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iPhone & iPad

Transfer data to a new iPhone with Quick Start

At the end your new iPhone is ready with the apps, data and settings of your previous device. The guide applies to iPhone and iPad, the previous device needs at least iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 (as of iOS 27.2.1, November 2026).

Platform
iOS / iPadOS
Applies to
iPhone and iPad, previous device running iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 or later, Apple recommends the latest version on both devices
Time needed
approx. 60 Min.
Level
Beginner
Daten mit Schnellstart auf ein neues iPhone übertragen Apple

What you need

  • Both devices lie next to each other and are connected to a power adapter
  • The new iPhone has not been set up yet, so it shows the welcome screen
  • The previous iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and has Bluetooth switched on
  • You know the passcode of the previous iPhone
  • You know the password of your Apple Account
  • Plan enough time: both devices cannot be used during the transfer
  • For company devices: check with your IT team whether the new device is centrally managed

  1. Step 1: Check the software version on both devices

    SettingsGeneralSoftware Update

    Open «Settings» on your previous iPhone and check under «Software Update» whether an update is available. Install it before you start.

    Apple recommends the latest version of iOS or iPadOS on both devices. The new iPhone offers an update during or after setup.

    • About
    • Software Update (click here)
    • AirDrop
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  2. Step 2: Create a backup of the previous iPhone

    SettingsYour NameiCloudiCloud Backup

    Open «Settings», tap your name at the top, then tap «iCloud» and «iCloud Backup».

    Start a new backup there using the button for backing up now. Wait until the date of the last backup has been updated.

    If your iCloud storage is not sufficient, Apple provides enough free storage for a temporary backup for up to three weeks after the purchase of a new iPhone. On the previous device, open «Settings», «General», «Transfer or Reset iPhone» and tap «Get Started».

    Note: The backup is your safety net in case the transfer is interrupted.

    • iCloud Backup (click here)
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  3. Step 3: Check the wireless connections and plug in both devices

    SettingsBluetooth

    In «Settings», check that the previous iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Then tap «Bluetooth» and switch Bluetooth on on the following page.

    Connect both devices to a power adapter. Unlock the previous iPhone and go to the Home Screen.

    • Wi-Fi
    • Bluetooth (click here)
    • Cellular
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  4. Step 4: Switch on the new iPhone and confirm Quick Start

    Switch on the new iPhone and place it right next to the previous one.

    After a few seconds the «Quick Start» screen appears on the previous iPhone, showing the Apple Account that will be used. Check that the correct account is shown, then tap the button to continue.

    Note: A restart of both devices brings the «Quick Start» screen back.

  5. Step 5: Capture the animation with the camera

    A moving cloud of dots appears on the new iPhone. Hold the camera of the previous iPhone over it so that the animation sits inside the circle shown.

    The devices then confirm that the connection is established. If you cannot use the camera, tap the option offered for confirming manually and follow the instructions.

  6. Step 6: Enter the passcode of the previous iPhone

    Enter the passcode of the previous iPhone on the new iPhone. This is the code you use to unlock the old device.

  7. Step 7: Connect to the network and activate cellular service

    Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or to the cellular network when you are asked to do so.

    You may then be prompted to activate your cellular service and take over the eSIM. Follow the steps shown on screen.

    Note: Not every provider moves the phone number across automatically. If cellular service stays inactive afterwards, request a new eSIM profile from your provider or contact your IT team.

  8. Step 8: Set up Face ID or Touch ID

    When prompted, set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new device. Follow the instructions on screen while doing so.

  9. Step 9: Choose how to transfer your data

    The data transfer screen offers two options: transferring directly from the previous iPhone, or downloading the data from iCloud.

    Choose the direct transfer from the previous iPhone. It moves the complete content across and needs no iCloud storage. Both devices stay occupied until the transfer has finished.

    Downloading from iCloud requires a current backup. The new device can be used sooner, apps and data continue to load in the background.

    Note: Apple also supports a transfer over a cable connection between the two devices. That route helps if the wireless transfer does not start.

  10. Step 10: Wait for the transfer to finish

    Leave both devices next to each other and connected to power. Do not put them in a bag and do not interrupt the connection.

    Depending on the amount of data and the network, the process takes from a few minutes to more than an hour. Both devices report when the transfer is complete.

  11. Step 11: Complete setup on the new iPhone

    Work through the remaining setup steps on the new device, such as location services, Siri, Apple Pay and the display size.

    The order and the selection differ depending on the model and the iOS version.

  12. Step 12: Check business accounts and apps

    Open Outlook or «Mail», Teams and OneDrive. As a rule you need to sign in again, including two factor confirmation.

    Check Microsoft Authenticator and any banking apps. These accounts often have to be registered again or restored from their own backup. Keep a second way to sign in at hand, such as a recovery code.

    Pair an Apple Watch again or restore it from its backup. Erase the previous iPhone only once you have checked everything.

    Note: Data from services outside iCloud, such as Dropbox or Google, is not part of the transfer. Sign in to those apps again.

Frequently asked questions

No Quick Start screen appears on the previous iPhone. What now?
Restart both devices and begin again. The previous iPhone has to be unlocked and showing the Home Screen, Bluetooth has to be switched on and the device has to be on Wi-Fi.
The new iPhone has already been set up. Can I still use Quick Start?
No. You have to erase the new device first. Open «Settings», «General», «Transfer or Reset iPhone» and tap «Erase All Content and Settings». This deletes all data on the new device.
The new iPhone belongs to the company and is centrally managed. Does the transfer work?
If the device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, Apple states that Quick Start cannot be used to transfer data. Contact your IT team. As an alternative, continue the setup of the new device until the «Apps & Data» screen appears and tap «Restore from iCloud Backup» there. If the device has already been set up completely, you have to erase it first so that this screen appears again.
The transfer seems to have been stuck for hours.
The duration and the progress bar depend on the amount of data and on the network. Leave both devices next to each other and connected to power, and do not interrupt them. If the process really does stop, install the latest iOS version on both devices and start again. As further options, transfer the data over a cable connection between the devices or from an iCloud backup.

Stuck on a step?

Start a remote support session and we will take a look at your screen together with you.

Remote Support (Mac) Helpdesk (Windows) info@guycolle.com

Sources

This guide was drafted automatically by our editorial assistant from the manufacturer documentation listed above. The sketches are simplified. Spotted a mistake? Let us know at info@guycolle.com.

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