SellUsediPhoneFast · Safe · Simple
The fastest way to transfer data to a new iPhone before selling the old one is Quick Start, which copies apps, settings, photos and messages directly between the 2 phones over a wireless or cable connection. An iCloud backup and a Mac or Windows computer backup are the 2 other methods. Each method keeps the old phone's data intact until it is erased, so the old phone stays unchanged until every check passes. Once the transfer is confirmed, the old phone is ready for Sell iPhone for Cash.
- Quick Start: phone to phone, no storage limit, needs both phones together.
- iCloud backup: restore over Wi-Fi, limited by iCloud storage.
- Computer backup: Finder on a Mac, or the Apple Devices app or iTunes on Windows.
- Erase rule: erase the old phone only after the new phone passes 6 checks.
How does Quick Start transfer data?
Quick Start transfers data by connecting the old and new iPhones directly, so the new phone copies the old phone's contents without uploading them to iCloud first. The process takes 7 steps:
- Update the old iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- Charge both phones, or connect both to power.
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the old phone.
- Turn on the new phone and place it next to the old phone.
- Scan the animation that appears on the new phone with the old phone's camera.
- Enter the old phone's passcode on the new phone, then set up Face ID or Touch ID.
- Choose "Transfer from iPhone" and keep the phones close until the transfer finishes.
A USB cable between the phones can speed up the transfer for large libraries. A new iPhone with USB-C connects to an older Lightning iPhone with a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Which transfer method should I use?
The best transfer method depends on whether both phones are available, the size of the data and the iCloud storage plan. The table compares the 3 methods.
| Attribute | Quick Start | iCloud backup | Computer backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs both phones together | Yes | No | No |
| Storage limit | None | iCloud plan size | Computer disk space |
| Internet speed matters | Little | Yes | No |
| Saved passwords and Health data | Included | Included | Included only in an encrypted backup |
| Keeps a separate copy | No | Yes | Yes |
Many sellers make an iCloud or computer backup first, then use Quick Start. The backup stays as a safety copy after the old phone is sold. How to Back Up Your iPhone Before You Sell It explains both backup methods.
How long does a transfer take?
A transfer usually takes from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount of data, the method and the connection. The table shows typical ranges.
| Data size | Quick Start (wireless) | iCloud restore |
|---|---|---|
| Under 32GB | About 15–30 minutes | About 30–60 minutes on fast Wi-Fi |
| 64–128GB | About 30–90 minutes | Several hours |
| 256GB or more | Several hours | Several hours to a day |
These ranges are estimates, and actual times vary with Wi-Fi speed and the number of apps. After the main transfer, apps continue to download in the background on the new phone. Keep both phones connected to power during the whole process.
What does not transfer automatically?
Some data does not transfer automatically, or needs action after the transfer. The common items are:
| Item | What happens | Action needed |
|---|---|---|
| Banking and payment apps | Sign-in usually required again | Sign in and complete device verification |
| Two-factor authentication apps | Some apps do not move codes | Use the app's own transfer or export feature |
| Apple Pay cards | Do not move | Add cards again in Wallet |
| Messaging apps with local history | Some need their own backup | Use the app's chat backup, for example in WhatsApp |
| Apple Watch pairing | Needs pairing with the new phone | Follow the prompt on the new phone, or pair again |
| Physical SIM | Stays in the old phone | Move it, or convert to eSIM with the carrier |
When is it safe to erase the old iPhone?
The old iPhone is safe to erase after the new phone passes 6 checks:
- The photo library count matches the old phone.
- Recent messages and attachments appear.
- Every two-factor authentication code works.
- Banking apps sign in and pass device verification.
- Calls and texts work on the new phone number or eSIM.
- Any Apple Watch is paired with the new phone.
After these checks, sign out of the Apple Account on the old phone, which turns off Find My, and then erase all content and settings. How to Factory Reset an iPhone Before Selling It covers the erase steps.
How do I transfer data with an iCloud backup?
Transfer data with an iCloud backup in 5 steps:
- On the old phone, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud > iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now.
- Wait until the backup finishes and shows today's date.
- Turn on the new phone and follow setup until the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen.
- Choose From iCloud Backup and sign in with the Apple Account.
- Select the latest backup and stay on Wi-Fi until the restore completes.
A free iCloud account includes 5GB of storage, which is often too small for a full backup. Apple offers temporary extra iCloud storage for a new iPhone transfer in some cases, shown during the backup prompt in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
How do I transfer data with a computer?
Transfer data with a computer in 5 steps:
- Connect the old phone to a Mac or a Windows PC with a cable.
- Open Finder on a Mac, or the Apple Devices app or iTunes on Windows.
- Select the iPhone, check Encrypt local backup, set a password and click Back Up Now.
- Connect the new phone and choose Restore Backup.
- Select the latest backup and enter the encryption password.
An encrypted backup includes saved passwords, Health data and Wi-Fi settings, which an unencrypted backup leaves out. Record the encryption password, because a lost password makes the backup unusable.
Does Quick Start move my eSIM?
Quick Start can move the eSIM to the new iPhone when the carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, which most major U.S. carriers support. The setup screen asks whether to transfer the cellular plan. After the transfer, the old phone's eSIM stops working. Some carriers require confirmation in their app or by phone. What to Do With Your eSIM Before Selling Your iPhone covers other cases.
What if the old iPhone has a cracked screen?
A cracked screen on the old iPhone does not stop a transfer as long as the touchscreen responds. Quick Start needs the old phone's camera and a few taps. When the touchscreen does not respond, connect the old phone to a computer it already trusts and make a backup, or use an iCloud backup that is already up to date. The phone can then be sold with its cracked screen. How Much Is a Cracked iPhone Worth? explains pricing.
What if the old iPhone does not turn on?
An old iPhone that does not turn on cannot transfer data directly. The only data available is what was already backed up to iCloud or a computer, or synced to iCloud services such as Photos and Messages in iCloud. Restore that backup to the new phone. The non-working phone can still be sold. Selling an iPhone That Won't Turn On: Your Options explains the options.
Should I keep the backup after selling?
Keep the backup for at least 30 days after selling, so any missed data can be recovered. An iCloud backup of the old phone remains in iCloud storage until it is deleted in Settings > your name > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Delete it after 30 days to free storage. A computer backup can stay on the computer as long as disk space allows.
Does a transfer change the old phone's value?
A transfer does not change the old phone's value, because it copies data without changing the hardware. The old phone's offer depends on model, storage, carrier lock status and condition. Erasing the phone after the transfer is required for the sale, because a phone that is still signed in has Activation Lock. How Much Is My iPhone Worth If I Sell It Today? explains pricing.
What is the right order from transfer to sale?
The right order from transfer to sale has 8 steps:
| Order | Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Request a quote for the old phone |
| 2 | Back up the old phone |
| 3 | Transfer to the new phone with Quick Start |
| 4 | Run the 6 checks on the new phone |
| 5 | Unpair the Apple Watch from the old phone |
| 6 | Sign out of the Apple Account and turn off Find My |
| 7 | Erase all content and settings |
| 8 | Ship within the quote's 14-day validity |
How to Prepare Your iPhone to Sell: 9-Step Checklist covers the preparation steps.
What if the transfer stops partway?
A transfer that stops partway can be restarted. Move the phones closer, connect both to power and check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. When Quick Start fails twice, erase the new phone in Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and start setup again, or switch to the iCloud or computer method. The old phone's data is not changed by a failed transfer.
Can I transfer to an iPhone on a different carrier?
Data can transfer to an iPhone on a different carrier, because Quick Start, iCloud and computer backups do not depend on the carrier. Only the phone number and cellular plan depend on the carrier. Move the number by porting it to the new carrier, which activates the eSIM or SIM on the new phone.
How do I move WhatsApp chats to the new iPhone?
WhatsApp chats move to a new iPhone through Quick Start in most cases, or through WhatsApp's own iCloud chat backup. To use the chat backup, open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup on the old phone, tap Back Up Now, then sign in to WhatsApp on the new phone with the same number and the same Apple Account and restore. Confirm the chats appear before erasing the old phone.
Does the transfer include my Apple Watch data?
Apple Watch activity and health data transfer with an iCloud or encrypted computer backup and with Quick Start, because the data is stored on the iPhone. During setup, the new phone offers to pair the watch. When pairing fails, unpair the watch from the old phone, which backs up the watch to the old phone first, and then pair it with the new phone. Unpair Your Apple Watch Before Selling Your iPhone covers the steps.
Frequently asked questions about transferring data before selling
What is the best way to transfer data to a new iPhone?
Quick Start is the best way for most people, because it copies apps, settings, photos and messages directly from the old iPhone to the new one with no iCloud storage limit. Make an iCloud or encrypted computer backup first as a safety copy. Keep both phones charged and close together until the transfer finishes.
How long does it take to transfer data to a new iPhone?
A transfer usually takes 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount of data and the method. Phones with under 32GB of data often finish Quick Start in about 15–30 minutes. Phones with 256GB or more can take several hours. Apps continue downloading in the background after the main transfer.
What does not transfer when I move to a new iPhone?
Apple Pay cards, some two-factor authentication codes, banking app sign-ins and local chat history in some messaging apps need action after a transfer. Add cards again in Wallet, use each authenticator app's own transfer feature and sign in to banking apps. A physical SIM card stays in the old phone until it is moved.
When can I erase my old iPhone after transferring?
Erase the old iPhone after the new phone passes 6 checks: photos match, messages appear, two-factor codes work, banking apps sign in, calls and texts work, and any Apple Watch is paired. Then sign out of the Apple Account on the old phone and erase all content and settings. A free quote with these details shows the exact offer, which stays valid for 14 days.
Can I transfer data from an old iPhone with a broken screen?
An old iPhone with a cracked but working touchscreen can still use Quick Start. When the touchscreen does not respond, connect the phone to a computer it already trusts and make a backup, or restore the latest iCloud backup to the new phone. The damaged old phone can then be sold for cash.
Sources and references
- Apple Support: use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad.
- Apple Support: how to back up your iPhone with iCloud or a computer.
- Apple Support: transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone.