When the time comes to replace your old iPhone with a new model, one of the first things you should consider is transferring data from old to new. You will certainly want to transfer any crucial data, such as contacts, to the new device. The common approach to this is to transfer from iPhone to iPhone using iCloud backup.
However, this method may not always be possible (or desirable) so a common user question we see is how to transfer data from one iPhone to another without using iCloud.
Why Would You Transfer Data Between iPhones Without using iCloud
There are several different reasons why you would look to move everything from one iPhone to another iPhone without accessing iCloud. For example:
- You cannot use the screen on your iPhone and you have never activated iCloud, or you have just purchased a new iPhone and would want to transfer information from the old iPhone to the current one.
- You’ve set a restriction on the amount of data you can store in iCloud, and it’s already used up. You don’t want to pay more to upgrade your capacity.
- You are not a fan of the sync and backup option that iCloud provides and prefer the ease of another method.
If that sounds like you then here are possible options for transfer. These will help you learn how to transfer data between two iPhones without using the main iCloud route. Note that we do advise the iCloud approach is used whenever possible but the following alternatives are available if wanted.
How To Data Transfer Between iPhone Mobiles And Not Use iCloud
How to Transfer Data From iPhone to iPhone via Quick Start
Quick Start is one of the alternatives for non-iCloud data transfer between a pair of iPhones. QuickStart will enable you to transfer your data using the iPhone Migration option if both the source and destination iPhones are running iOS 12.4 or later.
To connect both devices, turn on Bluetooth on your old iPhone and follow these instructions to prepare your new iPhone. You can then wirelessly transfer all data to your new device.
Step 1: Turn on your old iPhone’s Bluetooth and switch on your new iPhone.
Step 2: Place the two phones close to each other. The Quick Start screen will appear on your source iPhone, providing the option to set up your new iPhone using your Apple ID.
Step 3: Confirm that it is the Apple ID you wish to use, then click “Continue.”
Step 4: You should now see an animation on the current iPhone. Place the old iPhone over the new one, centre the animation in the viewfinder, and a message “Finish on New iPhone” will appear.
Step 5: Enter the passcode shown from the prior iPhone on the new iPhone.
Step 6: Set up FaceID or Touch ID on the new device by following the on-screen directions.
Step 7: Now, press the “Transfer from iPhone” button to move all information from one iPhone to the other.
How to Transfer Data From iPhone to iPhone via iTunes
An iTunes backup can contain almost all the data and settings on a registered iOS device. However, certain limitations exist, such as copyright material from iTunes and App Stores, information synced from iTunes, and data already saved in iCloud (Apple’s information may be found here).
Creating an iTunes backup is quite similar to creating an iCloud backup: To move data from iPhone to iPhone using iTunes, you must back up the old device and then restore the new phone data from the iTunes backup while configuring the new device. Install the most recent version of iTunes on your computer. Then, using iTunes, move data to your new iPhone/iPad as follows:
Step 1: Plug your prior gadget into the computer via USB.
Step 2: In iTunes, choose “Device” and “Summary.”
Step 3: Press the “Back Up Now” button to begin backing up your old iPhone.
Step 4: Turn on your new smartphone and go through the setup process until you find the Apps & Data screen.
Step 5: Tap “Restore from Mac or PC” and connect your new iPhone to the computer where you backed up your old iPhone.
Step 6: Go to the “Devices” tab in iTunes and select “Restore Backup.”
Step 7: Select the appropriate backup and wait for the procedure to complete. (If you encrypted the backup, you’d need to input the password before you can restore it.)
Step 8: Complete the remaining setup tasks.
How to Transfer Data iPhone to iPhone via the Finder
As we all know, iTunes is no longer available and has been replaced by Finder on macOS Catalina systems. If you have a Mac, utilising Finder is a good choice. The processes are identical to those of using iTunes.
You can follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect your old iPhone to your Mac, which is running macOS Catalina, and start Finder.
Step 2: In the Locations section, choose your iPhone.
Step 3: If you are prompted to trust this computer, click “Trust.”
Step 4: Select “Back Up Now.”
Step 5: Disconnect your old iPhone and reconnect it to the PC.
Step 6: Continue configuring your new iPhone until you reach the “App & Data” screen.
Step 7: On this window, choose “Restore from a Mac or PC.”
Step 8: Follow the on-screen directions to complete the remaining setup procedures.
When Is This Process Is The Better Choice
If you plan on purchasing an iPhone 13/12/11/XR, it is advisable to research how to transfer data between two iPhones without using iCloud if that is what wanted. If a non-iCloud transfer suits your circumstances or preferences then you can consider using one of the techniques described above. Using QuickStart or Finder when transferring data from an older iPhone to a brand new iPhone are both great options.
Remember also that there may be no need to buy that new iPhone. Mobile phone parts, iPhone screens and batteries from our store here at iParts4U may help you repair your older model iPhone, saving you money. Contact us for advice if a repair or part replacement looks the best option for your situation.
