How do transfer my data from my old phone to new phone?

Before beginning a data transfer, it is important to identify which type of data transfer you need.

If you are trying to transfer data from an iPhone to an iPad, or between two iPads, visit this article here.
If you are trying to transfer from an iOS device, such as an iphone or ipad, to an android, visit this article here.
If you are trying to transfer data from one iPhone to another, this is the guide for you.


Automatic Data Transfer

If you have an iPhone working and running iOS 11 / iPadOS 13 or later, you can use Quick Start to set up your new device automatically. Quick Start uses both devices during the process, so choose a time when you won’t need your current phone for a few minutes.

  1. Make sure your current device is connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is turned on.
  2. Turn on your new iPhone and place it close to your current device.
  3. Follow the prompts on the screen to begin setup.
    • If the setup notice disappears, restart both devices and try again.
  4. Connect your new device to Wi-Fi or cellular when prompted.
  5. You may be asked to activate cellular service.
  6. Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
  7. Choose how you’d like to transfer your data:
  • Download from iCloud Your apps and data will restore in the background so you can start using the phone sooner.
  • Transfer directly from your old device Both devices must stay nearby and you’ll need to wait until the transfer finishes before using them.

Keep both devices close together and plugged into power until everything is done. Transfer time will vary depending on your network speed and how much data is being moved.


Transfer Data to a New iPhone Using a Cable

You can also move your data to a new iPhone using a wired connection if you prefer. This option lets you migrate content directly from one device to the other using a cable. Data is transferred directly over the cable, but your new device may still need Wi-Fi or cellular signal for activation during setup. There are several different ways to transfer data over a cable, depending on which model of iPhones you are using.

Transfer data from iPhone 15 or newer → iPhone 15 or newer

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

  1. Turn on both devices and follow the setup instructions.
  2. Connect your new iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular.
  3. You may be asked to activate cellular service.
  4. Keep both phones connected and nearby until the transfer finishes.

Transfer time will vary depending on the size of your data and network conditions.

Transfer data from iPhone 14 or earlier → iPhone 15 or newer

Use a USB-C to Lightning Cable to connect the two devices.

  1. Turn on both devices and follow the setup instructions.
  2. Connect your new iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular.
  3. You may be asked to activate cellular service.
  4. Wait for the transfer to fully complete before using either device.

Transfer time may vary based on how much data is being moved.

Transfer data from iPhone 14 or earlier → iPhone 14 or earlier

Use a 12W+ power adapter and a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to connect the two devices.

1. Plug the 12W+ power adapter into the Lightning port on the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
2. Connect the Camera Adapter to your current iPhone.
3. Plug the Lightning to USB Cable into your new iPhone.
4. Connect the other end of the Lightning to USB Cable into the USB port on the Camera Adapter.
5. Turn on both devices and follow the onscreen setup prompts.
6. When prompted, choose Transfer Directly from iPhone.
7. Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular if activation is required.
8. Set up Face ID or Touch ID as prompted.
9. Keep both devices plugged in, connected, and near each other until the transfer is complete.

As with other methods, transfer time depends on your data size and setup conditions.

Still having issues?

If you're having trouble transferring your data, we offer data transfer services at Sour Tech. Even if your phone is broken, water damaged, or not powering on, we may still be able to transfer your data. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule a data transfer between any two devices.


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

Jan 6, 2026

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