Transfer Data from an Old iOS Device to a New iPhone or iPad

With the launch of the new iPad Pro 9.7” and iPhone SE, a lot of users will be transferring data from an old Apple or Android device to a new iOS device. While Apple aims to make this an easy process, it can be daunting for many. In this post, I’ll provide you with instructions on how to transfer your data from one iOS device to another. If you’re transferring from an Android device, check back next week for those instructions.

 

Before you get started, decide whether you’d like to use iTunes or iCloud to back up your old device and transfer the data to your new device. Using the iTunes method will create a backup of your device on your computer while the iCloud method stores your backup in the cloud. If you have one, you should also unpair your Apple Watch from your old device before you begin this process. Unpairing your watch will automatically create a backup so the data can be transferred to your new iOS device when you pair it.

 

Back Up Your Old iOS Device Using iTunes

1. To make a backup of your old device using iTunes, connect the device to a computer with the latest version of iTunes.


2. Once you’ve connected the device, select it in iTunes under the device icon in the top left.


3. Save any content you’ve downloaded from the iTunes or App stores by clicking File>Devices>Transfer Purchases. Wait for the transfer to finish.


4. If you’d like to back up any Health and Activity data stored on your old device, click the Encrypt [device] backup checkbox and enter a secure but memorable password. Click the Back Up Now button.


5. If you don’t need to back up any Health and Activity data, you don’t need to select Encrypt [device] backup and can simply click the Back Up Now button.


6. Double check that your backup was successful by clicking Preferences>Devices in iTunes where you should see name of your device and the date and time of the backup. If you encrypted your backup, you’ll also see a lock symbol beside the name of the device.


7. Eject the device and disconnect it from your computer.

 

Transfer Your Data to Your New iOS Device Using iTunes

1. Now that you have a backup of your old device, pop your SIM card out of the device and transfer it to the new one.


2. Turn on your new device and swipe left to right at the “Hello” screen. Then follow the setup prompts until you reach the Wi-Fi screen.


3. When you reach the Wi-Fi screen, connect your new device to the computer with your iTunes backup and tap Connect to iTunes.


4. Follow the setup prompts until you reach the Apps & Data screen and tap Restore from iTunes Backup followed by next at the top of the screen.


5. Enter your Apple ID and password.


6. Choose a backup, ensuring that you’re selecting the most recent one. If you’re using an encrypted backup, you’ll be prompted to enter the password you created during the backup process.


7. Wait for the process to complete. When it does, your device will restart. Now it’s ready to use!

 

If there’s any data that wasn’t in the backup, such as music or videos, your device will continue to sync it through iTunes. If possible, keep the device connected to Wi-Fi and a power outlet during this process.

 

Back Up Your Old Device Using iCloud

1. To back up your old device using iCloud, connect it to a Wi-Fi network.


2. Tap Settings>iCloud>Storage & Backup and make sure that iCloud Backup is turned on.


3. Tap Back Up Now and stay connected to the Wi-Fi network until the process is complete.


4. Double check that the back up was successful by tapping Settings>iCloud>Storage>Manage Storage where you should see the date and time of the latest backup.

 

Transfer Your Data to Your New iOS Device Using iCloud

1. Now that you’ve backed up your old device, pop out the SIM card and transfer it to your new device.


2. Turn on your new device and swipe left to right at the Hello screen. Then follow the setup prompts until you reach the Wi-Fi screen.


3. Join a Wi-Fi network by tapping its name.


4. Follow the setup prompts until you reach the Apps & Data screen and tap Restore from iCloud Backup followed by next at the top of the screen.


5. Enter your Apple ID and password.


6. Choose a backup, ensuring that you’re selecting the most recent one. The restore process will begin.


7. Stay connected to Wi-Fi until the transfer is complete. When it is, your device will restart. If you disconnect your device from the Wi-Fi network during the restore process, the process will pause until you’re connected again.

 

If there’s any data that wasn’t in the backup, such as music or videos, your device will continue to sync it. If possible, keep the device connected to Wi-Fi and a power outlet during this process. If you typically use iTunes to sync content, you can connect your device to your computer and sync any additional data.

 

Once you’ve transferred your old iOS device’s data to your new iPhone or iPad, you’re ready to use your new device! If you unpaired an Apple Watch at the start of the process, you can now pair it with your new iOS device and restore the watch from a backup.