How to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone

Complete guide to transferring all your data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone using Quick Start, iCloud, or iTunes backup methods.

1. Prepare your old iPhone for transfer. Update your old iPhone to the latest iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Ensure both devices have sufficient battery life or connect them to power. Sign in to iCloud on your old iPhone and verify your data is syncing by checking Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
2. Position devices for Quick Start. Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to your old iPhone. When the Quick Start screen appears on your old iPhone, tap Continue. Point your old iPhone's camera at the animation displayed on your new iPhone screen until you see 'Finish on New iPhone' message.
3. Authenticate on your new iPhone. Enter your old iPhone's passcode on your new iPhone when prompted. Set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device following the on-screen instructions. This authentication step ensures secure data transfer between devices.
4. Select transfer method. Choose 'Transfer from iPhone' to move data directly between devices, or select 'Download from iCloud' to restore from your most recent backup. Direct transfer is faster for large amounts of data and doesn't count against iCloud storage limits.
5. Configure transfer settings. Review which data types will transfer including apps, photos, contacts, and settings. Toggle off any categories you don't want to transfer. Select whether to transfer settings for Siri, Apple Pay, and Keychain passwords when prompted.
6. Monitor the transfer progress. Keep both devices connected to power and Wi-Fi during transfer. A progress bar shows transfer status on your new iPhone. Your old iPhone will display 'Transfer Complete' when finished, while your new iPhone continues installing apps in the background.
7. Complete setup and verify data. Sign in to your Apple ID when prompted and enable services like iCloud, App Store, and iMessage. Check that your photos, contacts, and messages have transferred correctly. Download any apps that didn't automatically install from Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > View Account.