Introduction
While transferring data from an old to a new iPhone device, the first question arise in mind is how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone easily and quickly. For such situations, there are four different methods that include Quick Start, iCloud, iCareFone, and computer backup. Keep in mind, the correct method depends on two factors: whether your iPhone is set up and whether you want a complete or partial data transfer.
In this article, we will discuss all four methods in detail to save you time and make your data transfer easy.
Can You Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud or Resetting?
Yes, you can transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud, depending on your situation. You can use direct device-to-device migration, restore data from a computer backup, or use a third-party data-management tool.
If your destination iPhone has already been set up and you only want to transfer selected supported data without erasing the device, a tool such as Tenorshare iCareFone can help. You can back up supported data from one iPhone and restore or import selected data to another iPhone without relying on iCloud.
The right option depends on whether you need to move everything or only specific files and data.
How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone Using iCareFone
Now, if you have recently bought a new iPhone and your destination device is already set up, you may want to know how you can transfer selective data only from one iPhone to another. In such a case, we recommend Tenorshare iCareFone; it can transfer data from iPhone to iPhone selectively through backup, restore, and data-management functions without relying on iCloud.
But Why Use iCareFone?
● It can manage and transfer supported data types through selective data management
● This tool can protect existing data, as its restore function is designed to avoid overwriting existing device data
● It has no iCloud requirement because you can back up and restore data through a computer
● iCareFone supports managing items such as photos, contacts, music, videos, messages, and other supported files.
- Steps to Transfer Supported Data
Step 1: Connect the Source iPhone and iCareFone on PC
Install and open iCareFone on your Windows PC or Mac. Connect the source iPhone using a USB cable and select the relevant backup or data-management option.
Step 2: Select the Data You Want to Back Up
Choose and back up the supported data you want to move. iCareFone allows users to select data so you can keep data categories that you actually need.
Step 3: Select the Backup and Restore Supported Data
Connect the destination iPhone, choose the backup you created, preview the available data, and restore or import the selected supported data.
Basic Requirements to Transfer Data on iPhone Using iCareFone
To successfully transfer your iPhone data with the help of iCareFone, here are some basic requirements you must have
● Compatible iPhones
● A Windows PC or Mac
● Appropriate USB cables
How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone Using Official Methods
Method 1. Transfer Data Directly with Quick Start
If you are wondering how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone, then the Quick Start method lets you transfer data directly without creating an iCloud backup. This is Apple’s built-in wireless method for moving data from an old iPhone to a new one during setup.
Step-By-Step Method
● Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
● Turn on the new iPhone and place it near the old one.
● Follow the Quick Start prompts and authenticate the new device.
● Set up Face ID or Touch ID.
● Choose Transfer from iPhone.
● Keep both iPhones near each other and connected to power until the transfer finishes.
Limitations
● Quick Start is only designed for setting up a new iPhone.
● Both devices must also meet Apple’s software requirements.
● Remember that transfer time depends on the amount of data and network strength
Method 2. Transfer iPhone Data Using an iCloud Backup
This method transfers even your apps, settings, personal data, and purchased content to a new iPhone through the device’s initial setup process. But make sure that your destination iPhone is in the Hello screen mode according to Apple’s current instructions.
Steps to Transfer Data Using iCloud Backup
● Turn on the destination iPhone
● Follow the steps that appear on screen until it shows Apps & data
● In Apps & data, select Restore from iCloud Backup
● Then sign in with the Apple Account
- Check and select the data you need to transfer
● Keep wifi and power connected until data transfer is complete
Limitations
This method does not work for an already-set-up destination device. You must have an excellent wifi connection and an available iCloud backup.
Method 3. Transfer Data with Finder or Apple Devices
This is a method that shows you how to transfer data from one iPhone to another using a computer or Apple Devices on Windows, as Apple supports restoring a backup through Finder on current macOS versions.
Steps To Transfer Through Finder Or Apple Devices
● Connect the old iPhone to your Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable.
● Open Finder, select the iPhone, and create a backup
● Follow the steps that appear on screen until it shows Apps & data
● Select Restore from Mac or PC during iPhone setup.
● Connect the new iPhone to the computer.
● Open Finder or Apple Devices and select the new iPhone.
● Choose Restore Backup and select the correct backup.
● Enter the backup password and wait for the restoration to finish.
Limitations
● Designed only for a new or erased destination iPhone
● already-set-up iPhone must be erased before the backup is restored
● No unencrypted computer backup to ensure safe Health and Activity data transfer
iCareFone vs Official Methods: Which Restores iPhone 18 Backups Faster
Below is a comparison to help you understand the difference between iCareFone and Apple’s official transfer solutions to understand transfer data from iPhone to iPhone..
| Feature | iCareFone | Quick Start | iCloud Backup | Finder / Apple Devices |
| Transfer method | Computer-based | Direct iPhone-to-iPhone | Cloud-based | Computer-based |
| Requires iCloud | No | No | Yes | No |
| Works with an already-set-up iPhone | Yes, for supported data | No | No | No |
| Requires factory reset | No for supported transfers | Typically yes | Yes | Yes |
| Selective data transfer | Yes, for supported data | Limited | Backup restoration | Backup restoration |
| Internet dependency | Low | Wi-Fi required | Wi-Fi required | Low |
| Speed factors | USB connection, computer, data size | Device connection, data size | Internet speed, backup size | USB connection, computer, data size |
| Best suited for | Selective transfer to an existing iPhone | Setting up a new iPhone | Restoring an iCloud backup | Restoring a computer backup |
FAQ
1- Can I Transfer Data to an iPhone That Is Already Set Up?
Yes, but it depends on the type of data you want to transfer. For an already-set-up iPhone, you have to erase existing content, then selective transfer of supported data can be done.
2- Can I Transfer Everything without Using iCloud?
Yes, you can transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud. You can use direct device-to-device migration, restore data from a backup created on a computer, or use a third-party data-management tool.
3- Does Transferring Data Erase the New iPhone?
Not always. If you are learning how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without resetting, the method matters. Methods like Quick Start, iCloud backup restoration, and computer backup may require erasing an already-configured device, but Selective transfer methods do not require you to do this for supported data.
4- What Should I Do If Quick Start Does Not Appear?
First, check that both iPhones have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and are placed close together. Make sure the old iPhone is running a compatible version of iOS.
5- How Long Does It Take to Transfer Data between iPhones?
It can take several minutes to several hours. This depends mainly on the size of the data, the transfer method, connection speed, and device performance.
Conclusion
The answer to how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone is dependent primarily on the destination iPhone and the type of transfer. Quick Start is the easiest direct way for a new iPhone. If you need to restore a full backup during setup, you can use iCloud or a computer backup. When the target iPhone has been set up and you want to selectively transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without using iCloud, iCareFone can come in handy.
