How to transfer apps and data to a new iPhone from an old one
The ceremonial unboxing of a new iPhone is always an exciting moment.
Even relatively mundane acts like pulling off its protective cellophane wrapping seem exotic, as the minimalist hardware underneath is revealed.
But after unboxing a virginal handset, it’s not immediately obvious how to move all the data from your old iPhone, preventing game saves and photos from being lost forever.
It’s also important to ensure no personally identifiable information (PII) is left on the old handset, whether you’re planning to sell it, donate it or scrap it.
Something old, something new
Apple has made it relatively easy to transfer apps and data to a new iPhone, providing your current handset is reasonably up-to-date.
Assuming it’s running iOS 11 or later, it’s possible to use Apple’s proprietary Quick Start technology via Bluetooth.
With both handsets turned on and in close proximity, the existing handset will automatically ask if you want to use your Apple ID to set up the new phone.
If so, the new device will display an animation which the current one ought to recognise through its camera – though there’s a manual authentication option if this doesn’t work.
As well as a few instructions to register biometric security, you’ll be asked to make a choice:
1. To transfer all relevant files, folders and settings from your current phone via Bluetooth.
2. To pull relevant apps, data and settings from the most recent iCloud backup.
If your existing phone has iOS 12.4 (or a newer version), you can transfer data using iPhone migration by keeping the two phones beside each other while data is transferred.
This follows a similar process to the one outlined above. However, it might be advisable to transfer large media files more quickly, using Lightning to USB 3 adaptors.
Compare, confirm, delete all
Booting up a new iPhone for the first time shouldn’t feel significantly different to the old one, apart from differences in performance, screen size, etc.
Once you transfer apps and data to a new iPhone, we’d recommend checking both handsets contain the same information.
Ensure important apps still open, compare photo histories, check everyone’s contact details have ported over, and set up any online payment platforms.
Once everything is present and correct, conduct a factory reset of the old device.
This can be done by going to Settings > General > Reset. From there, choose Erase All Content and Settings.
If you haven’t already ensured your old iPhone has synchronised recent changes with the cloud, there’s one final opportunity to back up media files and other significant data.
Once the phone has been reset to factory settings, it may be sold to one of many high street and online phone purchase companies, safe in the knowledge it’s been stripped of all PII.