How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone in 2026

Getting a new iPhone feels exciting until the transfer process starts.

I recently helped someone move everything from an old iPhone to a new one, and honestly, most people worry about the same thing — losing photos, WhatsApp chats, apps, contacts, or banking data. The good news is that Apple has made the process much easier now, especially on newer iPhones.

Whether you are setting up an iPhone 17, transferring data after setup, moving data without iCloud, or trying to transfer from a broken iPhone, this guide covers everything in simple language.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone

The easiest way to transfer iPhone to iPhone is using Apple’s Quick Start feature.

This method moves almost everything automatically:

• Photos
• Apps
• Messages
• Contacts
• Settings
• Passwords
• Wallpapers
• WhatsApp chats
• Apple ID data

Before You Start

Make sure:

• Both iPhones are charged
• Wi-Fi is enabled
• Bluetooth is turned on
• Both devices are updated to the latest iOS version

Keep both phones near each other during the process.

Step by Step: How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone

Step 1: Turn on the New iPhone

Place your old iPhone near the new one.

A Quick Start popup will appear automatically on the old device.

Tap Continue.

Step 2: Scan the Animation

Your new iPhone will show a moving animation.

Use the old iPhone camera to scan it.

Step 3: Enter Passcode

Type the old iPhone passcode on the new device.

Step 4: Choose Transfer Method

Apple gives two options:

• Download from iCloud
• Transfer directly from iPhone

I usually recommend direct transfer because it is faster and keeps everything exactly the same.

Step 5: Wait for Transfer to Finish

Depending on storage size, it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.

Keep both iPhones connected to power during the process.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone After Setup

A lot of people accidentally skip the transfer screen during setup.

I have done that before too.

You can still transfer everything later, but you may need to erase the new iPhone first.

Here’s how:

Go to:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings

After the reset:

• Restart the setup process
• Use Quick Start again
• Choose transfer from old iPhone

If you do not want to reset the new iPhone, you can still manually move data using iCloud, AirDrop, or apps.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Without iCloud

Not everyone wants to use iCloud storage.

Some people have limited storage plans, while others simply prefer offline transfers.

The best option is direct device-to-device transfer.

How It Works

Apple transfers data locally between both iPhones using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

You do not need:

• Extra iCloud storage
• Backup subscriptions
• Internet upload speed

This is honestly the method I prefer because it is faster and avoids cloud syncing issues.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone With iCloud

If your old iPhone is unavailable during setup, iCloud backup is useful.

First, Backup the Old iPhone

Go to:

Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now

Wait for the backup to finish.

On the New iPhone

During setup:

• Select Restore from iCloud Backup
• Sign into your Apple ID
• Choose the latest backup

Your apps and photos will slowly download afterward.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Without Quick Start

Sometimes Quick Start does not appear.

This usually happens because:

• Bluetooth is off
• iPhones are far apart
• Older iOS version
• Setup was skipped

You can still transfer manually using:

• iCloud backup
• Finder on Mac
• iTunes on Windows
• Cable transfer

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone With Cable

Cable transfer is one of the fastest methods available now.

Apple supports wired transfers using a Lightning cable or USB-C cable depending on the iPhone model.

You Need

• Lightning to USB-C cable
• Or USB-C to USB-C cable for newer models

Why Cable Transfer Is Good

• Faster than wireless
• More stable
• Better for large photo libraries
• Useful for slow Wi-Fi

When I transferred over 200GB of photos recently, cable transfer saved a huge amount of time.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Using Cable

The process is similar to Quick Start.

During setup:

• Connect both iPhones using cable
• Choose direct transfer
• Keep devices plugged in

Apple automatically detects the wired connection.

Transfer speed becomes noticeably faster.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Without WiFi

This is possible if you use cable transfer.

Many people think internet is required, but local transfer works without internet access.

You still need:

• Bluetooth enabled
• Devices close together

But the actual data can transfer directly between devices.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone With Quick Start

Quick Start is still the easiest method for most users in 2026.

Why Most People Use It

• No computer needed
• Automatic setup
• Transfers Apple Watch settings
• Restores apps automatically
• Keeps settings identical

If both iPhones are working properly, this is the smoothest option.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Apps

Apps usually transfer automatically during setup.

However, some apps may require:

• Logging in again
• Security verification
• Banking authentication

Games and app data normally restore from iCloud or app servers.

I always recommend checking:

• WhatsApp
• Banking apps
• Notes
• Authenticator apps

before erasing the old iPhone.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Data

Apple transfers almost all data types now.

This includes:

• Photos
• Videos
• Contacts
• Safari tabs
• Passwords
• Messages
• Health data
• Notes
• Calendar
• Files

Encrypted data transfers best using direct device migration.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone eSIM

eSIM transfer has become easier on newer iPhones.

During setup, Apple usually asks:

Transfer eSIM from nearby iPhone?

Tap Continue.

Your mobile plan moves digitally to the new device.

Some carriers may require SMS verification.

In India, support depends on the carrier.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone With SIM Card

Physical SIM cards are simple.

Just:

• Remove SIM from old iPhone
• Insert into new iPhone

That only transfers your network connection — not your actual data.

You still need Quick Start or backup restore for photos, apps, and files.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Using iTunes

Windows users still use iTunes for local backups.

On Old iPhone

1. Connect iPhone to PC
2. Open iTunes
3. Select device
4. Click Back Up Now

On New iPhone

1. Connect new iPhone
2. Choose Restore Backup
3. Select latest backup

This method works well if Quick Start fails.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone With Broken Screen

This situation is stressful, but there are still ways to recover data.

If the iPhone Still Turns On

Try:

• Connecting to external display
• Using Finder or iTunes backup
• VoiceOver accessibility controls

If Touch Does Not Work

A Lightning adapter with keyboard or mouse may help unlock the device.

If Completely Broken

You may still recover data from:

• iCloud backup
• Previous computer backups

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone If Screen Is Broken

If only the screen is damaged but the phone works internally, you still have options.

I have seen many people successfully transfer data using:

• Automatic iCloud backups
• Trusted computer backups
• Cable migration

The important part is whether the device can still unlock.

Without unlocking, encrypted data usually stays inaccessible.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone If One Is Broken

If the old iPhone is unusable:

Best Recovery Methods

1. Restore from iCloud backup
2. Restore from Mac backup
3. Restore from iTunes backup

That is why enabling iCloud backup regularly is still important.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone Verizon

Verizon users can transfer data the same way as other iPhones.

The only extra step involves carrier activation.

Usually:

• eSIM activates automatically
• Or Verizon sends activation prompt

For physical SIM models, simply move the SIM card first.

How to Transfer iPhone to iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 series supports faster transfer speeds, especially on USB-C models.

Apple has improved:

• Direct migration
• eSIM setup
• Wireless transfer stability

Using a USB-C cable on iPhone 17 makes the process significantly faster compared to older Lightning models.

Common Problems During iPhone Transfer

Transfer Stuck on Preparing

Try:

• Restarting both iPhones
• Disabling Low Power Mode
• Keeping phones plugged in

Apps Not Downloading

Check:

• Wi-Fi connection
• App Store login
• Available storage

Photos Missing

Sometimes iCloud Photos continues syncing in background for several hours.

FAQs

How long does iPhone to iPhone transfer take?

Usually between 15 minutes and 2 hours depending on storage size and transfer method.

Can I transfer iPhone to iPhone after setup?

Yes. You may need to erase the new iPhone and restart setup to use Quick Start properly.

Can I transfer data without iCloud?

Yes. Direct transfer between iPhones works without iCloud storage.

Does Quick Start need Wi-Fi?

Yes for wireless transfer, but cable transfer can reduce internet dependency.

Can I transfer everything including passwords?

Yes. Apple transfers passwords, settings, and most app data securely during migration.

What is the fastest transfer method?

Cable transfer using USB-C or Lightning cable is usually the fastest option.

Can I transfer data from a broken iPhone?

Yes, if the device still powers on or has existing backups in iCloud, Finder, or iTunes.