Start with this check.
With the old iPhone unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, place the new one nearby during setup. Follow Quick Start and check which transfer method you select.
Have a backup and Apple Account access before switching. Keep the old phone until the new one is verified. Resetting a configured iPhone deletes its contents; it is not a harmless test.
Which situation matches yours?
Let’s go step by step.
0 of 5 checks completedMark each check to keep track during this visit.
Prepare access and content
Check the old passcode, account access and a recent backup. List essential photos, messages, files and apps. Choose a period when neither phone is needed and keep power available.
Resolve account access before relying on the new device to receive verification codes.
Start setup between your own devices
With the old phone on its Home Screen, Wi-Fi connected and Bluetooth enabled, turn on the new one nearby and follow the setup prompt. Verify these are your devices. If the prompt disappears, consult Apple’s restart guidance.
Expect the device setup process, not links from supposed migration services.
Choose the method knowingly
Read whether you are downloading from iCloud or transferring directly. Direct transfer occupies both devices; downloading from a backup may continue after setup. Keep the conditions requested by the assistant.
Reaching the Home Screen does not prove every app or photo has finished downloading.
Check phone service and important apps
Complete SIM or eSIM steps offered by your carrier. Test calls and texts separately from content copying. Open email, WhatsApp and authenticators and complete access; a transferred icon does not guarantee activation.
Missing service needs your carrier. An app problem needs that service’s instructions while you retain the old device.
Verify before retiring the old phone
Open photos from several dates, a video, contacts and important files. Check sync and download progress. Keep a pending-items list and valid backup before preparing the old phone for sale or handover.
For a missing item, determine whether it exists on the old phone, in a backup or in iCloud. Do not erase the sole source to repeat a test.
When to stop and ask for help
For repeated interruptions or account access failure, contact Apple with versions and the failing stage. Avoid repeatedly erasing a destination without reviewing newly created content.
Does a step differ from what you see? →Common questions
Does Quick Start work without the old iPhone?
Setup using the previous device requires it to be available. Otherwise review backups and Apple’s other methods.
Do visible photos prove transfer is finished?
Open full files and review download status. Thumbnails do not verify all content.
Does eSIM always activate automatically?
It depends on devices and carrier. Follow the offered process and test calls and texts.
Sources and review
Project owner: Eudald Ferrer Ibáñez. Report a correction.
This guide uses official documentation and our own troubleshooting sequence. Menus may change between versions. Documentation reviewed on September 28, 2026; practical device testing is still pending.
How we review and correct guides →Have you identified the problem?
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