iPhone Data Transfer: The Complete Guide

The easiest way to move your data to a new iPhone is Apple’s Quick Start: place both phones side by side, follow the on-screen steps, and everything copies over directly — photos, messages, apps and settings.

Method 1 — Quick Start (iPhone to iPhone)

Turn on the new iPhone near your old one, keep both on Wi-Fi and power, and follow the assistant. Direct transfer copies nearly everything without a computer. Keep the phones close together until it finishes.

Method 2 — iCloud backup

On the old iPhone: Settings, your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup, then Back Up Now. On the new one, choose Restore from iCloud Backup during setup. Handy when you no longer have the old phone in hand.

Method 3 — Cable and computer (Finder or iTunes)

Plug the old iPhone into a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes), make a local backup — ideally encrypted so passwords and Health data carry over — then restore it onto the new phone.

Android to iPhone

Install the Move to iOS app on the Android device and follow the new iPhone assistant: contacts, photos, messages and calendars transfer over a direct connection.

When transfer is not possible: dead screen or phone that will not turn on

If the old iPhone will not power on or the screen is dead, a normal transfer is impossible — but your data is not necessarily lost. Data recovery or a temporary repair (screen, or board-level microsoldering) can often revive the device just enough to extract your photos and contacts. At Sub Tech Repairs (757 Rue Beaubien Est, Montreal), the diagnosis is free and your data stays confidential.