The desire to update your iPhone with a newer model is common, as well as the need to transfer data between Apple devices for various reasons, from sharing photos and contacts with friends to complete migration of a system. Fortunately, the Apple ecosystem offers various intuitive and reliable solutions to manage the flow of information among its own melafonini, ensuring that your memories, apps and settings follow you smoothly.
This guide will deepen the most effective methods to move data from one iPhone to another. Whether you're configuring a new device, restoring a backup or simply wanting to share a specific file, you'll find the solution best suited to your needs. We will explore the direct transfer procedures via the “Start Now” feature, backup restores on iCloud or via computer, and wireless sharing options such as AirDrop and NameDrop.
Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone New: The “Start Now” function
Simplicity is a pillar of the Apple experience, and this is clearly reflected in the initial configuration procedure of a new iPhone. If you have an iPhone or other iOS/iPadOS device with iOS 12.4 or later, you can use the function Start now to transfer data simply by physically approaching the two devices.
It is important to note that, for iOS versions between 11 and 12.3, the “Start Now” feature allows you to import only the Apple account data. The actual files, in these cases, are then downloaded from iCloud backups, and not transferred directly from the old to the new phone. Make sure both of your devices are updated to the latest version of iOS for a direct and complete transfer.
How “Start Now” works:
- New iPhone Preparation: Turn on your new iPhone or what you just restored to factory settings. During the initial configuration (after selecting language, country, reference form and appearance), the screen will appear Start now.
- Preparation of the Old iPhone: Take your old iPhone. Make sure it is connected to a Wi-Fi network and that the Bluetooth is active.
- Approaching Devices: Physically approach the old iPhone to the new. On the old device will appear the message Set up the new iPhone.
- Start of the Transfer: Press the button Unlock to continue on the old iPhone. Unlock your device with your security method (e.g. Face ID or code).
- Pane the Animation: A circular animation will be played on the new iPhone. Pane with the camera of the old iPhone to start the matching process.
- Configuration: On the old iPhone, tap Set up for me. On the new iPhone, enter the unlock code of your old device.
- Activation and Settings: Wait for the activation to complete, then configure the Face ID on the new iPhone.
- Choice of Transfer Method: At this point, you will have two options:
- Transfer from iPhone: To start direct wireless data transfer from the old to the new iPhone.
- Download from iCloud: To restore a previously saved backup to iCloud.
- Configuration Completion: Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to configure other features such as Apple Pay, Siri and, if present, your Apple Watch.
Transfer Data via iCloud Backup
If you don’t have the possibility of having the two iPhones physically close, or prefer a method that does not require the immediate presence of both devices, backup via iCloud is the ideal solution. This method allows you to save all your iPhone data on an Apple server and restore it to another device at any time, wherever you are, provided you have an Internet connection.
1. Create a Backup on iCloud (iPhone of Origin):
First, you need to make sure all your old iPhone data is saved on iCloud.
- Take the iPhone from which you want to transfer the data.
- Go Settings > [Your name] > iCloud.
- Scroll down and select ICloud Backup.
- Make sure you read it Back up iPhone be set on ♪.
- Tape Backup now to create a new backup.
- Check that the iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and, possibly, connected to an electrical outlet to avoid interruptions.
2. Restore a Backup from iCloud ( Target iPhone):
Once you create backup, you can restore it to your new iPhone.
- Start the New iPhone (if already configured): If the target iPhone has already been activated and configured, you will have to return it to the factory state. Go Settings > General > Transfer or initialize iPhone. Select Initiate content and settings, confirm and enter the unlock code and password of the Apple ID. This will erase all the data on the device. If the iPhone is new and has never been configured, you can skip this step.
- Start the Start Setup: After rebooting or switching on the new iPhone, the iOS initial configuration procedure will start.
- Follow the Initial Steps: Set language, country, reference form and appearance.
- Save from iCloud: When you reach the screen Apps and Data, select the option From an iCloud backup.
- Login with your Apple ID: Enter the credentials of your Apple ID (the same used on the old iPhone for backup). Two-factor verification may be required.
- Select Backup: A list of available backups will be displayed. Select the most recent and relevant one from your old iPhone.
- Complete the Restore: Press Continue and wait for the recovery process to end. This operation may take time, depending on the size of the backup and speed of your internet connection.
- Finalize Configuration: After restoration, complete the remaining steps of the configuration of your iPhone.
Important Note: Both the original and target iPhone should be equipped with same version of iOS, or however the target device must have a version of iOS equal to or greater than that of the backup. If one of the devices is not up-to-date, upgrade via Settings > General > Software update before starting the procedure.
Data Transfer via Computer: Finder (macOS) and Apple Devices (Windows)
For those who prefer more direct control over their data or do not have sufficient space on iCloud, you can make a full backup and a computer recovery using the Finder on macOS or application Apple Devices on Windows.
Apple Devices is the successor of iTunes on Windows 10 and later (e.g. Windows 11), free download from the Microsoft Store. Come on macOS (from Catalina 10.15 onwards), mobile device management functions were integrated directly into the Finder, the operating system file manager.
1. Create a Local Backup (iPhone of Origin):
The first step is to create a complete backup of your old iPhone on your computer.
- Connect your iPhone: Connect the source iPhone to your computer via USB cable.
- Start the Software: On macOS, open the Finder. On Windows, launch the application Apple Devices.
- Authorizes Communication: If it’s the first time, you’ll need to authorize communication between the devices by clicking on the appropriate button on both of them and entering the unlock code on the iPhone.
- Select the Device: In the Finder (left sidebar) or in the Apple Device application, click on the name of your iPhone.
- Make Backup: Go to the tab General (Finder) or Summary (Apple Devices) and click on the button Backup now. If you want to encrypt your backup to save your passwords and health data, select the appropriate option and set a password.
2. Restore a Local Backup ( Target iPhone):
Once you have completed the backup, you can restore it to the new iPhone.
- Start the New iPhone (if necessary): If the target iPhone is already configured, you will need to restore it to factory settings. Unplug it from the computer, go up Settings > General > Transfer or initialize iPhone > Initiate content and settings.
- Connect your iPhone: Connect the new iPhone (or just initialized) to your computer.
- Start the Software: Open the door Finder or Apple Devices.
- Select the Device: Click on the name of your iPhone.
- Reset Backup: On the card General/Summary, click on Restore backup.
- Choose Backup: From the drop-down menu, select the backup you just created from your old iPhone.
- Start the Restore: Click on Continue and wait for the completion of the process. Also in this case, it is essential that the target iPhone has a compatible iOS version (equal or later) to the backup version.
At the end of this procedure, your new iPhone will be an exact copy of the previous one, with the same data, apps and settings.
Transfer Data After Initial Configuration
It happens sometimes to configure a new iPhone without transferring data, perhaps by hurry or because the device was not updated to the latest version of iOS at the time of purchase. If you are in this situation and want to transfer your data now, the most effective solution is to return the device to the factory state and repeat the initial configuration.
Once your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS, you can start it as explained in the previous paragraphs. After initialization, you can choose from the methods already described:
- Use the function Start now approaching the two iPhones.
- Restore data from a iCloud backup.
- Restore data from a local backup via Finder or Apple Devices.
Restoration does not affect the version of iOS installed, so, once updated, you should not encounter more problems while transferring data.
Selective File Sharing with AirDrop and NameDrop
It is not always necessary to transfer the entire content of an iPhone. Sometimes, you just want to share a single photo, video, document or contact with another Apple device nearby. For these needs, Apple’s wireless sharing features like AirDrop and Name are extremely useful and efficient.
AirDrop: Quick File Sharing
AirDrop is a wireless data transfer system supported by all iPhones from iPhone 5. It allows you to quickly send various types of files between nearby Apple devices.
- Activation AirDrop: Make sure both devices have the Bluetooth active and that AirDrop is enabled. You can adjust AirDrop settings in Settings > General > AirDrop, choosing whether to receive from “Only contacts” or “All”.
- Select the File: Open the photo, video, document or any other item you want to share.
- Call the Sharing Menu: Tap the sharing icon (a square with an arrow pointing upward).
- Choose AirDrop: Select the icon of AirDrop.
- Select the Destinatario: Apple devices will be displayed nearby with active AirDrop. Tap the other iPhone icon to start the transfer.
With iOS 17 and later, an even more intuitive feature was introduced: you can start an AirDrop transfer by simply approaching the two iPhones, without having to manually access the sharing menu and select the AirDrop icon. This feature is enabled by default, but you can manage it in Settings > General > AirDrop, activating or deactivating the switch next to Approaching devices.
NameDrop: Share Contacts Revoluted
Always with iOS 17 and later, the function was introduced Name, a specialized version of AirDrop for quick and intuitive contact sharing.
- Prepare Contact: Open the app Contact and select your contact card or card you want to share.
- Approach iPhone: Approach your iPhone to the other person’s iPhone.
- Confirm Sharing: A sharing screen will appear on the screen. Tape Share to send contact information.
Alternatives for File Sharing
If your iPhone does not support AirDrop or want to share files with Android devices or computers, a great alternative is LocalSend. This free and open-source application allows you to transfer any file type between iPhone, Android and computer wirelessly, offering a versatile solution for your sharing needs.
In conclusion, the Apple ecosystem offers a full range of tools to manage data transfer between iPhone. Whether it’s a complete system migration or a single file sharing, the proposed solutions ensure efficiency, safety and ease of use. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy a seamless user experience.
