How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone XS (Max)/XR

Apple has just announced its brand new lineup of iPhones, including iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. Though they are a little more expensive, many people are set on getting the three entirely new devices to enjoy the all-screen, faster and more advanced Face ID, the smartest and most powerful A12 Bionic chip, a breakthrough dual-camera system with Depth Control, and so much more amazing new features. 

If you're among the multitudes who get your shiny new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max or iPhone XR, or any new iPhone or iPad, you'll need to transfer content like photos, contacts, messages, videos, music, apps and more from your previous iOS device to your new handset. Well, switching from an old iPhone to a new iPhone/iPad is quite common and not too difficult to do. You can either use Quick Start, iCloud, iTunes, or a third-party iPhone data transfer software. In this article we will show you 4 practical methods to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone with detailed steps. Choose the one best suits your situation and start enjoying your brand new iPhone. 

1. Transfer Data to New iPhone with Phone Transfer 

Your old iPhone has all kinds of sensitive and important data – then how to transfer everything from old iPhone to your new iPhone? Here we recommend FoneGeek Phone Transfer, which is the best iPhone data transfer tool that can help you move data from old iPhone X/8/7/6s/6 to new iPhone XS/XS Max/XR with one click. With it, you can easily transfer all your data including photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, call logs, and more between iPhones directly without iTunes/iloud. The program is simple, secure, and fully compatible with iOS 12. 

How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud/iTunes 

1. Download and install the iPhone Data Transfer tool on your computer. Launch it and select "Phone to Phone Transfer" mode. 
2. Connect both of your old and new iPhone to the program. Ensure your new iPhone is listed on the Destination device panel using the "Flip" button. 
3. Now select the files you would like to transfer, then click on "Start Transfer" to begin the iPhone to iPhone data transfer process. 

Note: Even if you're switching from an old Android, Windows, or Blackberry smartphone, you can still use FoneGeek Phone Transfer to transfer your data to your new iPhone XS/XS Max/XR. 

2. Transfer Data form iPhone to iPhone via Quick Start 

If your old iPhone device running on iOS 11 or the latest iOS 12, you can transfer data and settings from the old device to your new iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR when in close physical proximity. 

How to automatically transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone

1. Turn on your new iPhone and place it close your old iPhone running iOS 11/12. 
2. Wait for the Quick Start screen appears on your old iPhone and asks you to set up your new iPhone with your Apple ID. Just tap "Continue". 
3. Use your old iPhone to scan the image that appears on your new iPhone, then follow the steps to enter your old iPhone's passcode on the new device. 
4. Follow the instructions to set up Touch ID or Face ID on your new iPhone, and choose to restore it from your most recent iCloud or iTunes backup. 
5. Now complete the set up process for your new iPhone as you normally would. 

3. Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone using iCloud 

Many users prefer to use Apple's online service, iCloud, to back up and restore their iPhone. In such case, you can back up your old iPhone device in iCloud and transfer the backup to your new iPhone. 

Make an iCloud Backup: 

1. On your old iPhone, go to Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup. 
2. Make sure that iCloud Backup is turned on and tap on "Back Up Now". 

Transfer iCloud Backup to new iPhone:

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the steps until you see the Apps & Data screen. 
2. Choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password. 
3. Choose the backup you just made. Then stay connected and wait for the restore process to finish. 

Note: If you've already set up your new iPhone, you need to erase it before doing the above steps. To erase your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. 

4. Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone using iTunes

Another service from Apple to backup and restore iPhone is iTunes. If you have made a backup of your old iPhone using iTunes, you can restore and transfer the backup to your new iPhone. Please make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. 

Make an iTunes Backup:

1. Connect your old iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes. 
2. Click on the iPhone icon in the menu bar and tap "Back Up Now". 

Transfer iTunes Backup to new iPhone: 

1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the directions until you see the Apps & Data screen. 
2. Choose "Restore from iTunes Backup" and plug your new iPhone into the computer that you used to back up your old iPhone. 
3. Open iTunes and select "Restore from this backup", then choose the backup of your old iPhone you recently made. 
4. Tap "Continue", keep your iPhone plugged into iTunes and wait for the restore process to complete. 

In Conclusion

Whether you're using Quick Start, iCloud, iTunes or FoneGeek Phone Transfer, it's best to make a backup of your old iPhone before doing switching. Comparing back up your iPhone with iCloud or iTunes, here we recommend you use FoneGeek iOS Data Backup & Restore. This powerful program allows you to selectively back up only what you need on your iPhone, as well as selectively restore iPhone from previous backup.