iPhone (iOS) · Storage & Backup
Move data directly from an old iPhone to a new one
Quick Start uses a direct device-to-device connection to transfer settings, apps, and data from an old iPhone to a new one during setup, without necessarily relying on an iCloud or computer backup.
How to open Quick Start Device Transfer
- Turn on the new iPhone next to the unlocked old iPhone.
- On the old iPhone, tap Continue when the Quick Start prompt appears.
- Scan the animation shown on the new iPhone using the old iPhone's camera.
- Follow prompts to transfer settings and data, optionally connecting a cable.
- Wait for the transfer to finish before separating the two devices.
What you should know
- Triggered automatically by placing a new iPhone near an already signed-in old iPhone during setup.
- Can transfer directly over a peer-to-peer connection or by first creating a temporary encrypted backup.
- A wired connection using a cable can speed up the transfer significantly over Wi-Fi alone.
- The old iPhone remains usable and signed in during most of the process.
Why it matters
Setting up a new iPhone from scratch and manually reinstalling every app and reconfiguring every setting can take hours; Quick Start collapses that into a largely automatic process during initial setup. Because it can transfer data directly between devices rather than requiring a full round trip through iCloud, it's often faster and doesn't require enough free iCloud storage to hold a complete backup. This makes device upgrades far less disruptive and is a major reason iPhone owners feel comfortable upgrading devices even with large photo libraries and many installed apps.
Best practices
- Keep both iPhones charged and near each other throughout the entire transfer process.
- Use a wired connection for large data libraries to significantly reduce transfer time.
- Keep the old iPhone signed in and connected to Wi-Fi until the transfer fully completes.
Common problems and fixes
- Quick Start doesn't detect the old iPhone.
- Ensure Bluetooth is on for both devices and they're positioned within about a foot of each other.
- Transfer stalls partway through.
- Confirm both devices remain on Wi-Fi and are not entering low-power or Auto-Lock states during the process.
- Some apps' data didn't transfer.
- A few apps require signing back in manually after transfer rather than transferring session data automatically.
Tips and tricks
- Start the transfer on Wi-Fi and plug in a cable if offered mid-process to speed up the remaining transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Does Quick Start require an iCloud backup?
No, it can transfer directly device-to-device, though it may create a temporary local backup as part of the process.
Can Quick Start be used later, not just during initial setup?
It's primarily designed for first-time setup of a new or reset device.
Related settings
- iCloud BackupiCloud Backup automatically saves a copy of your photos, app data, device settings, and more, so you can restore everything on a new or reset device.
- Back Up via Finder or iTunesiPhone can be backed up to a computer's local storage using Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows, as an alternative or supplement to iCloud Backup.
More Storage & Backup guides for iPhone (iOS)
- iPhone StorageiPhone Storage shows exactly what's using space on your device and offers one-tap recommendations — like offloading unused apps or reviewing large attachments — to free up room.
- Manage iCloud StorageThis screen breaks down exactly what's consuming your iCloud storage plan — Backups, Photos, individual apps, Mail — so you can free up space, buy more, or change your iCloud+ plan without guessing.
- Offload Unused AppsOffload Unused Apps is a toggle in App Store settings that automatically removes an app's binary — not its documents or data — when the iPhone is low on storage, so you can reinstall and pick up right where you left off.
- Optimize iPhone Storage (Photos)When iCloud Photos is on, 'Optimize iPhone Storage' keeps smaller, space-saving versions of your photos and videos on the device while the full-resolution originals stay safely stored in iCloud, downloading full quality only when needed.
- Music & Podcast DownloadsSongs, albums, and podcast episodes downloaded for offline listening take up local storage separate from Photos and app data, and can be managed or automatically cleared to save space.
- Keep Messages DurationThe Keep Messages setting controls whether Messages retains conversations forever or automatically deletes messages, photos, and attachments after 30 days or one year, directly affecting how much storage Messages consumes.