From time to time, the users who like it so much iPhone we make the leap to a new model. Logically, when we start it it does not have any configuration, and putting everything to our liking can be a long and tedious process. It is not only about adding our iCloud account, but we also have to download applications, configure them one by one, place them on the home screen, add widgets... a lot of work that we can save if we wish.
I think it is important to highlight the fact that this is optional. There are people who prefer to start from scratch with a clean installation without possible imperfections. It is not something that has to happen, but there is always the possibility that at transfer data from one iPhone to another, if the source device has a small configuration error, it is carried over to the new one. Having explained this, each one must evaluate the pros and cons of each option.
Until the release of iOS 12.4, which took place in 2019, the options were different. We could save a backup copy of the source device in iTunes and recover it on the new iPhone, but it was not the most reliable – due to the model jump – nor the most convenient. That iOS 12.4 introduced an option called “Transfer your data” that will allow the new device to use the settings of the previous one so that we can enjoy the new device with everything in its place.
How to transfer data from one iPhone to another
In order to carry out the procedure we only need two things: the old iPhone, which is the one we want to clone, and the new one, to which we want to transfer the data. The new one must be unconfigured, with the classic blank initial screen that can read "Hello" in several languages. With both devices at hand and one close to the other, the process would look like this:
- We place the two iPhones next to each other. If one has a low battery, it is a good idea to plug it into a power outlet. In fact, it doesn't hurt to connect them even if they have a battery.
- We begin the configuration process of the new iPhone.
- We select the language we want to use.
- On the old iPhone, a window will appear showing the possibility of using it to configure the new iPhone. Here we click on "Continue".
- Now we take the old iPhone and scan the point cloud that appears on the screen of the new iPhone with its camera. This point is similar to what we see on the Apple Watch when we want to pair it with our iPhone.
- After successfully reading the information from the cloud, the configuration process will begin. It's all automatic.
- At several points we will have to enter some data, such as the unlock password for the old iPhone or the password for our iCloud account. They are security measures to prevent anyone from cloning our iPhone.
- With the credentials entered, the data transfer from one iPhone to the other will begin, a process whose duration will depend on the amount of data to be transferred. In my case it took about 20-25 minutes, at the end of which I had two iPhones with the same content. It even transfers the connection from the Apple Watch to the new iPhone.
Cable use
The procedure can also be done with cable, which is recommended if our Internet connection is slow. The problem is if we want to transfer data from an iPhone with a Lightning connector to another with USB-C, since we have to find an adapter. If what we need is to go from a iPhone 15 On the next 16, both with USB-C, finding the cable will be easier.
Is there any reason not to carry out the process?
Apple is a reliable company, and when it launches tools like these it does so with all the guarantees. Now, I wouldn't transfer data from an iPhone that is presenting some problem to another new one.
Although the error may be corrected during the process, it is also likely that it will accompany us to the new destination. If the previous iPhone works well and we want to save manual configuration time that can last hours, using Apple's tool is the best we can do.
