Just got a new iPhone and really need to move my messages over from my old device. Not sure where to start and don’t want to lose any important conversations. Can anyone guide me on the best way to do this? Thanks!
When transferring messages to a new iPhone, using Apple’s ‘iCloud Backup’ or ‘Quick Start’ are two straightforward options.
Option 1: iCloud Backup
-
Old iPhone:
- Connect to WiFi.
- Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap on Back Up Now.
- Ensure the backup is completed under Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Last Backup.
-
New iPhone:
- Start your new iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions until you get to the Apps & Data screen.
- Tap Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in with your Apple ID, and select the most recent backup.
- Wait for the restore process to complete.
Option 2: Quick Start
- Both iPhones:
- Ensure both devices are running iOS 11 or later and have Bluetooth turned on.
- Bring your new iPhone near your old one, and the Quick Start screen should appear on the old iPhone.
- Use your Apple ID to set up your new iPhone.
- Follow the instructions to transfer your data. This could take a while depending on the amount of data you have.
Additional Tip: If you’re looking for a third-party solution to secure your messages, titles like iMazing or Dr.Fone can also help transfer your data. While Apple’s built-in methods are typically reliable, sometimes third-party software can offer a more seamless experience, especially if your storage habits differ from the norm.
A word of advice — make sure both devices are fully charged or plugged in during this process to ensure a smooth transfer. You don’t want your device running out of battery in the middle of a transfer.
Good luck and hope this helps!
Hey there, you’ve got a couple of solid options already laid out by @nachtdromer, but if you’re like me and hate waiting for those sometimes laggy iCloud backups or Quick Start transfers, you might want to consider another method.
One option you haven’t explored yet is using a computer with iTunes or Finder:
Option 3: iTunes/Finder Backup
-
Old iPhone:
- Connect your old iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
- Select your iPhone when it appears and click on Back Up Now.
- Wait for the process to complete and make sure your backup is encrypted (for health and password data).
-
New iPhone:
- After setting up your new iPhone through the basic steps, connect it to the same computer.
- Select your new iPhone in iTunes or Finder.
- Choose Restore Backup and select the most recent backup of your old iPhone.
- Wait for the process to complete before you finish setting up your new device.
In my experience, restoring via iTunes/Finder tends to be faster than using iCloud, especially if your WiFi isn’t the greatest.
On a different note, if you’re hesitant about something going wrong or prefer a method where you can visually check everything, tools like iMazing or Dr.Fone might be worth a shot. These apps give you more control over each aspect of the transfer, not just messages, but photos, call logs, and more. Remember, they’re not free, but sometimes peace of mind has its price.
And hey, if you’re really worried about losing conversations, consider backing up your essential messages individually by taking screenshots or using apps like AnyTrans. It sounds low-tech, but having a few important texts saved as screenshots can be a lifesaver in the worst-case scenario.
Also, and don’t overlook the peripherals—make sure your charging cables and WiFi are up to the task. Bad connections can mess up the entire process, leaving you in limbo.
Happy transferring! Oh, and pro-tip—don’t erase your old phone until you’re 100% sure everything’s transferred correctly.