It’s really easy to transfer your photos, contacts, apps and everything else to your new iPhone. Here’s how…
Receiving a new iPhone is one of life’s sweetest pleasures. That feeling you get as you start to unbox it, it’s like a dozen Christmas mornings rolled into one moment. And when you pick it up for the first time, everything about your new iPhone is so perfect, you don’t even want to peel off the protective film. We’ve all been there…
Then, a sudden thought hits you. How exactly do I transfer all my content from my old iPhone, to my new one? It’s a question that haunts all of us the day we receive our new iPhone, so don’t think you’re alone. And please don’t think it’s going to be a problem, we’ll instruct you how to do it, in just a few easy steps.
First Thing’s First
Before you start, if you own an Apple Watch, you’ll need to unpair it from your old iPhone. When you unpair your Apple Watch, it gets automatically backed up, allowing you to restore your data once you pair with your new iPhone.
Option 1) – iCloud
This option will explain how to back up your old iPhone’s content to iCloud, which you can then transfer to your new iPhone. Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone via iTunes, as detailed below under Option Two – iTunes. If you’ve got slow Wi-Fi, Option Two might be better, but the choice is yours!
Back Up to iCloud
1. Connect your old iPhone to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > iCloud > Backup.
3. Turn on iCloud backup if it isn’t already, then tap Back Up Now.
4. Make sure your old iPhone stays connected to the Internet until the backup is complete.
Transfer Your SIM Card
• If you ordered a new contract deal on Three or Vodafone, insert your new SIM card into your new iPhone.
Transfer Your iCloud Backup to Your New iPhone
1. Turn your new device on and follow the steps until you reach the Wi-Fi screen. If you’ve already set up your new iPhone, you’ll need to reset it. See the bottom of the page for instructions on how to reset your iPhone.
2. Join an available Wi-Fi network and follow the steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen. Then, tap Restore from iCloud Backup > Next.
3. Sign in to iCloud using your Apple ID and password, then when asked to choose a backup, select the most recent one. If you’re asked to update to a newer version of iOS, follow these steps.
4. Ensure your iPhone remains connected to Wi-Fi, allowing the iCloud restore to complete. Once done, follow the remaining on-screen steps to finish setting up your new iPhone. You’ll notice your apps, photos and music begin downloading once you reach the Home screen.
Woo hoo! You’ve finished transferring content from your old iPhone, to your new iPhone! Read below for backing up and restoring via iTunes.
Option 2) – iTunes
This option will explain how to back up your old iPhone’s content to iTunes, which you can then transfer to your new iPhone. Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone via iCloud, as detailed above under Option One – iCloud. If you’ve got slow WiFi, Option Two might be better, but the choice is yours!
Back Up to iTunes
1. Connect your old iPhone to your computer using your Lightning to USB cable.
2. Open iTunes on your computer and select your device.
3. To save your Health and Activity data from your iPhone or Apple Watch, you’ll need to encrypt your backup. Select Encrypt [device] backup and make note of your password. If you don’t wish to save any Health and Activity data, simply click Back Up Now.
4. Once the backup finishes, check it has done so successfully by going to iTunes Preferences > Devices. If all is good, you’ll see the name of your iPhone, as well as the date and time the backup was created. A small padlock 🔒 will show if you encrypted your backup.
Transfer Your SIM Card
• If you ordered a new contract deal on Three or Vodafone, insert your new SIM card into your new iPhone.
Transfer Your iCloud Backup to Your New iPhone
1. Turn your new device on and follow the steps until you reach the Wi-Fi screen. If you’ve already set up your new iPhone, you’ll need to reset it. See the bottom of the page for instructions on how to reset your iPhone.
2. Join an available Wi-Fi network and follow the steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen. Then, tap Restore from iTunes Backup > Next.
3. Connect your iPhone to your computer using your Lightning to USB cable.
4. Open iTunes on your computer and select your device.
5. Select Restore Backup. When asked to choose a backup, select the most recent one. If you’re asked to update to a newer version of iOS, follow these steps. If you’re restoring from an encrypted backup, enter your password when prompted.
6. Ensure your iPhone remains connected to Wi-Fi and your computer, allowing the iTunes restore to complete. Once done, follow the remaining on-screen steps to finish setting up your new iPhone. You’ll notice your apps, photos and music begin downloading once you reach the Home screen.
Woo hoo! You’ve finished transferring content from your old iPhone, to your new iPhone!
Note: if for any reason you need to erase your iPhone, old or new, you can do so by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Once complete, your iPhone will restart and present the setup process.
