So you got a reborn iPhone — now what? First, congratulate yourself on the incredible savings for your wallet and the planet. Now let’s get your phone set up.
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Transferring from an old iPhone
Transferring from an old Android
Transferring from an old iPhone
Apple gives you multiple ways to restore your information — iCloud, iTunes/Finder, and phone-to-phone. Check out which option is best for you.
Via iCloud
iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based software that securely stores your photos, videos, documents, music, apps, and more. To transfer your data, you first need to make sure it’s all actually been backed up to the iCloud.
Every Apple ID is given 5GB of iCloud storage for free. This means most contacts, notes, and calendar events will be saved already. You’ll likely have to pay for more storage if you want to back up your photos, videos, and apps though.
How do I see how much storage I have?
You can check how much iCloud storage you have by going to “Settings” > selecting the button with your name > “iCloud”.
If your storage is full and all your information isn’t backed up yet, select “Manage Account Storage” > “Change Storage Plan”.
|
Storage capacity |
Which one is right for me? |
Cost |
|
5GB |
Good for storing all the basics, like contacts, calendars, notes, and a handful of photos. |
Free |
|
50GB |
Recommended for storing your photos, videos, files, and apps, and backing up your device. |
$0.99/month
|
|
200GB |
Good for families or one person with lots of photos and videos. |
$2.99/month |
|
2TB |
Ideal for photographers, videographers, gamers, or families to share files and memories |
$9.99/month |
How do I make sure I have an iCloud backup?
iCloud usually backs up your iPhone daily, typically when your phone is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
You can make sure it’s backed up by going to “Settings” > selecting the button with your name > “iCloud” > “iCloud Backup” > “Back Up Now”.
How do I start the transfer from iCloud?
Go ahead and turn on your new device and follow the prompts to set up and restore. Backing up via iCloud will be listed as an option. Your phone will help you take it from there.
Via iTunes/Finder
The process differs based on the operating system you’re using. For Macs, these are called “macOS”.
If you have a Mac running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or macOS 10.15 (Catalina), you’ll make your transfer with Finder. If you have a PC or a Mac running macOS Mojave 10.14 or below, you’ll make your transfer with iTunes.
Now let’s get to it.
Step 1. Back up your old device to the computer.
Step 2. Disconnect the old device.
Step 3. Connect the new device
Step 4. Select “Restore from ‘device name’”.
Via phone-to-phone transfer (Quick Start)
In order to do a phone-to-phone transfer, keep in mind that both devices need to be on IOS 12.4 or above and connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Now let’s get to it.
Step 1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone.
Step 2. The “Quick Start” screen will appear on your new iPhone and offer the option of using your Apple ID to set up your new iPhone.
Step 3. Make sure it's the Apple ID you want to use and select “Continue”.
Step 4. Follow the prompts on the screen to personalize your iPhone (like setting up Touch ID and Face ID).
Step 5. Select “Transfer from iPhone” to transfer your data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone.
Transferring from an old Android
If you’re coming from an Android, don’t worry — it's easy.
Step 1. Download an app called Move To iOS from the Google Play Store on your Android Device.
Step 2. Turn on your iPhone and go through the setup process. This will include creating an Apple ID and password.
Step 3. Once you create your Apple ID and password you’ll see this screen:
Step 4. Select “Move Data from Android”. Then you’ll see a 6-digit or 10-digit code.
Step 5. Open the “Move to iOS” app on your Android device and enter that code.
Step 6. Wait for the “Transfer Data” screen to appear.
Step 6. The data transfer screen will move up to about 50% and then stop — don’t worry, this is normal. Your iPhone will then shut down and restart.
Step 7. Once restarted, follow the prompts to finish setting up your iPhone.
If you find that your contacts are not all synced on your iPhone, try this troubleshooting step. Set up your Gmail account on your iPhone, then toggle the “Contacts” button to green. That should transfer any remaining contacts over.