How to Move Everything to a New iPhone

The fastest way is to use iCloud or a direct cable connection

You can move your photos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings to a new iPhone in three ways: iCloud backup (wireless, takes 30 minutes to several hours), direct transfer (cable-free, iPhone to iPhone, takes 1 to 2 hours), or Mac or Windows backup (using a computer, takes 20 minutes to an hour). iCloud is the simplest if you have enough storage space and a strong Wi-Fi connection. Direct transfer works if both phones are nearby and you have time to wait. Computer backup is fastest if you already use a Mac or Windows PC regularly.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a computer available, how much data you're moving, and how quickly you need the new phone ready. All three methods transfer your apps, messages, photos, contacts, calendar events, and most settings — but some apps may need you to sign in again after the transfer completes.

Key Takeaways

iCloud backup is the easiest method if you have Wi-Fi and enough iCloud storage, but it takes longer than other options.
Direct transfer between two iPhones (iPhone to iPhone transfer) requires no computer or extra storage and completes in 1 to 2 hours.
Mac or Windows backup is fastest if you have a computer and a USB cable, finishing in 20 minutes to an hour.
Some apps require you to sign in again after transfer, even though your passwords and login information move over.
You can start using your new iPhone immediately after transfer, but background syncing may continue for several hours.

Using iCloud to back up and restore

iCloud backup stores a copy of your iPhone on Apple's servers. To start, open Settings on your current iPhone, tap your name at the top, select iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup. Turn on iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. The backup runs in the background while your phone is plugged in, locked, and on Wi-Fi — it usually takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have.

When your new iPhone arrives, turn it on and follow the setup screens. When you reach "Apps & Data," select Restore from iCloud Backup, then sign in with your Apple ID. Choose the backup you just created, and your new phone will download everything from iCloud. This method requires that your iCloud storage plan has enough space — a free account includes 5 GB, but large photo libraries or many apps may need a paid plan (50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB). You can check how much storage you're using in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.

Using direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer

If you have both phones in your hands, you can transfer directly without a computer or iCloud. Turn on your new iPhone and hold it near your current phone. Your current phone will detect the new one and show a setup screen. Tap Continue, then hold your current phone over the animation on the new phone's screen to authenticate the transfer. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

The new phone will then download your apps, photos, messages, and settings directly from your current phone over Wi-Fi. This process takes 1 to 2 hours and requires both phones to stay close together and on the same Wi-Fi network. You can use your current phone during the transfer, but the new phone must stay on and plugged in. Once the transfer finishes, you can set up Face ID or Touch ID and start using the new phone — though some apps may still be downloading in the background.

Using a Mac or Windows computer

If you have a Mac or Windows PC, you can back up your current iPhone and restore to the new one using a USB cable. On a Mac, open Finder, plug in your iPhone, and click the device name in the sidebar. Click General, then check "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac." Click Back Up Now. On Windows, open iTunes (or the Apple Devices app on Windows 11), plug in your iPhone, click the device icon, and select Back Up Now under the Backups section.

Once the backup is complete, unplug your current phone and plug in your new iPhone. In Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select the new phone and choose Restore Backup. Select the backup you just created and enter your Apple ID password. The restore takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on your data size. This method is faster than iCloud because the data transfers over USB instead of the internet, and it does not count against your iCloud storage limit.

What transfers and what doesn't

All three methods move your photos, videos, messages, contacts, calendar events, reminders, notes, voice memos, and most app data. Your home screen layout, wallpapers, accessibility settings, and Wi-Fi passwords also transfer. However, some things do not move: apps from the App Store will reinstall, but you may need to sign into them again even though your saved passwords transfer. Apps you sideloaded (installed outside the App Store) do not transfer and must be reinstalled manually.

Health data, HomeKit settings, and banking app logins usually transfer, but some banking apps require you to sign in again for security reasons. iMessage and FaceTime settings transfer, but you may need to verify your phone number or email address in Settings > Messages or Settings > FaceTime after the transfer. If you use two-factor authentication on your Apple ID or other accounts, you may be asked to verify your identity during setup.

Troubleshooting common transfer problems

If your transfer stalls or fails, the most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi connection or a phone that ran out of battery. Make sure both phones are plugged in, on the same Wi-Fi network, and within a few feet of each other. If iCloud backup fails, check that you have enough iCloud storage by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. If you're out of space, you can delete old backups or upgrade your plan temporarily.

If an app won't sign in after transfer, try signing out and back in manually. Go to Settings, find the app's settings section, and look for a Sign Out or Account option. Some apps like Gmail, Outlook, and banking apps require this step. If direct transfer keeps disconnecting, try moving the phones closer together, restarting both phones, and making sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're still stuck, you can always start over with a fresh setup and manually sign into your accounts — this takes longer but often resolves stubborn problems.

Choosing the right method for your situation

Use iCloud backup if you want the simplest process and do not mind waiting a few hours. It works anywhere you have Wi-Fi and requires no cables or computers. Use direct transfer if you have both phones available, want to avoid a computer, and can wait 1 to 2 hours. Use computer backup if you have a Mac or Windows PC nearby, want the fastest transfer, or do not have enough iCloud storage.

If you're upgrading from an older iPhone to a new one, all three methods work equally well. If you're switching from Android, you cannot use any of these methods — instead, use Apple's Move to iOS app on your Android phone to transfer contacts, photos, and some data, then sign into your apps individually. Whichever method you choose, plan for at least 30 minutes of setup time and expect some apps to need you to sign in again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my new iPhone while the transfer is happening?

With iCloud backup and computer backup, yes — your new phone can be used immediately after setup, though some apps may still be downloading in the background. With direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer, you should keep the new phone plugged in and avoid heavy use until the transfer finishes, as interrupting it can cause the process to restart.

What happens to my text messages and iMessages?

Both transfer with all three methods. iMessages stay linked to your phone number and email address, but you may need to verify your number or email in Settings > Messages after the transfer. Text messages (SMS) transfer automatically and do not require any action.

Do I need to buy more iCloud storage to back up my iPhone?

Only if your data is larger than your current plan. Most people with a free 5 GB account can back up a phone with fewer than 100 apps and a few thousand photos. If you hit the limit, you can upgrade temporarily, delete old backups, or use computer backup instead, which does not count against iCloud storage.

Will my passwords transfer to the new iPhone?

Yes, passwords saved in iCloud Keychain transfer with all three methods. However, some apps like banking apps may ask you to sign in again for security reasons, even though your password is available. Two-factor authentication codes do not transfer — you may be asked to verify your identity using a code sent to your email or phone number.

What if I don't have Wi-Fi available?

Use computer backup with a USB cable — it does not require Wi-Fi. Direct transfer requires Wi-Fi, and iCloud backup requires Wi-Fi. If you're in a location without Wi-Fi, find a public network (library, coffee shop, friend's house) or use a computer backup instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.