Transferring all your essential files from your old iPhone to your new iPhone can take most of a day (or more) using the iCloud Backup or phone-to-phone methods suggested when you turn your new phone on for the first time.
There is a faster way!
Here is what you need:
Your Computer: Mac or Windows (with iTunes)
You can use this same method on a Mac or Windows computer.
For Mac Users
You will need the latest version of MacOS installed. Follow the directions below using the Finder.
For Windows Users
You can use Windows 10 or 11 with the latest version of iTunes installed. Download the latest version of iTunes for Windows for free from the Microsoft Store.
Your iPhones, Old and New
For this method, you will need access to both your old and new iPhones. You will also need the appropriate cables to connect your phones to your computer.
Which cables do I need?
iPhone 15 and newer have a USB C port for wired connections, while most older iPhones have a Lightning port.
Preparing to Transfer
Remove large files from your old iPhone that don’t need to be backed up, like podcasts, movies, TV shows, etc. You can download those later after you move over to the new phone. You can review the largest files on your old iPhone by going to Settings > General > Storage.
Don’t forget! — Manually Transfer High-Security Apps & Services
Remember to manually transfer any two-factor authentication (2FA) apps, cryptocurrency wallets, encrypted message apps, or other security tools. The wired transfer process is unreliable for transferring high-security apps and data.
Transferring Your Data to a New iPhone
Step 1: Connect your OLD iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
You will need a lightning cable for the iPhone 14 line and older. iPhone 15 and newer will require a USB C cable.
For best results, connect your old phone directly to your computer using a high-speed cable. Shortly after you have connected your old iPhone, it should be listed as a device in the Finder / iTunes.
Step 2: Back up your old iPhone to your computer.
Open the old iPhone in the Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
Select “Back up all of the data on your iPhone...”
Click “Back Up Now” and wait for the backup to complete.
Unlock your old iPhone with your passcode when asked to do so.
Wait for your backup to complete.
SAVE TIME: Encrypt local backup
Check the box next to "Encrypt local backup" to protect your passwords and personal data. That will save you the hassle of re-entering all your passwords when you move to your new iPhone after the transfer.
Once the backup of your old iPhone has finished, it is OK to disconnect your old phone from the computer.
Step 3: Connect your NEW iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
You will need a USB C cable for the iPhone 15 and newer.
For best results, connect your new iPhone directly using a high-speed cable. Once your computer is connected, your new iPhone will be listed in the Finder / iTunes as in Step 1 above.
Step 4: Restore your NEW iPhone from the backup you created.
Open the new iPhone in the Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).
Choose the most recent update that you just created.
Select “Restore Backup“.
Click “Restore” and wait for the restore to finish. If asked, enter the password for your encrypted backup.
Keep your iPhone connected by USB. Your phone will restart.
Wait until your new iPhone has finished restoring from your computer.
When the restore is finished, it is OK to disconnect your new iPhone from your computer.
Done ✅
Congratulations!
You have successfully transferred your Mylio Photos Library, apps, and settings to your new iPhone!