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How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud - 5 Easy ways
Effortlessly transfer data between iPhones without iCloud. Discover seamless methods like Quick Start, iTunes, and AirDrop, or opt for third-party software for after-setup transfer.
There are multiple ways to get your iPhone data transferred to another iPhone, without having to use iCloud.
Knowing how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone proves valuable, particularly when transitioning to a new device. If you've backed up your old iPhone to iCloud, the data migration becomes seamless. Upon setting up the new iPhone, you can easily restore from the iCloud backup to get everything transferred, including all your personal data and purchased content.
For those unable to use iCloud for iPhone migration, this guide will explore several methods on how to transfer everything from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud efficiently, involving the use of Quick Start, iTunes backup and the wireless AirDrop feature. Additionally, we'll introduce advanced software like iPhone Data Transfer, which facilitates selective file transfer and one-click data transfer to new iPhone after setup, without using iCloud or any data erasing.
Let's delve into the detailed process of transferring data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud.
How to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone with iCloud
Before delving into non-iCloud methods, consider a quick check to see if you're able to use iCloud to wirelessly transfer iPhone to iPhone. Starting from iOS 15, Apple introduced the Prepare for New iPhone feature which provides temporary iCloud storage for 21 days, making it easier to transfer all data to new iPhone by restoring from a previous iPhone's backup in iCloud.
Make sure you have a full iCloud backup of your current iPhone data. If the target device has been in use, ensure it's erased and reset to factory settings before proceeding with the following steps for data transfer from old iPhone to new iPhone with iCloud:
Turn on your new iPhone, and you'll see the Hello screen.
Follow the onscreen prompts to set it up.
On the network screen, connect the device to a Wi-Fi network.
Proceed until you see the Apps & Data screen.
Choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
Sign in to iCloud with Apple ID and password.
Then choose a backup that contains everything you want to transfer to the new iPhone.
Finish the setup steps, then all data in that iCloud backup will be downloaded to the new device in minutes, including your personal data and purchased content.
How to transfer everything from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud
To make data transfer between iPhones without iCloud, consider Apple-supported options like Quick Start and iTunes backup. For more convenient iPhone-to-iPhone transfer after setup, try using the iPhone Data Transfer tool to move files selectively or all at once. For smaller files, AirDrop is an ideal option to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone wirelessly without iCloud.
Transfer iPhone to iPhone without iCloud via Quick Start
When it comes to transferring data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud, Quick Start could be your first option for wireless iPhone data migration. Equipped within iOS 11 or later, Quick Start enables you to transfer everything to a new iPhone while setting it up automatically.
To get started, ensure your iPhones are close to each other and both plugged in to power until the data migration is complete. Make sure your current iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi network and has Bluetooth on. Once ready, follow these steps to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone without iCloud by using Quick Start:
Turn on the new iOS device and follow the setup prompts to proceed.
Connect it to Wi-Fi or cellular network and set up your Face ID or Touch ID.
After selecting the language and region, the Quick Start screen appears.
Then tap Continue on your phone's screen.
When your new iPhone shows a blue pattern, place the old device over it to scan.
Once matched, enter the passcode to your old device.
To continue, set up your Face ID or Touch ID of your new phone.
Choose Transfer from iPhone on next screen. This will transfer everything directly from your iPhone to the new iPhone, without needing iCloud backup.
Finish setup process, and all data will be transferred to your new iPhone smoothly.
Note: If you've already set up the new device, it's essential to erase all its content and settings and revert it to Hello screen for initiating the data transfer process.
Transfer data to new iPhone after setup without iCloud - iPhone Data Transfer
To prevent unexpected data loss, there's a more direct way to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone after setup without using iCloud. That's where iPhone Data Transfer comes in handy.
This file-transferring tool for iPhone users enables painless data transfer between iPhone and iPhone without using iCloud or iTunes, allowing you to preview, select, and transfer desired files to or from an iOS device effectively. This includes the transfer of photos, videos, music files, text messages, and many other useful data files. Moreover, it also supports one-click data transfer that lets you move everything from one iPhone to another without the need for data erasure.
More advanced key features for iPhone-to-iPhone data transfer without iCloud:
Transfer data from iPhone to iPhone selectively or all at once
Allow for iOS data migration after setup without any data erasing during transfer process
Support various file transfers from iPhone to iPhone/iPad/PC/Mac or vice versa
Compatible with the latest iOS 17 and all earlier versions
High-speed bulk file transfer without requiring network connection
Whether for the selective or full data transfer on iOS, here are the steps for how to transfer data from one iPhone to another without iCloud directly:
Step 1: Install and open iPhone Data Transfer on computer. It works well on both Mac or Windows PC.
Step 2: Connect both the source and target iPhones via USB cables. From the drop-down selector at the top, select the device you want to transfer data from.
Step 3: Choose your wanted data files to transfer. Choose specific file types on the left, and select everything you wish to move to the new iPhone.
Step 4: Transfer files to the other iPhone. Click the phone icon at the top toolbar, then select the target device. All selected files will be transferred directly without data loss.
iPhone-to-iPhone data transfer without iCloud - One-click option
Additionally, if you intend to transfer everything to a new iPhone without iCloud with a single click, here are the steps you'll want to follow:
Run iPhone Data Transfer program on your PC or Mac.
Navigate to Phone to Phone mode at the bottom of the main screen.
Connect the source iPhone first and then link the new iOS device.
Tick the checkboxes next to the files you'd like to transfer.
One-click on Start button to begin data transfer to another iPhone without iCloud.
That's how you can move files between two iOS devices with simple clicks. Once done, disconnect the phones and enjoy all transferred photos and music on your iPhone without iTunes or iCloud!
Video Guide: How to Transfer Everything to new iPhone without iCloud
Transfer all data from an iPhone to another without iCloud using iTunes / Finder
iTunes (or Finder on Mac) is also a good way to transfer data to a new iPhone once you've backed up your old iPhone with your computer. Simply power on and activate the new phone, and proceed with setup process. When the Apps & Data screen comes into sight, you have the option to choose Restore from Mac or PC and get everything to the new iPhone from your previous device's backup.
Take the steps below for transferring iPhone to iPhone without iCloud using iTunes or Finder:
1. Back up current iPhone data to iTunes on computer.
Connect the old iPhone with computer and run the latest version of iTunes.
Click the phone icon on iTunes window when it appears at the top-left corner.
Move to Summary tab > Backups section.
Click Back Up Now to manually create a full backup of all your current iPhone data.
For Mac users, open Finder on macOS 10.15 or later; else, launch iTunes on earlier macOS.
2. Disconnect the old phone and set up your new iPhone.
Turn on your new iPhone and go through the setup process.
When the Apps & Data page shows up, choose Restore from Mac or PC.
3. Restore all data from old iPhone's backup to new iPhone.
Attach the new phone to your computer via a USB cable.
Select your device from iTunes or Finder window and navigate to Summary > Backups.
Click on Restore Backup button to pick the backup archive you just created.
Follow the onscreen instructions to get everything to new iPhone.
Note: The process will wipe out everything on the target iPhone and restore it with the iTunes backup data of your previous device.
Transfer data from iPhone to iPhone wirelessly without iCloud via AirDrop
To transfer small files between iPhones without iCloud, AirDrop would be a better option. Instead of transferring entire iPhone data to another iPhone, AirDrop offers more flexibility to move files between iOS devices wirelessly. You can simply select an individual or multiple files on one iPhone and then share to another nearby iPhone that is within the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth range. It's quite easy to use. Here's what to do for wireless data transfer between iPhones via AirDrop:
On both iPhones, swipe down on the screen to wake up Control Center.
In the network card, ensure both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on.
Long press the AirDrop button and set it to Everyone.
On the sharing iPhone, open the file you wish to send and tap the share button.
In the list of sharing options, choose AirDrop.
It will automatically display all nearby AirDrop devices.
Select the receiving iPhone to transfer the files.
AirDrop makes things easier especially for photo transfer between iPhones without iCloud. But if you want to transfer bulk files from one iPhone to another, the AirDrop process will be time-consuming.
FAQs on iPhone data transfer
Q1: Can I transfer everything from my old iPhone to my new iPhone without iCloud?
If you don't want to use iCloud for data transfer from or to an iPhone, there are a few other options:
Quick Start (iOS 11 or later): Support wireless data transfer while automatically setting up the new iPhone with your current device's data and settings.
iTunes or Finder: Create a computer backup of everything on your old iPhone, and then transfer the backup data to another iOS device through restoration.
Third-party iPhone data transfer software: Available to make lossless data transfer between iPhones even after setup, and compatible with various data files, such as photos, videos, audio files, text messages, contacts and so on.
Q2: How can I transfer data from iPhone to iPhone after setup?
For those who prefer to get data to a new iPhone after setup, the iPhone Data Transfer software can be an effective option that directly transfers files from an iPhone to another, without having to use iCloud or iTunes. It doesn't affect any current data on your phones. Additionally, it gives you full control of which data files to transfer. You can move just some certain files, or simply transfer all data to the other iPhone with just a single click.
Q3: How do I transfer data from iPhone to iPhone wirelessly?
To move data from an iPhone to another, Apple offers wireless options like iCloud, Quick Start and AirDrop. While the built-in AirDrop on iOS works perfectly for small-sized file transfer, iCloud and Quick Start transfer your entire iPhone data to another totally new iPhone from its setup screen. If the device you want to transfer data to is already set up, it needs to be reset and erased before initiating the transfer.
