You've just bought a new iPhone (or are thinking about buying a refurbished iPhone from iOutlet) and want to transfer all your contacts from your old one? In 2026 the process is straightforward: Apple offers several automatic methods via iCloud, AirDrop and Quick Start. This guide shows you the 5 most reliable methods, from the simplest (Quick Start) to the most direct (AirDrop), with step-by-step instructions.
In this article
- Method 1: Quick Start (recommended for new iPhone)
- Method 2: iCloud sync
- Method 3: AirDrop (transfer specific contacts)
- Method 4: Import vCard
- Method 5: Restore from iCloud Backup
- Method comparison
- Troubleshooting
- Migrating to a refurbished iOutlet iPhone
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Quick Start work with a refurbished iPhone?
- Do contacts come with photos?
- Can I transfer just the contacts without everything else?
- What if I want to switch to Android?
- How do iOutlet delivery and warranty work?
Method 1: Quick Start (recommended for new iPhone)
Quick Start is the simplest method if you've just bought a new iPhone (or a refurbished iOutlet model) and want to migrate everything from your old one:
- Turn on the new iPhone and select the language.
- Bring your old iPhone close by (running iOS 12.4 or later — ideally iOS 18+).
- Your old iPhone automatically displays "Set up new iPhone".
- Point the old iPhone's camera at the circular pattern that appears on the new iPhone.
- Enter your old iPhone's password on the new one.
- Select Transfer from iPhone (more reliable than iCloud for large amounts of data).
- Wait for the transfer — during this time, all contacts, photos, messages, apps and settings migrate automatically.
- When it's done, the new iPhone restarts with everything identical to your old one.
Time: 30-60 minutes depending on the amount of data. Works with any iPhone, including refurbished iOutlet models.
Method 2: iCloud sync
If both iPhones have the same Apple ID and iCloud Contacts is enabled, contacts sync automatically:
- On your old iPhone, go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Show All → Contacts. Confirm it's enabled.
- Wait for the sync to complete (usually a few minutes).
- On the new iPhone, sign in with the same Apple ID.
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Contacts and enable it.
- Contacts automatically appear in the Contacts app on your new iPhone.
Method 3: AirDrop (transfer specific contacts)
To transfer a specific contact or a few:
- Enable AirDrop on both iPhones (Control Centre → AirDrop).
- Open the Contacts app on your old iPhone.
- Select the contact to share.
- Tap Share Contact.
- Select AirDrop and the name of the receiving iPhone.
- On the receiving iPhone, accept the transfer. The contact is saved.
Method 4: Import vCard
If you want to export all contacts as a .vcf file:
- On your computer, go to icloud.com and sign in with the Apple ID from your old iPhone.
- Open Contacts.
- Select All (Cmd+A on Mac / Ctrl+A on PC).
- Click the gear icon (bottom left corner) → Export vCard.
- Save the
.vcffile. - Send the file to the new iPhone via Mail, AirDrop or iCloud Drive.
- Open the file on the destination iPhone and choose Add all contacts.
Method 5: Restore from iCloud Backup
If you already have an iCloud backup of your old iPhone:
- Set up the new iPhone until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen.
- Select Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and select the most recent backup.
- Wait for the restore — it can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on size.
- Everything (including contacts) is restored, leaving your new iPhone identical to your old one at the time of the backup.
Method comparison
| Method | When to use | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | New iPhone (original or refurbished) | 30-60 min |
| iCloud sync | Same Apple ID, two iPhones in use | 5-10 min |
| AirDrop | Just a few contacts | 1-2 min/contact |
| Export vCard | Backup or sending to Android/Outlook | 10-15 min |
| Restore from iCloud Backup | Complete migration of everything | 30 min - 3h |
Troubleshooting
- Duplicate contacts after syncing: go to Contacts on your iPhone, find duplicates and merge them manually. On iCloud.com → Contacts it's easier to manage in bulk.
- Quick Start won't start: confirm both have Bluetooth enabled and are close together (within 1 metre).
- Slow sync: connect both iPhones to fast Wi-Fi. Contacts sync in seconds over Wi-Fi; on mobile data it can take longer.
- Missing contact notes: special fields (notes, birthdays, relationships) may take longer to sync — wait a few more minutes.
- Different Apple ID on the two iPhones: use AirDrop or vCard, or sign in with the same Apple ID on both.
Migrating to a refurbished iOutlet iPhone
iOutlet refurbished iPhones arrive fully unlocked and ready to use — no Activation Lock, no previous Apple ID. Just insert your SIM card (or eSIM) and follow Quick Start. Within minutes, you have your entire old iPhone migrated to the new (refurbished) one.
See all refurbished iPhone options available at iOutlet, all with 24-month direct warranty, battery tested with specialist technical software and free delivery within 8 working days in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Quick Start work with a refurbished iPhone?
Yes, perfectly. iOutlet refurbished iPhones come with no previous Apple ID, ready to receive Quick Start from any old iPhone.
Do contacts come with photos?
Yes, with Quick Start, iCloud sync and iCloud backup. With AirDrop and vCard, photos transfer if they're embedded in the contact.
Can I transfer just the contacts without everything else?
Yes. Enable only iCloud Contacts on the Apple ID for both iPhones. Contacts sync but other things (photos, messages) stay separate.
What if I want to switch to Android?
See our guide How to transfer contacts from iPhone to Android with specific instructions using Google Contacts and the Switch to Android app.
How do iOutlet delivery and warranty work?
Free delivery within 8 working days in mainland Portugal. 24-month iOutlet direct warranty on refurbished models, with full coverage (including battery). 14 days to return with no questions asked.
Ready to upgrade your iPhone? See all refurbished iPhone options available at iOutlet and also take advantage of our refurbished MacBook range for perfect syncing between devices.
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