Transfer Contacts to New iPhone Without iCloud | 7 Proven Ways

How to transfer contacts to new iPhone without iCloud

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.

Method 1. Fastest & safest way to transfer contacts to new iPhone

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.

Method 2. Transfer contacts to new iPhone without iCloud via iTunes

iTunes offers traditional backup/restore or sync methods but lacks selective transfer and erases existing data.

Notes:✎...

No contact preview or selective transfer capability

Complete data restoration only (no individual file recovery)

Erases existing data on target iPhone during sync/restore

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.

Method 3. Move contacts to new iPhone using Quick Start

Quick Start enables wireless direct transfer during new iPhone setup but requires both devices nearby and iOS 12.4+.

Notes:✎...

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.

Method 4. Send contacts from iPhone to iPhone via Bluetooth

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.

Method 5. Share contacts on iPhone to new iPhone by Airdrop

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.

Method 6. Export contacts from iPhone to iPhone with SIM card

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.

Method 7. Backup and export iPhone contacts using Google Gmail

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.

Bonus: Transfer contacts to new iPhone with iCloud

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.

Summary

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.

FAQs on iPhone contacts transfer