Learn how to transfer contacts to a new iPhone without iCloud using 7 reliable methods. This guide compares FoneTool (fastest), iTunes, Quick Start, AirDrop, Bluetooth, SIM cards, and Google Sync with pros/cons for each.
When upgrading to a new iPhone, transferring your contacts becomes a top priority since the Contacts app is essential for daily communication. While iCloud serves as Apple's default transfer solution, its limited 5GB free storage often proves insufficient.
This guide reveals 7 effective methods to transfer contacts to new iPhone without iCloud, ensuring your important connections move seamlessly to your new device.
FoneTool provides professional, computer-assisted contact transfer with selective control and no data loss risks.
✅ Selective transfer - Preview and choose specific contacts
✅ No data erasure - Preserves existing data on both iPhones
✅ User-friendly interface - Simple clicks to complete transfer
✅ Universal compatibility - Supports all iPhone models including iOS 26
Download and install the tool on your computer, then follow the detailed tutorial below and you'll learn how to get contacts from iPhone.
Step 1. Run FoneTool > Connect old iPhone via USB > Tap Trust.
Step 2. Select Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC > Get Started.
Step 3. Click add icon > Choose Contacts > Select desired contacts > OK.
Step 4. Choose the save location > Start Transfer.
Step 5. Connect new iPhone > Select PC to iPhone > Choose contacts > Start Transfer.
💡 Tip: Use Phone Backup feature in FoneTool to create selective contact backups for future protection. If you don't have access to a computer, there is an available mobile phone app FoneTool for iOS. You can scan the QR code below or download it for free from the App Store.
iTunes offers traditional backup/restore or sync methods but lacks selective transfer and erases existing data.
No contact preview or selective transfer capability
Option 1. Backup and restore iPhone data
Step 1. Connect old iPhone > iTunes > Device tab > This Computer > Back Up Now.
Step 2. Connect new iPhone > Summary > Restore Backup.
Option 2. Sync contacts to new iPhone with iTunes
Step 1. Connect old iPhone > iTunes > Info > Sync Contacts > Apply.
Step 2. Connect new iPhone > Info > Sync Contacts > Advanced > Replace contacts > Apply.
Quick Start enables wireless direct transfer during new iPhone setup but requires both devices nearby and iOS 12.4+.
Both iPhones running iOS 12.4 or later
Adequate battery power to prevent interruption
Devices must remain close during transfer
Step 1. Turn on both iPhones > Continue on Quick Start screen.
Step 2. Scan animation with old iPhone > Enter passcode on new device.
Step 3. Set up Face ID/Touch ID > Transfer from iPhone on data screen.
Bluetooth provides wireless contact sharing but becomes time-consuming for large contact lists.
Step 1. Enable Bluetooth on both iPhones > Pair devices.
Step 2. Open Contacts > Select contacts > Share > Choose target iPhone.
Step 3. Accept transfer on new iPhone.
AirDrop offers convenient wireless transfer but limited to individual contacts, requiring repeated actions for multiple entries.
Step 1. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth > Settings > General > AirDrop.
Step 2. Open Contacts > Select contact > Share > AirDrop > Choose target iPhone.
Step 3. Accept onthe receiving device.
SIM card transfer works for contacts saved to SIM, but limited by SIM storage capacity and compatibility.
Step 1. Insert SIM with contacts into new iPhone.
Step 1. Settings > Contacts > Import SIM Contacts.
Step 3. Verify in Contacts app.
Google Gmail synchronization enables cross-platform contact management through cloud sync.
Step 1. On old iPhone: Settings > Passwords & Accounts > Add Account > Google.
Step 2. Sign in > Enable Contacts sync > Save.
Step 3. Repeat on new iPhone > Enable Contacts sync.
Step 4. Settings > Fetch New Data > Enable Push.
For users with sufficient iCloud space, the traditional method remains available:
Step 1. Old iPhone: Settings > [Apple ID] > iCloud > Enable Contacts > Merge.
Step 2. New iPhone: Sign in with same Apple ID > Contacts sync automatically.
These 7 proven methods to transfer contacts to new iPhone without iCloud cater to different user preferences and technical comfort levels. While each approach has merits, FoneTool stands out as the optimal solution for its safety, speed, and selective transfer capabilities. Choose the method that best fits your specific needs and technical environment to ensure your contacts transfer seamlessly to your new iPhone.