How to Transfer Data Between iPhones in 2026: Complete Guide

In 2026, transferring data from one iPhone to another has become almost trivial — provided you know which method to choose. Apple now has 4 distinct methods on iOS 19, each with advantages depending on your scenario. This guide shows you all the methods step by step, helps you choose the best for your case, and shows you how to avoid the most common problems. It works for any change — new iPhone, refurbished iPhone, or simply switching between your own devices.

In this article

1. The 4 methods available in 2026
2. Method 1: Quick Start (recommended)
3. Method 2: Restore from iCloud
4. Before you start (on the old iPhone, if you still have it):
5. On the new iPhone:
6. Method 3: Restore from local backup (Mac or PC)
7. On Mac:
8. On the new iPhone:
9. Method 4: Move from Android to iPhone
10. What to check after transfer
11. Before selling or trading in your old iPhone
12. Switching to a refurbished iPhone
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. How long does transfer via Quick Start take?
15. Do all photos transfer?
16. Does WhatsApp transfer the chat history?
17. Can I transfer only some things?

The 4 methods available in 2026

1. Quick Start — the fastest, direct transfer between the two iPhones (wired or wireless). Recommended in 95% of cases.
2. Restore from iCloud backup — when you don't have the old iPhone at hand.
3. Restore from local backup (Mac/PC) — for those who prefer to control it locally, or have more data than fits in free iCloud.
4. Move to iOS — specific for those migrating from Android to iPhone.

Method 1: Quick Start (recommended)

It's the most direct method and what Apple promotes in 2026. Works iPhone to iPhone, with direct transfer via Wi-Fi or Lightning/USB-C cable. Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on data volume.

1. Turn on the new iPhone next to the old iPhone. A message automatically appears on the old one asking if you want to use your Apple Account to set up the new one.
2. Tap Continue on the old iPhone. An animation appears on the new iPhone — align it with the old one's camera to pair.
3. Enter the code from the old iPhone on the new one, when prompted.
4. Set up Face ID/Touch ID on the new iPhone.
5. Choose between transferring directly from the old iPhone (faster, recommended) or downloading from iCloud.
6. Accept the terms and wait for the transfer. The two iPhones must stay close and plugged in.

What is transferred: settings, contacts, calendar, photos, videos, messages, apps, health data, iCloud Keychain passwords, wallet configuration (Apple Pay needs to be reconfigured for security), Stickers, Safari bookmarks.

Trick for maximum speed: use a USB-C cable between the two iPhones (if both models have USB-C) — transfer is up to 5× faster than via Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Restore from iCloud

Useful when you no longer have the old iPhone (sold, lost or broken), or when you want to set up the new one from another location.

Before you start (on the old iPhone, if you still have it):

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network and power.
2. Settings > tap your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
3. Enable Automatic Backup and tap Back Up Now.
4. Wait for completion (check the date and size in Backups).

On the new iPhone:

1. Turn on and follow to the initial setup screen.
2. On Apps & Data, choose Restore from iCloud.
3. Sign in to your Apple Account.
4. Choose the most recent backup (check the date).
5. Wait — it can take quite a while depending on backup size and network speed.

In 2026, those who move within the first few days after buying a new iPhone get unlimited temporary iCloud for 3 weeks from Apple — useful for those with more data than their subscribed plan.

Method 3: Restore from local backup (Mac or PC)

For those who prefer to control everything locally without relying on the internet. Works with Mac (Finder on macOS Catalina or later) or PC (Apple Devices app on Windows 11; legacy iTunes still works on Windows 10).

On Mac:

1. Connect the old iPhone via USB-C/Lightning cable.
2. Open Finder > select the iPhone in the sidebar.
3. Under Backups, choose Back Up to This Mac. Enable Encrypt local backup (recommended, to include passwords and health data).
4. Tap Back Up Now.
5. Wait for completion.

On the new iPhone:

1. Connect the new iPhone to Mac via cable.
2. Set up initially until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
3. Choose Restore from Mac/PC.
4. In Finder, select Restore Backup and the desired backup.
5. Wait — it's usually faster than iCloud for large volumes.

Method 4: Move from Android to iPhone

For those migrating from Android, Apple provides the Move to iOS app on the Play Store. It works when setting up the new iPhone:

1. On the new iPhone, on Apps & Data, choose Move Data from Android.
2. On Android, download and open the Move to iOS app.
3. Connect both to the same temporary Wi-Fi network created by the iPhone.
4. Enter the code shown on the iPhone in the Android app.
5. Select what you want to transfer: contacts, SMS messages, photos, videos, bookmarks, accounts and calendar.
6. Wait for completion.

WhatsApp and some specific apps have their own migration processes — check in the app's individual settings before you start.

What to check after transfer

• Contacts — open the app and confirm everything is there.
• Photos — check albums and total count. On new iPhone, they may take time to download from iCloud in Optimized mode.
• Messages (iMessage) — confirm synchronisation and enable in Settings > Messages.
• Apple Pay — you'll need to add your cards again for security.
• Apple Watch — pair again with the new iPhone (settings transfer automatically).
• Banking apps — some require new authentication.
• Apps with 2FA — check and migrate codes (Authy, 1Password, etc.).
• WhatsApp — use the transfer assistant (Settings > Chats > Transfer Chat History).

Before selling or trading in your old iPhone

1. Confirm that the transfer to the new one is complete.
2. Make an extra backup before erasing.
3. Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Confirm with Apple Account password (required to remove from Find My).
5. The iPhone is now factory reset, ready for the next owner.

Switching to a refurbished iPhone

If your new iPhone is refurbished, all the methods above work exactly the same way. The refurbished iPhone from iOutlet comes factory reset, ready to receive your Apple Account and your data via Quick Start or iCloud — just like a brand new iPhone.

Check out the refurbished iPhone options available at iOutlet today — all with 24-month warranty, battery tested with specialised technical software and free delivery within 8 working days in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does transfer via Quick Start take?

It depends on the volume. For a typical backup (50-150 GB), 30 to 90 minutes via Wi-Fi, or 15 to 45 minutes via USB-C cable between the two iPhones.

Do all photos transfer?

Yes. If you use iCloud Photos, photos synchronise automatically; on an iPhone with limited storage, they're optimised and download when you need them.

Does WhatsApp transfer the chat history?

Yes. On iOS 19, inside WhatsApp on Settings > Chats > Transfer Chat History, follow the assistant to move from iPhone to iPhone.

Can I transfer only some things?

Quick Start is all or nothing. For selective transfer, set up the new iPhone as "new" and enable only iCloud, contacts, calendar etc. by selecting the apps you want to synchronise.

Ready to switch iPhones? Check out the refurbished iPhone options available at iOutlet today — all with 24-month warranty, free delivery within 8 working days and 14 days to return with no questions asked.

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