Use the Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes to transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone or iPad

Transfer your personal data and purchased content to your new device from a backup that you made in Apple Devices, the Finder or iTunes.

If your backup isn't encrypted, your Health and Activity data from your iOS device or Apple Watch won't transfer.

How to transfer your backup to your new device

  1. Turn on your new device. A "Hello" screen should appear. If you've already set up your new device, you need to erase it before you can use these steps.*

  2. Follow the steps until you're on the Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from Mac or PC.

    An iPhone showing the Apps & Data screen with "Restore from Mac or PC" selected.

  3. Connect your new device to the computer that you used to back up your previous device.

  4. Open an Apple Devices, iTunes or Finder window on your computer and select your device. You may be asked to trust your device.

  5. Select Restore Backup. Then choose a backup. Make sure it's the correct one by looking at the date and size of each. Find out what to do if you're asked to update to a newer version of iOS or iPadOS.

  6. If you need to restore from an encrypted backup, enter your password when asked.

  7. Wait for the restore process to finish, then complete the rest of the setup steps on your iOS or iPadOS device. If possible, keep your device connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to power after setting it up. This will allow content that is stored in iCloud, such as your photos, music and apps, to automatically be downloaded back to your device.

* To erase your device that's using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Erase All Content and Settings. On iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will erase all of the data on your device. After you've erased it, your device will restart and the "Hello" screen will appear.

Finish up

After you transfer to your new iOS or iPadOS device, you might need to complete a few more steps to finish the process. If you have an Apple Watch, find out how to restore it from a backup and pair it with your new iPhone.

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