How to Move Your Data and Settings From One iPad to Another

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 whether you want to restore from a backup. If you choose "Restore from iCloud Backup," the new iPad will download your apps, photos, messages, contacts, calendar events, and settings from your existing backup — the same way your old iPad stores them automatically in iCloud. This takes 30 minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed, but you don't have to do anything except wait and keep the iPad plugged in.

This method works best if your old iPad is still working and you're setting up a brand-new device. You'll need to know your Apple ID password, and both iPads need to be on the same Wi-Fi network or at least have internet access during the transfer.

Key Takeaways

Restoring from an iCloud backup during setup is the simplest method and transfers apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings automatically.
If you're switching iPads but keeping your old one, you can use Handoff or AirDrop to move specific files and photos without erasing anything.
A direct iPad-to-iPad transfer using the Migration Assistant feature (on newer models) copies everything without needing iCloud, though it takes longer.
Your Apple ID and password are required for any method, and both devices need to be plugged in and on Wi-Fi for large transfers.

What gets transferred and what doesn't

An iCloud backup includes your apps, app data, photos and videos in the Photos app, messages, contacts, calendar events, reminders, notes, health data, home automation settings, and your home screen layout. It does not include music or podcasts you've purchased (those re-download automatically using your Apple ID), files stored only on your device that aren't in iCloud Drive, or passwords for Wi-Fi networks you've joined — you'll need to re-enter those.

If you use iCloud Drive, your documents and files sync automatically to the new iPad once you sign in with your Apple ID. Photos stored in iCloud Photos (not just the Photos app) also appear on the new device, though this can take hours if you have thousands of images.

Setting up a new iPad with your backup

Turn on the new iPad and follow the on-screen prompts until you reach "Apps & Data." Tap "Restore from iCloud Backup." Sign in with your Apple ID and password, then select which backup you want to restore — the list shows the date and device name of each backup, so choose the most recent one from your old iPad.

The iPad will begin downloading your backup. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Keep the device plugged into power and connected to Wi-Fi. You can use the iPad while it's restoring, but the process will be slower. Once the restore finishes, your home screen, apps, and settings will match your old iPad.

Transferring data directly between two iPads without iCloud

If you want to move data without using iCloud — for example, if you're keeping your old iPad and don't want to erase it — you can use a direct transfer on iPad models from 2017 and newer. Turn on the new iPad and hold it near your old iPad during setup. Your old iPad will recognize the new one and offer to transfer your data directly over Wi-Fi. Tap "Continue" and follow the prompts.

This method transfers everything the same way iCloud does, but it happens over a local connection instead of through Apple's servers. It's slower than iCloud (often taking an hour or more for large amounts of data) and requires both iPads to stay close together and plugged in, but it doesn't require an iCloud backup to exist first.

Moving specific files and photos without transferring everything

If you only want to move certain photos or documents, use AirDrop. On your old iPad, open the Photos app or Files app, select the items you want to move, tap "Share," and choose the new iPad from the AirDrop list. The files will transfer over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi without needing iCloud or a full backup.

For documents in apps like Pages or Numbers, open the app on your old iPad, tap and hold the file, select "Share," and choose AirDrop. Both iPads need to have AirDrop turned on (check Control Center on each device) and be within about 30 feet of each other. This method is useful if you're keeping your old iPad and only want to copy specific things to the new one.

Troubleshooting when a transfer gets stuck or fails

If the restore stops partway through, check that both iPads are still connected to Wi-Fi and that your old iPad hasn't gone to sleep. Plug both devices into power and try again. If the backup itself is corrupted or too old, you may see an error message — in that case, set up the new iPad as a new device and then manually sign into your apps and accounts.

If you see a message that your iCloud backup is too large for the new iPad, it usually means your old iPad's storage was nearly full when the backup was made. Delete photos, videos, or apps from your old iPad to free up space, then create a new backup and try restoring again. You can check your backup size in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage on your old iPad.

When to erase your old iPad after transferring

Once the transfer is complete and you've confirmed that everything you need is on the new iPad, you can erase the old one. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes all your personal data and returns the iPad to factory condition. If you plan to sell or give away the old iPad, this step is important for privacy.

Before you erase, make sure you've signed out of your Apple ID on the old device — go to Settings > [Your Name] and tap "Sign Out." This removes the device from your account so someone else can set it up with their own Apple ID later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Wi-Fi to transfer data between iPads?

Yes. Both methods — iCloud backup and direct transfer — require a Wi-Fi connection. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can use a computer with iTunes or Finder to create a backup on your old iPad, then restore it on the new one, but this requires a USB cable and a Mac or Windows PC.

Can I transfer data if my old iPad won't turn on?

If your old iPad won't power on, you cannot transfer data directly. Your only option is to restore from an existing iCloud backup on the new iPad, assuming you had iCloud backups turned on before the device stopped working. Check iCloud.com to see if a recent backup exists.

How long does it take to transfer everything?

Restoring from an iCloud backup typically takes 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. A direct iPad-to-iPad transfer is usually slower, often taking one to three hours. Both methods are faster if you keep the device plugged in and don't use it while transferring.

Will my passwords transfer to the new iPad?

Passwords saved in iCloud Keychain (your Safari passwords and app login credentials) will transfer automatically. Wi-Fi network passwords do not transfer — you'll need to re-enter those. If you use a password manager app like 1Password, you'll need to sign into that app on the new iPad to access your passwords there.

What if I want to keep my old iPad and not erase it?

You can use the direct iPad-to-iPad transfer method or AirDrop to move data without erasing your old device. Both methods copy data to the new iPad while leaving the old one unchanged. Just remember that if you make changes on one iPad after the transfer, those changes won't automatically sync to the other unless you're using iCloud Drive or iCloud Photos.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.