How to transfer everything to a new iPhone

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Put the new iPhone next to the old one and turn it on. Tap Continue on the old phone when the Quick Start card appears, scan the pattern, and choose Transfer from iPhone. Keep both phones together and on power until it finishes.

Quick Start copies your apps, photos, messages, settings and Home Screen layout directly from the old iPhone to the new one. It is the simplest way to move, and nothing needs to be backed up first, though a backup is still wise.

Step by step

  1. Prepare

    Update the old iPhone, make a backup, and check you know your Apple Account password and passcode. Charge both phones.

  2. Turn on the new iPhone next to the old one

    A Quick Start card appears on the old phone. Tap Continue. Bluetooth must be on.

  3. Scan the pattern

    A moving pattern appears on the new phone. Hold the old phone over it so it sits in the circle.

  4. Enter the old passcode on the new phone

    Then set up Face ID.

  5. Choose Transfer from iPhone

    This copies directly. The alternative, Download from iCloud, restores from your latest backup.

  6. Keep them together

    The time depends on how much you have, from a few minutes to an hour or more. Both phones are unusable while it runs.

Good to know

Move your eSIM during setup when asked, or later under Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM, Transfer from Nearby iPhone.

Unpair an Apple Watch from the old iPhone first, so its backup is restored on the new one.

Banking and authenticator apps often need to be activated again. Do that before you erase the old phone.

When everything works, erase the old phone: how to factory reset an iPhone.

In short: New iPhone next to the old one, Continue, scan, Transfer from iPhone.

Sources
  • Apple Support: Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.