I just got a new iPhone and I’m trying to move all my apps from my old one. I’m not sure of the best way to do it without losing any data. Can someone guide me through the process?
Here’s the deal. Transferring apps from one iPhone to another isn’t rocket science, but of course, Apple’s gotta make it feel like an exclusive club ritual. So, first, make sure both your old and new phones are on Wi-Fi. On your new iPhone, during the setup, there’s this option called Quick Start. Basically, you put the two phones close together, and the tech gods magically sync them—apps, settings, photos, the whole shebang. It’s like tech’s version of a trust fall.
But wait, Apple’s not going to let you transfer everything perfectly. Some apps might need to re-download since the geniuses behind the App Store love complicating life. And don’t be surprised if some app data doesn’t seamlessly transfer because “privacy” or whatever they decide to call their red-tape nonsense that day.
Alternatively, you can go the iCloud route like a digital hoarder. Ensure you’ve backed up your old iPhone (Settings > Tap your name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) and then restore it to your fabulous new device during setup. Just select the iCloud backup option and wait approximately forever depending on your data.
And yeah, if you like living dangerously and don’t want to use iCloud, there’s always iTunes/Finder via your computer. Just back up the phone to your computer, then connect the new one, and restore that backup. Sure, it’s straight out of 2012, but hey, maybe you’re feeling nostalgic.
But honestly, no method’s flawless. You’ll probably lose a random app login or two and have a mini existential crisis. Why is this process still weirdly tedious in 2023? Ask Tim Cook.
Honestly, transferring apps between iPhones feels like walking a tightrope while juggling—unnecessarily intimidating. @himmelsjager covered the basics solidly, but let me throw another angle at ya. The Quick Start method? Sure, it’s shiny and all, but it needs both phones on the latest iOS, AND they have to agree to play nice. Ever tried syncing on a weak Wi-Fi? Total chaos, trust me. So while it’s a great first option, keep in mind Apple doesn’t really address the “what if your network sucks” scenario.
Now, about iCloud, I gotta ask—do you enjoy running out of storage mid-backup? Because unless you’re dropping cash for extra space, Apple’s generous 5GB limit barely covers your memes, let alone a full-blown app migration. You’re better off coughing up some $0.99/month if you haven’t already. AND, like @himmelsjager hinted, app-specific data can still ghost you thanks to all those “privacy restrictions.” Cool story, Apple.
If you hate all of that and have a spare cable lying around (who am I kidding, you’ve probably got five), give direct cable transfer a shot. USB-C, Lightning—it’s old-school, but hey, faster and more reliable. Plug both phones into the same Mac/PC and watch the literal wires handle the drama for you. Less Wi-Fi dependency, less headache.
One thing they didn’t mention? Subscriptions. Some apps, like streaming services, might not restore properly, so don’t freak out if you have to log back in manually. And games? Those are hit-or-miss unless tied to Game Center. Save progress can mysteriously vanish, no explanation, no warning.
TL;DR: Apple’s migration systems are decent but far from flawless. Expect minor hiccups no matter which route you choose. Just double-check stuff like passwords or progress on the critical apps—learned the hard way when my fitness app reset. Clearly, running up data-transfer stairs IS the real cardio.