4 Ways to Set up New iPhone from Old iPhone | 2025

Getting a new iPhone is exciting, but setting up new iPhone from old iPhone correctly is key to ensure you don’t lose important data like contacts, photos, messages, and apps. The following article provides all the necessary information and tutorials for setting up your new iPhone (mini, Plus, Pro, Pro Max), as well as four proven methods to transfer old iPhone to new iPhone.

Preparation: Backup iPhone Before You Set up New iPhone

Before setting up new iPhone from old iPhone, it's important to back up your current device. This ensures that you don't lose any valuable data during the transfer process.

How do I back up my iPhone?

>> iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.

>> iTunes/Finder Backup: Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes (or Finder in macOS Catalina and later), select your device, and click Back Up Now.

>> FoneTool Backup: It provides full backup and selective backup features. If you prefer a quick solution, you can use it to backup iPhone without iTunes/iCloud. Or use FoneTool to back up specific data, like photos, contacts, and messages, to your computer.

How to Set up New iPhone from Old iPhone - 4 Ways

Once the backup is complete, you can learn how to set up iPhone from old iPhone with different methods.

Way 1. [Easiest] Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone with FoneTool

If you are looking for the quickest and most convenient way to transfer all your data, FoneTool is your best choice. Unlike iCloud and iTunes, which may take hours and require a stable Wi-Fi connection, FoneTool allows you to transfer data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone in a short time.

Now, you can download FoneTool and follow the guide to learn best way to set up new iPhone from old iPhone.

Step 1. Open FoneTool on the computer > Connect your old iPhone and new iPhone to the PC with USB cables.

Step 2. Move to Phone Transfer from the left panel > Choose iPhone to iPhone > Click the Get Started button.

Step 3. You can check Enable backup encryption to keep the private data safer > Then tap Start Transfer to begin.

In just three simple steps, you can transfer all your data from your old device to your new device! After your new iPhone is set up, you can still use FoneTool to transfer data without resetting the device.

By the way, FoneTool is a professional software that also supports you to transfer specific files, such as transfer photos from iPhone to iPhone.

Way 2. Set up iPhone from Old iPhone via Quick Start

Apple's Quick Start is a built-in feature that lets you wirelessly transfer data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone during the setup process.

Below is how to set up new iPhone from old iPhone with Quick Start.

Step 1. Turn on Bluetooth on both iPhones > Place them close to each other.

Step 2. When you see Set Up New iPhone screen appear on old iPhone > Click Continue.

Step 3. An animation will appear on the new iPhone > Use your old iPhone to scan the animation.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup > Select Transfer from iPhone.

Step 5. Keep both iPhones close together until the transfer is complete.

Way 3. Activate New iPhone with Old iPhone from iCloud Backup

If you regularly back up your old iPhone to iCloud, you can restore that backup when setting up your new iPhone. This method requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. And restoring from iCloud may take several hours, depending on your internet speed and the size of your backup.

If you are ready, you can follow the steps below to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone.

Step 1. Turn on your new iPhone > Follow the on-screen setup instructions.

Step 2. When you reach the Apps & Data screen > Select Restore from iCloud Backup.

Step 3. Sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4. Choose the most recent backup from the list.

Step 5. Wait for the restoration to complete.

Way 4. Set up New iPhone from Old iPhone via iTunes Backup

For those who prefer wired transfer, in addition to the FoneTool mentioned above, you can also use iTunes backup on your computer to set up your new iPhone. The process will be a little more complicated. But don't worry, just follow the steps below step by step.

Step 1. Connect your old iPhone to a PC/Mac > Open iTunes/Finder.

Step 2. Click Back Up Now to create a full backup.

Step 3. Once the backup is complete, disconnect your old iPhone and connect your new iPhone.

Step 4. On your new iPhone, follow the setup steps > Then choose Restore from Mac or PC.

Step 5. Select the latest backup and wait for the transfer to finish.

FAQs on Setting up New iPhone from Old iPhone

After reading the above 4 ways to set up new iPhone from old iPhone, you may also be interested in below questions.

>> How can I transfer everything from my old iPhone to my new iPhone?

You can use the following methods to completely transfer data:

• FoneTool (fastest method) – 1:1 transfer of all data via USB cable, no Wi-Fi required.
• Quick Start – Migrate data directly from the old iPhone, requires Wi-Fi, and takes a long time.
• iCloud Restore – Back up to iCloud first, then restore on the new iPhone, requires sufficient iCloud space.
• iTunes Restore – Full backup and restore via computer, more cumbersome operation.

>> Do I put my SIM card in a new iPhone before transferring data?

Yes, it is recommended to insert the SIM card before data transfer so that the new iPhone can connect to the network for activation and ensure that all services (such as iMessage, FaceTime) are working properly. If you are using eSIM, you can also activate it during the setup process.

>> How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without resetting?

If your new iPhone has been set up but you want to migrate data, you can use FoneTool's Selective Transfer feature to transfer photos, contacts, music and other data from the old iPhone to the new iPhone without overwriting the original data. iCloud and iTunes methods usually require erasing the device first, so FoneTool is a better choice.

Conclusion

Setting up new iPhone from old iPhone doesn't have to be complicated. You can use Apple's built-in methods like Quick Start, iCloud, iTunes, or choose FoneTool for the fastest and most seamless solution, depending on your preference.

If you want a hassle-free, one-click transfer without relying on Wi-Fi or waiting for hours, FoneTool is your best choice. It guarantees a smooth transition without data loss and works with all iPhone models. Download FoneTool now and give it a try!