In 2026, there are three easy ways to transfer data (like photos, messages, and passwords) from an older iPhone to an iPhone 17 or other newer iPhone. The most common methods include the wireless Quick Start transfer when booting up your new iPhone. Apple also supports iCloud back-ups and transfers using your PC or Mac.
Below, we'll walk through the steps you need to take to transfer your data to the iPhone 17 and detail the various methods.
Back up your iPhone before transferring data
Before you begin, create a fresh backup of your current iPhone data. Even if you plan to use Quick Start, having a backup protects your data if something goes wrong during the transfer process.
You can back up your iPhone in three ways:
- iCloud backup
- Mac backup through Finder
- Windows backup through Apple Devices or iTunes
Use Apple’s “Prepare for New iPhone” feature
Apple now offers temporary free iCloud storage when you’re moving to a new iPhone. This is especially useful if you only have the standard 5GB of free iCloud storage.
To use it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Get Started under Prepare for New iPhone.
- Follow the prompts.
Free iCloud backups require iOS 15+
Your iCloud backup will remain available temporarily while you complete the transfer to your new iPhone. You will need iOS 15 or newer to use this feature. If you've purchased a new iPhone, don't worry, as you'll be up to date with the latest iOS 26.
How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone using Quick Start
For most users, Quick Start is the best method. It wirelessly transfers apps, settings, photos, messages, and more directly between devices.
I’ve used Quick Start several times, moving between newer iPhones, including when I upgraded to the iPhone 17 Pro, and the process has become dramatically faster over the past few iOS generations, especially on devices with USB-C and Wi-Fi 6E support.
How to use Quick Start
- Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old iPhone.
- Wait for the Quick Start prompt to appear.
- Tap Continue.
- Scan the animation on the new iPhone using your old iPhone’s camera.
- Enter your old iPhone passcode on the new device.
- Follow the setup prompts.
- Choose Transfer from iPhone when prompted.
Keep both phones:
- Plugged into power
- Close together
- Connected to Wi-Fi
The transfer can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on how much data you have. I have about 512GB of photos and videos stored on my iPhone, so transfers typically take closer to an hour.
Turn on Quick Start faster with newer iPhones
Newer devices like the iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro support faster wireless transfers than older Lightning-based models. If you’re transferring hundreds of gigabytes of photos or videos, the process is noticeably quicker than it was just a few years ago.
How to transfer iPhone data with iCloud
If you no longer have your old iPhone nearby, restoring from iCloud is the next best option. Unfortunately, this method relies on the fact that you've backed up your data to iCloud.
If an iCloud backup is available, whether it's old or recent, you'll be prompted to restore it when setting up your device. Your new iPhone will also display the date the backup was made, so you'll know how recently it was created.
Restore from iCloud backup
- Turn on your new iPhone.
- Follow the setup prompts.
- At the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Select your latest backup.
- Wait for the restore to complete.
Your apps, photos, and messages will continue downloading in the background after setup finishes.
iCloud restores and downloads large amounts of data. So, having a strong home internet connection helps significantly. In my experience, restoring over fibre internet in Toronto took substantially less time than restoring over slower rural broadband connections.
How to transfer iPhone data with a cable or USB-C connection
If you want the fastest and most stable transfer possible, using a wired connection is an excellent option. This method is especially useful for transferring large photo libraries and moving ProRes or 4K video files.
Newer iPhones support USB-C connections, making wired transfers much easier than older Lightning setups. A wired transfer is often faster than wireless, especially if you have over 200GB of data.
To transfer data between iPhones with a cable:
- Connect both iPhones using a compatible USB-C cable.
- Turn on the new iPhone.
- Follow the Quick Start prompts.
- Choose the direct transfer option.
Restoring an iPhone Backup from a Computer
It is also possible to restore a backup from a Mac or Windows PC by taking these steps:
- Connect your old iPhone to your Mac or PC.
- Open Finder or iTunes.
- Select your iPhone.
- Create a backup.
- Connect the new iPhone.
- Select Restore Backup.
Get your new iPhone 17
To transfer data from an old iPhone to a new one, you'll need a new iPhone. The iPhone 17 series is Apple's latest release. If you're looking to save some cash, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models offer many of the same features as the latest models.
Here are some of the most popular iPhones available right now:
iPhone 16e 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
Transfer Your iPhone Data: FAQ
How long does it take to transfer data to a new iPhone?
Ultimately, it depends on how much data you have on your old iPhone. Typically, it'll take between 15 minutes and over an hour. However, transfers can exceed an hour if you have a lot of ProRes or 4K video files.
Will I lose my data if I transfer to a new iPhone?
No, provided you create a backup beforehand. Apple’s transfer tools are designed to preserve your apps, photos, messages, and settings during the migration process.
Can I transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud?
Yes. Quick Start and wired transfers both work without needing iCloud storage.
Does transferring data use cellular data?
Usually no. Most transfers happen over Wi-Fi, direct wireless connections, or USB-C cables.
Is Quick Start better than iCloud restore?
For most users, yes. Quick Start is generally faster and transfers more settings directly between devices.
Can I transfer data after setting up my new iPhone?
Yes, but you may need to erase the new iPhone and restart setup if you want to use Quick Start or restore from backup later.
Steve Vegvari
Staff Writer
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