Transfer Info from iPhone to iPhone | 4 Best Methods

Our guide compares ways to transfer info between iPhones. Get steps for Apple's Quick Start, iCloud, and iTunes, plus FoneTool for selective data transfer without a full reset.

By @Kelsey
Last Updated January 30, 2026

Upgrading to a new iPhone is exciting, but moving your information (photos, messages, contacts, and settings) can feel daunting. You want a seamless transition where your new phone feels immediately familiar. Whether you call it “info”or “data”, the need is the same: a complete and easy transfer from your old iPhone to your new iPhone. This guide compares the four most effective methods, from a powerful tool that gives you precise control to Apple's built-in solutions, helping you choose the best path for a stress-free migration.

Method

Best For

Speed

FoneTool

Selective transfers; merging data;moving data after setup

Very Fast(USB)

Quick Start

Simple, wireless setup of abrand-new phone

Medium (Wi-Fi)

iCloud Backup

Restoring without the old device; cloud users

Slow (Internet)

iTunes/Finder

Large, local backups; users with slow internet

Fast (Wired)

Method 1. Use FoneTool for Selective and Flexible Transfer

When you need precision and control like moving only your photos and contacts, or adding data to an iPhone you're already using- a dedicated iPhone data manager like FoneTool is the ideal solution. It uniquely solves the limitation of other methods by allowing you to transfer data selectively without erasing your new iPhone.

🔍This method is best for: Users who want to choose specific data types, merge content from an old device into a new one that's already set up, or need the fastest possible transfer speed.
FoneTool

This powerful iPhone data management tool is the best way to backup iPhone without iCloud or iTunes.

  • Transfer only the data you choose, not everything
  • Add data to a new iPhone without needing to reset it
  • Experience the fastest transfer speeds via a direct USB connection
  • Use an intuitive, point-and-click interface anyone can master
  • Keep all data locally on your computer for total privacy
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Step 1. Connect your old iPhone to your PC with FoneTool installed. Go to“Phone Transfer” > “iPhone to PC”.

Step 2. Browse and select only the files you need (e.g., Camera Roll, Contacts), then transfer them to your computer.

Step 3. Now, connect your new iPhone. Switch to “PC to iPhone” mode.

Step 4. Choose the data categories to import, and click “Start Transfer” to initiate the transfer. Your selected info will be added directly to your new device.

★Tip:
FoneTool also includes a direct “iPhone to iPhone” transfer function for moving all data at once during a new device after setup, perfect for a complete migration.

Method 2. UseQuick Start for Direct Wireless Transfer

Apple's Quick Start is the simplest way to migrate all your data wirelessly during the initial setup of your brand-new iPhone.

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This method is best for: Users setting up a completely new iPhone who want a fully automated, official Apple process.

Step 1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your old one. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your old device.

Step 2. When the Quick Start screen appears on your old iPhone, tap "Continue" and use its camera to scan the swirling animation on your new iPhone's screen.

Step 3. Enter your old iPhone's passcode on the new device to establish the connection.

Step 4. On the “Transfer Your Data” screen, select “Transfer from iPhone”. Keep both phones near each other and plugged into power until completion.

📝Note: ransfer speed depends on your Wi-Fi network and data size. For very large photo libraries, a wired method may be significantly faster.

Method 3. Use iCloud Backup to Restore Data to New iPhone

Using an iCloud backup is a classic and reliable method, ideal if you don't have both phones physically together, prefer cloud solutions, or need to restore your new iPhone from a backup created earlier.

🔍This method is best for: Users who regularly back up to iCloud or need to restore a phone without the old device physically present.

Step 1. On your old device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. Ensure the feature is on and tap "Back Up Now". Wait for the upload to complete.

Step 2. Turn on your new iPhone. Follow the setup steps until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen. Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup".

Step 3. Sign in with your Apple ID, select the most recent backup from the list, and stay connected to Wi-Fi until the restore finishes. Your apps will begin downloading automatically.

💡Important: The free 5GB iCloud storage is often insufficient. You may need to manage storage or purchase more space to complete a full backup.

Method 4. Use iTunes or Finder for a Wired Computer Backup

For a fast, local backup independent of internet speed, use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to create a complete device snapshot on your computer. This method is excellent for creating a complete, encrypted snapshot on your personal computer.

🔍This method is best for: Users with large data volumes, slow internet, or a preference for a physical backup file.

Step 1. Connect your old iPhone to your computer with a USB cable and open iTunes (or Finder on Mac). Select your device, and under "General" to choose "This computer".

Step 2. For security, you can check "Encrypt local backup", and click "Back Up Now".

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

Step 4. In iTunes/Finder, select the new device and click "Restore Backup". Choose the backup you just created and wait for the process to finish.

FAQs oniPhone Info & Data Transfer

Conclusion

Transferring all your info from your old iPhone to a new one is a manageable task with the right approach. For a quick, full migration during unboxing, Apple's Quick Start is wonderfully simple. iCloud Backup suits cloud-centric users, while iTunes/Finder provides a reliable wired alternative.

For the greatest flexibility and control- particularly when you need to transfer data selectively or after initial setup- a dedicated manager like FoneTool is the superior solution. It transforms iPhone to iPhone transfer into a precise, fast, and stress-free experience, ensuring you move exactly what you want, when you want.