Set up your new device from a backup of your previous iPhone or iPad
Before you begin
- If you have an Apple Watch and you got a new iPhone, unpair your Apple Watch from your previous iPhone before you set up your new device.
- Make sure that you have a backup of your device.
- Have your Apple ID and password ready.
- Transfer your SIM card from your old device. If your new device needs a different SIM card than what you have, contact your carrier.
How to transfer your iCloud backup
- Turn on your new device. A "Hello" screen should appear. If you've already set up your new device, you need to erase it before you can use these steps.
- Follow the steps until you see the Wi-Fi screen.
- Tap a Wi-Fi network to join. Follow the steps until you see the Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password.
- When asked, choose a backup. Make sure that it's the correct one by checking the date and size of each.
- If you purchased iTunes or App Store content using multiple Apple IDs, sign in to each. If you can't remember the passwords, you can skip this step by tapping "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it."
- Stay connected and wait for the restore process to finish, then complete the rest of the onscreen setup steps. If possible, keep your device connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power after setup. This allows content like your photos, music, and apps stored in iCloud to automatically download back to your device.
Use the Finder or iTunes to transfer your backup
Transfer your personal data and purchased content to your new device from a backup that you made in the Finder or iTunes.
If your backup isn't encrypted, your Health and Activity data from your iOS device or Apple Watch won't transfer.
How to transfer your backup to your new device
- Turn on your new device. A "Hello" screen should appear. If you already set up your new device, you need to erase it before you can use these steps.*
- Follow the steps until you see the Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from Mac or PC.
- Connect your new device to the computer that you used to back up your previous device.
- Open iTunes or a Finder window on your computer and select your device. You might be asked to trust your device.
- Select Restore Backup. Then choose a backup. Make sure it's the correct one by looking at the date and size of each.
- If you need to restore from an encrypted backup, enter your password when asked.
- Wait for the restore process to finish, then complete the rest of the setup steps on your iOS or iPadOS device. If possible, keep your device connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power after setup. This allows content like your photos, music, and apps stored in iCloud to automatically download back to your device.
Use Quick Start to transfer your backup
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.
- Turn on your new device and place it near your current device.
- A screen appears on your current device that 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.
- Wait for an animation to appear on your new device. Hold your current device over the new device, then centre 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 onscreen steps.
- When asked, enter your current device's passcode on your new device. Then follow the instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device.
- When you see the Transfer Data from [Device] screen, tap Continue to begin transferring your data from your previous device to your new device. Or you can tap Other Options to transfer (see above)
Keep your devices near each other and plugged into power until the data migration process is complete. Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.