How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to Another: Every Method 2025

Are you switching from an old iPhone to a new one and want all your photos, apps, and chat history moved over safely? The idea of how to transfer data from one iPhone to another seems complicated at first, but it really is not. This guide walks through every method available, including what to do if your old phone has a broken screen and cannot be used normally.

Method 1: Quick Start (The Fastest Way)

This is the fastest method for iPhone-to-iPhone transfer for most people. You do not need a USB cable or a computer, and in many cases the new data, including chats, begins transferring within a minute.

Quick Start Requirements

• Both phones must be running iOS 12.4 or later.
• Both phones should have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switched on.
• The old iPhone needs enough battery life to finish the transmission.

Step by Step: Using Quick Start

1. Turn on your new iPhone and hold it near your old one.
2. A Quick Start prompt appears automatically on your old phone.
3. Follow the on-screen steps, one of which asks you to scan a special animation with your new phone.
4. Once you press Continue, the transfer takes anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour.

How Long Does Quick Start Take?

This depends entirely on the amount of data you have. For most users, transferring data from one iPhone to another using Quick Start takes roughly one to three hours from start to finish.

Method 2: How to Transfer Data Using iCloud Backup

This approach works well if both phones are not in the same place at the same time.

Back Up to iCloud First

Visit Settings, tap your Apple ID name, tap iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup. Tap Back Up Now and wait until the process finishes completely.

Restore from iCloud on the New iPhone

Turn on your new iPhone and go through the setup options. When asked how to restore your data during setup, choose the Restore from iCloud Backup option. Sign in with your Apple ID and select the most recent backup available.

iCloud Storage Requirements

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone through iCloud requires a good amount of free storage space. Apple only gives you 5GB free by default, which fills up quickly. You may need to upgrade your iCloud plan temporarily until the transfer is complete.

Method 3: Transfer Data Without iCloud (Using iTunes or Finder)

You can also use a computer to complete a phone-to-phone transfer without touching iCloud at all.

Back Up to Mac or PC

Plug your old iPhone into your computer. On a Mac, open Finder, or on Windows, open iTunes. Select your device and choose Back Up Now.

Restore from Computer Backup

Connect your new iPhone to the same computer and select Restore from This Backup. This is also the fastest method in terms of actual transfer time, since it relies on a direct cable connection instead of Wi-Fi.

Method 4: How to Transfer Data Without Quick Start

Learning how to sync iPhones without Quick Start is helpful when both devices cannot be in the same place at once.

• Manual iCloud method: back up the old phone, set up the new phone as new, then restore through iCloud settings afterward.
• Third-party transfer applications: tools like AnyTrans or dr.fone can also handle a file transfer iPhone users need when Quick Start is not an option.

Method 5: Connect an iPhone With a Broken Screen to a Computer

This is a harder situation, but it is not impossible. If the iPhone screen is shattered, you will need a bit of creativity to complete the transfer.

Connecting an External Monitor or Apple TV

If the display is cracked but not completely dead, you might mirror it to an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible television so you can still control it visually.

Using AssistiveTouch to Unlock

Enable AssistiveTouch if you still have partial screen access. This gives you a floating button that lets you navigate without pressing the physical buttons directly.

Professional Data Recovery Options

If the screen is completely unresponsive, a professional repair shop can often replace the screen first so the transfer becomes possible again. Mr. Repair USA in Virginia handles exactly this kind of situation, and you can learn more about our screen repair services before starting your transfer.

What Data Transfers and What Doesn’t?

Most things transfer perfectly, including photos, contacts, messages, apps, and settings. A few things may not carry over automatically:

• An iPhone transfer completed through cable backups may miss some app-specific data.
• Health and activity data need iCloud sync to transfer properly between devices.
• Apple Pay cards need to be added again manually on the new device after setup.

What to Do If Your Data Transfer Gets Stuck

When the transfer process stalls, keep both phones plugged in and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Do not turn off the screens or close any apps while it is running. If the process remains stuck for more than an hour, restart both phones and begin the transfer data from iPhone to iPhone process again from scratch.

Conclusion

You can absolutely handle how to transfer data from one iPhone to another with the right approach for your situation. Most people prefer Quick Start for its speed and simplicity. If your phone has a broken screen or another issue preventing the transfer, visit Mr. Repair USA and let our Virginia team fix your device before you attempt the transfer.