How to Transfer App Data Between iOS Devices Using Quick Start Method

As users buy a new iPhone or iPad, transfer of app data from the previous device becomes necessary. In this article, we guide you through the process of shifting the data from one iPhone or iPad to another through the Quick Start method. 

Migration of data between iOS devices could be achieved through two ways: wireless and wired. Let us go through the process step-by-step. 

Things to keep in mind before beginning the process

• Make sure to backup your device.
• Keep Apple ID and password ready.
• Transfer your SIM card from your iPhone, iPad or eSIM. If your new device requires a different SIM card to what you’ve previously used, contact your network provider.
• Make sure to backup your previous device. If you have purchased a new iPhone or iPad, you may be eligible for temporary iCloud storage.

Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad

If you have another iPhone or iPad with iOS 11, iPadOS 13 or later, you can use Quick Start to automatically set up your new device. In the Quick Start method both the devices are occupied, so make sure that you choose a time when you won’t need to use your current device for a while.

Transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad with Quick Start using a wireless connection

1. Your current device must be connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on. Turn on your new device and place it near your current device. Follow the onscreen instructions and get started. If the cue to set up your new device disappears from your current device, then restart both devices.
2. Connect your device to Wi-Fi or the cellular network.
3. When asked, activate your cellular service.
4. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
5. Choose how you want to transfer your data.
   1. If you choose to download from iCloud, you can start using your new device right away.
   2. If you transfer directly from your previous device, you will need to wait for the transfer to complete on both devices before you can use them.
6. Keep both the devices near each other and plug them to power until the data transfer process is complete. Time taken for the migration of data could vary based on factors such as network coverage and the load of data being transferred.

If your new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, you can’t use Quick Start to transfer data from your current device.

Transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad  with Quick Start using a wired connection

1. From an iPhone 14 or earlier to an iPhone 15 or later

To migrate data from an iPhone 14 or earlier to an iPhone 15 or later using a wired connection, use a USB-C to Lightning Adapter and a Lightning Cable. And undertake the following steps: 

1. Connect the USB-C to Lightning Adapter to your iPhone 15 or later, then connect the Lightning Cable to both the USB-C to Lightning Adapter and to your iPhone 14 or earlier.
2. Turn on both devices and follow the onscreen instructions.
3. Connect your iPhone 15 or later to Wi-Fi or your device’s cellular network.
4. When asked, activate your cellular service.
5. Set up Face ID.
6. You’ll need to wait for the transfer to complete on both devices before you can use them. Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.

Also Read: Apple Intelligence Hits Home: Here’re The Public Beta Features In iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1

2. From an iPhone 14 or earlier to another (iPhone 14 or earlier)

To transfer data from an iPhone 14 or earlier to another using a wired connection, use a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter and a Lightning to USB Cable. And undertake the following steps:

1. Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to power through its Lightning port. Use a 12W or higher power adapter.
2. Connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to your current iPhone.
3. Plug the Lightning to USB Cable into your new iPhone, then connect the other end to the USB 3 Camera Adapter.
4. Turn on both devices and follow the onscreen prompts.
5. Connect your iPhone 15 or later to Wi-Fi or your device’s cellular network.
6. You might be asked to activate your cellular service.
7. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
8. You will need to wait for the migration to complete on both devices before they can be used. Transfer times can vary based on factors such as network coverage and the load of data being transferred.