Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Set up your new iOS device automatically using an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

With Quick Start, you can set up a new iOS or iPadOS device quickly using information from your current device.* Then you can restore the rest of your data and content to your new device from your iCloud backup.

If you’re setting up a new device using your current device—and your current device is using iOS 12.4 or later or iPadOS 13.4—Quick Start offers the option of using device-to-device migration. This allows you to transfer all your data wirelessly from your current device to your new one.

Quick Start occupies both devices, so make sure that you choose a time when you won’t need to use your current device for several minutes.

How to use Quick Start

1. Turn on your new device and place it near your current device. The Quick Start screen appears on your current device and offers the option of using your Apple ID to set up your new device. Make sure that it’s the Apple ID that you want to use, then tap Continue. If you don’t see the option to continue on your current device, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Wait for an animation to appear on your new device. Hold your current device over the new device, then center the animation in the viewfinder. Wait for a message that says Finish on New [Device]. If you can’t use your current device’s camera, tap Authenticate Manually, then follow the steps that appear.
3. When asked, enter your current device’s passcode on your new device.
4. Follow the instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device.
5. When asked, enter your Apple ID password on your new device. If you have more than one device, you might also need to enter their passcodes.
6. Your new device offers the choice of transferring data from one device to another device or restoring apps, data, and settings from your most recent iCloud backup. You can also tap Other Options to restore from a backup on your computer. After you select a backup, you can choose whether to transfer some settings related to location, privacy, Apple Pay, and Siri.
7. If you have an Apple Watch and you’re setting up a new iPhone, you’ll also be asked if you’d like to transfer your Apple Watch data and settings.

Transfer data directly from one iPhone or iPad to another

If your current iPhone or iPad is using iOS 12.4 or later or iPadOS 13.4, you can use device-to-device migration to transfer data directly from your previous device to your new one. You can do this wirelessly, or by connecting the devices together with a cable.

To migrate your data wirelessly, keep your previous device near your new one throughout the process as you follow the steps below. Make sure to keep both devices connected to power.

How to use device-to-device migration

1. Turn on your new device and place it near your current device that’s using iOS 12.4 or later or iPadOS 13.4. The Quick Start screen appears on your current device and offers the option of using your Apple ID to set up your new device. Make sure that it’s the Apple ID that you want to use, then tap Continue. If you don’t see the option to continue on your current device, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Wait for an animation to appear on your new device. Hold your current device over the new device, then center the animation in the viewfinder. Wait for a message that says Finish on New [Device]. If you can’t use your current camera, tap Authenticate Manually, then follow the steps that appear.
3. When asked, enter your current passcode on your new device.
4. Follow the instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device.
5. Tap Transfer from [Device] to begin transferring your data from your previous iPhone or iPad to your new device. If you’re using the wired method, the transfer icon   indicates that your devices are connected. You can also choose whether to transfer some settings, such as Apple Pay and Siri, from your previous device to your new iPhone or iPad.
6. If you have an Apple Watch and you’re setting up a new iPhone, you’ll be asked if you’d like to transfer your Apple Watch data and settings.
7. Keep your devices near each other and plugged in to power until the iPhone data migration process is complete. Transfer times can vary based on factors such as the connection type that you’re using, network conditions, and the amount of data being transferred.

Migrate data from your iPhone using a wired connection

You might choose the wired method if the wireless network that you’re using is slow or congested. To migrate data from one iPhone to another using a wired connection, get a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter and a Lightning to USB Cable, then follow these steps:

1. Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to power through its Lightning port. Make sure to use a 12W or higher power adapter.
2. Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to your current iPhone.
3. Plug the Lightning to USB Cable into your new iPhone, then connect the other end to the adapter.
4. Continue by following the steps above.

Migrating data using a wired connection is supported on iPhone only.

Finish up

After you transfer to your new iOS or iPadOS device, you might need to complete a few more steps to finish the process. Make sure that you set up and transfer your content to your new device before you sell or give away your previous iOS or iPadOS device.

Still need help?

• If you can’t activate your iPhone, learn what to do.
• If you need more help, contact Apple Support.

* If your new iPhone is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, you can’t use Quick Start to transfer data from your current iPhone.

Published Date: April 05, 2021

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