How do transfer data from an iPhone to iPad?

Before beginning a data transfer, it's important to know which devices you are transferring between.

If you’re transferring from iPhone to iPad, this guide applies.
If you’re transferring from iPad to iPhone, this guide applies.
To transfer from an iPhone to iPhone, visit this guide here.
To transfer from an iPad to iPad, visit this guide here.

If you’re transferring to Android, you’ll need a different process.

Automatic Wireless Transfer

If both devices support iOS 11 / iPadOS 13 or later, you can use Quick Start to move your data automatically. Quick Start uses both devices during setup, so choose a time when you won’t need them for several minutes.

1. Turn on your new device and place it near your current one.
2. Follow the onscreen prompts to begin setup.
3. If the Quick Start prompt disappears, restart both devices and try again.
4. Connect the new device to Wi-Fi or cellular when prompted.
5. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
6. Choose how you want to transfer your data:

Download from iCloud

• Apps and data restore in the background
• You can begin using the device sooner

Or Transfer directly from your current device

• Devices must stay near each other
• You must wait until transfer is complete before using them

Keep both devices close together and plugged into power until the transfer finishes. Transfer time depends on your network connection and the amount of data being moved.

---

Transfer Data Using a Wired Connection

You can also transfer data directly between iPhone and iPad using a cable. The data moves over the cable, but the new device may still need Wi-Fi or cellular for activation during setup.

Choose the steps below that match the ports on your devices.

USB-C Device → USB-C Device

(iPhone 15 or newer ↔ newer USB-C iPad)

Use a USB-C Charge Cable and connect both devices through their charging ports.

1. Turn on both devices and follow the onscreen setup prompts.
2. Connect the new device to Wi-Fi or cellular if asked.
3. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
4. Select Transfer Directly from Device.
5. Keep both devices connected and powered until the transfer is complete.

Transfer time varies based on data size and conditions.

Lightning Device → USB-C Device

(Older iPhone/iPad → Newer USB-C iPhone or iPad)

Use a USB-C to Lightning Cable.

1. Turn on both devices and follow the setup prompts.
2. Connect the new device to Wi-Fi or cellular when prompted.
3. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
4. Choose Transfer Directly from Device.
5. Wait until the transfer fully completes before using either device.

Transfer time varies by how much data is being moved.

Lightning Device → Lightning Device

(Older iPhone ↔ Older iPad)

You will need:

• Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
• Lightning to USB Cable
• 12W or higher power adapter (required)

1. Plug the power adapter into the Lightning port on the Camera Adapter.
2. Connect the Camera Adapter to your current device.
3. Plug the Lightning to USB Cable into your new device.
4. Connect the other end of the cable to the Camera Adapter.
5. Turn on both devices and follow the onscreen setup prompts.
6. Connect the new device to Wi-Fi or cellular if needed.
7. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
8. Keep both devices plugged in and connected until the transfer completes.

This method will not work unless the Camera Adapter is powered.

Need Help?

If you’re having trouble transferring your data or want us to handle it for you, Sour Tech offers professional data transfer services between any two devices. We’re happy to make the process smooth and stress-free for you. Just give us a call or visit us in-person to schedule your data transfer service.

---

Sour Tech Hours
Monday to Friday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM

1-844-SOURFIX
901 Harvey Road Suite A, College Station, TX 77840