Keep both iPhones powered, nearby and connected until transfer and post-transfer downloads finish. Do not erase or trade in the old phone until photos, messages, authenticator access, eSIM service and app logins are verified on the new one. First, update the old phone if practical, connect both phones to power, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and confirm an iCloud or computer backup exists.
What this covers
- A new iPhone being set up from a working nearby iPhone
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedEstablish the exact starting state
ReversibleUpdate the old phone if practical, connect both phones to power, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and confirm an iCloud or computer backup exists.
Separate the fault or decision boundary
ReversibleIf Quick Start cannot see the new phone, restart both and remove VPN, hotspot or restricted-network variables before choosing another transfer method.
Apply the narrowest correction
ReversibleFollow the animation and passcode prompts, choose direct transfer or the available backup, and keep the devices together.
Update both devices first
ReversibleApple says both should have the latest iOS or iPadOS, and the old device needs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on and to be unlocked on the Home Screen.
Choose iCloud or direct transfer
ReversibleChoose iCloud to start using the new iPhone while apps download, or direct transfer if you want everything moved before you use it, and keep both plugged in.
Keep both devices near each other and plugged in until it finishes
ReversibleApple says the devices should stay close together and plugged in until the data migration process is complete, because moving them apart can interrupt the transfer.
Verify before escalating
ReversiblePlace a call, send a message, open representative photos, confirm authenticator and banking access, then retain the old phone until the new backup completes.
Apple
What Quick Start needs and the two ways it moves your data
Both devices must meet the conditions below before Quick Start will offer to transfer.
- Which devices
- Another iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, iPadOS 13 or later can be used, and both devices should be updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS.
- The old device
- Connected to Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth on, unlocked and on the Home Screen.
- The new device
- Powered on and placed nearby.
- Transfer from iCloud
- Apps and data download in the background so you can start using the new device right away.
- Direct transfer
- You wait for the transfer to complete on both devices before using them.
- Limits
- Quick Start cannot be used if the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. Transfer time varies with network conditions and the amount of data, and the devices should stay near each other and plugged in until migration finishes.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the transfer stalls or a device restarts, stop and keep both iPhones plugged in and nearby rather than interrupting it, then restart the process from the beginning.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “Transfer to a new iPhone with Quick Start without losing the old copy”
Why is Quick Start not offered on a work iPhone?+
Apple says it cannot be used if the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business.
Which iPhones can send data with Quick Start?+
Apple says another iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, iPadOS 13 or later can be used, and both devices should be updated to the latest version first.
Can I use the new iPhone while apps download?+
With the iCloud option, Apple says apps and data download in the background so you can start right away. With direct transfer you wait for it to finish on both devices.
Do both iPhones need to stay close during Quick Start?+
Yes. Keep the two iPhones near each other and either plugged in or well charged until the transfer finishes. Moving away, locking the old iPhone or losing Wi-Fi partway can interrupt the transfer and force you to start again.
What if Quick Start will not begin?+
Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on for both iPhones and that both run a current version of iOS. Restart both and try again, and if it still fails, restore the new iPhone from an iCloud or computer backup instead.
How long does Quick Start take?+
It depends on the amount of data, from about an hour to several hours. Keep both phones plugged in and on Wi-Fi.
Do apps download after transfer?+
Yes. Apps often download in the background for a while after the transfer finishes, so leave the new phone on Wi-Fi.
When is it safe to erase the old iPhone?+
After you confirm messages, photos, health data and authenticator apps are on the new phone, and after any trade-in instructions.