup. You don't need a credit card unless you plan to buy paid apps.