When you buy a new iPhone, Apple provides an official built-in method that lets you transfer everything from your old iPhone during the initial setup itself. This process copies your complete data safely without any third-party app, without iTunes, and without using a PC or Mac. Using this method, your new iPhone becomes almost an exact replica of your old iPhone.
What data will be transferred
This method transfers apps, app data, photos, videos, audio files, contacts, messages, call history, WhatsApp data, Apple ID and accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, system settings, Face ID/Touch ID preferences, accessibility settings, iCloud data, notes, reminders, and most saved preferences.
Things to do before starting
Keep both iPhones fully charged or connected to power, turn on Wi-Fi on both devices, enable Bluetooth on both iPhones, and make sure you remember your Apple ID password.
How to transfer data while setting up the new iPhone
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Turn on the new iPhone and select your Language and Country or Region.
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Bring your old iPhone close to the new iPhone and wait until the Quick Start screen appears on the old iPhone.
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Tap Continue on the old iPhone and use the old iPhone camera to scan the animation shown on the new iPhone.
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Enter the old iPhone Passcode on the new iPhone when asked.
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Set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new iPhone or skip and do it later.
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On the Transfer Your Data screen, select Transfer Directly from iPhone.
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Sign in using your Apple ID if prompted.
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Keep both iPhones close together and connected to Wi-Fi while the transfer begins.
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Wait until the data transfer progress bar completes on the new iPhone.
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Once finished, complete the remaining setup screens and reach the Home Screen.
Do not lock either iPhone during the transfer, keep Wi-Fi stable for faster transfer, transfer time depends on data size, and keep Bluetooth turned on throughout the process. Even after setup, apps may continue downloading in the background automatically.
If transfer option does not appear
Restart both iPhones, ensure both are running a compatible iOS version, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and keep devices close to each other again during setup.
Final conclusion
Using Apple’s built-in Quick Start and direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer method is the safest and easiest way to move all your data from an old iPhone to a new iPhone during setup. It requires no apps, no iTunes, no PC, and no Mac, and ensures that all your apps, settings, accounts, and personal data move securely without data loss.
