Check the preparations and specific steps for transferring data to a used iPhone

公開日: 2024年10月23日更新日: 2026年07月26日

When you buy a used iPhone, the first thing you need to do is transfer your data.

However, many people who are new to data migration may feel anxious and think, "Can I do this myself?"

Therefore, for those planning to purchase a used iPhone, we will explain the preparations before data migration and the specific steps involved.

By reading this article, you will understand how to migrate data from an iPhone or Android, so please check it out.

Preparations before data migration to a used iPhone

If you're thinking of transferring data from your current smartphone to a newly purchased iPhone, there are some things you need to prepare in advance.

Make sure to do the following three things:

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Back up your old iPhone

The first step is to back up your old iPhone.

Backup means saving data such as photos and contacts stored on your smartphone externally.

Backing up ensures that you won't lose data in the event of a device malfunction, and you'll be able to access and copy the backed-up data on your newly purchased iPhone.

As mentioned, there are multiple options for external storage locations, so choose the most suitable one.

For example, there are methods using a USB drive or iTunes, music player software provided by Apple.

Among them, a common method is to save data to "iCloud," a cloud service provided by Apple.

While it is a service that can be used for free up to 5GB, if you have a large amount of data to save, you may run out of space, so we recommend considering acquiring additional storage or other methods.

Details on the iCloud backup procedure will be explained later.

Also, specific transfer methods will be introduced later, but if you choose a method called Quick Start, you do not need to perform a backup.

However, it is still recommended to back up your data as a precaution.

If you are migrating data using other methods, it is highly recommended to back up your data.

Check required passwords

Once the backup is complete, check the necessary passwords.

For example, make sure to check your Apple ID and password.

This is because some data migration methods may require you to enter a password during the process.

An Apple ID is an account required to use Apple's services.

Please follow the steps below to check your Apple ID:

【How to check your Apple ID】

Tap "Settings"
Tap "Username"
Note down the email address under the username on the displayed screen, as that is your Apple ID.

Regarding your password, you cannot check your Apple ID password, so you need to reset it.

The steps to reset it are as follows:

【How to reset your Apple ID password】

Tap "Settings"
Tap "Username"
Tap "Sign-in & Security"
Tap "Change Password"
Reset your password

It's not a difficult operation if you follow the on-screen instructions.

Make a note of your reset Apple ID password as it may be required in other situations.

In addition to your Apple ID and password, some apps and services you use may require you to check login information separately.

It is important to check how to transfer the apps you are currently using and what information you should note down before transferring.

Charge your iPhone

Data transfer can take longer than expected.

Therefore, make sure your iPhone is fully charged.

If the battery runs out during data transfer, not only can the data transfer fail, but data may be lost or the iPhone's operation may be impaired.

Great care is needed.

If you are concerned about the battery level, please perform the data transfer with the charger connected.

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How to transfer data from iPhone

Transferring data from one iPhone to another is easy.

We will explain three methods: using Quick Start, using iCloud backup, and using PC backup.

Use Quick Start

Quick Start is a method of transferring data by placing two iPhones side by side.

If you choose this method, you generally don't need to back up your data beforehand.

Therefore, it can be said to be a suitable method for those who want to easily transfer data.

Quick Start can transfer data on iOS 12.4 or later.

If your device is compatible, consider using Quick Start for data transfer.

Again, some apps require separate procedures for data transfer, so please check in advance if your current apps require any additional steps.

Quick Start is a convenient way to transfer data by simply bringing two iPhones, old and new, close together.

Please note that neither iPhone can be used during the process, so be mindful of when you start the data transfer.

The time required varies depending on the data size. It can take anywhere from an hour to about three hours.

【Quick Start Procedure】

Fully charge both the old and new iPhones.
Turn on Wi-Fi on both devices.
Place the iPhones close to each other.
The Quick Start screen will appear on the old iPhone, tap "Continue."
Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the setup.
Follow the instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID.
For data transfer methods, tap "Transfer from iPhone."
Data migration complete.

If the Quick Start screen does not appear, check if your Bluetooth setting is off.

Quick Start copies data from the old device, so data on the old device will not be erased after the data migration.

Therefore, you can also keep the data and use it as a secondary device.

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Use iCloud backup

Although the specific steps may vary depending on the OS version and model, backing up to iCloud generally follows these steps:

【iCloud Backup Procedure】

Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
Tap "Settings."
Tap "Username."
Tap "iCloud."
Tap "iCloud Backup."
Tap "Back Up Now."

Username refers to your name displayed in the iPhone settings.

Depending on the backup size, data usage can be substantial, so make sure to perform the operation while connected to Wi-Fi.

The time of the last backup created will be displayed at the bottom, so confirm that it is the most recent one.

Next, transfer data to the new iPhone using the backed-up data.

You will perform this operation on the new iPhone.

【Restore from backup procedure】

Turn on the new iPhone and complete the initial setup.
In the "Apps & Data" screen, select "Restore from iCloud Backup."
Enter your Apple ID and password.
Tap "Continue" or "Install Updates Manually."
Follow the on-screen instructions.

If you have a large amount of data to transfer, it will take time.

Don't forget to connect to Wi-Fi for the process.

Use PC backup

There is also a method to create backup data on your PC and restore it to your new iPhone.

The basic mechanism is the same as restoring data backed up to iCloud on a new device.

Here's how to do it using iTunes.

If you haven't already installed iTunes on your PC, make sure to do so beforehand.

Downloading and installing it is free.

It can be used on both Windows and Mac PCs.

The process involves backing up the old iPhone and then restoring it to the new iPhone.

Before connecting your old iPhone to your PC, make sure that iTunes' automatic synchronization is turned off.

If it's on, data could be automatically overwritten or deleted.

After launching iTunes, click "Edit," "Preferences," "Devices," then check "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically," and click "OK."

Next is the backup procedure.

【Operations on old iPhone】

Check that automatic synchronization is off.
Connect your PC and old iPhone with a cable.
Click the iPhone icon displayed in the upper left corner of the iTunes screen.
Set the backup destination to "This Computer."
Click "Back Up Now."

Next, restore the backed-up data to your new computer.

【Operations on the new iPhone】

Connect your PC and the new iPhone with a cable.
In iTunes, click "Restore from this backup."
Specify the backup data.
Click "Continue" to start the restore.
Synchronization ends, and data transfer is complete.

Since there's a convenient Quick Start feature for iPhones, if for some reason you can't use Quick Start, you might consider using the PC method.

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How to transfer data from Android

If you are currently using an Android, how can you transfer data to a newly acquired used iPhone?

You can use the "Move to iOS" app or the Google Drive app.

Use the "Move to iOS" app

Apple provides the official "Move to iOS" app.

Let's make good use of it.

The steps are as follows:

【Method using the "Move to iOS" app】

Install the "Move to iOS" app on your Android device.
Perform the initial setup on your new iPhone until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen.
Tap "Move Data from Android."
On your Android device, open "Move to iOS," review the terms and conditions, and then tap "Agree."
On your iPhone, tap "Continue" in "Move from Android."
Enter the code displayed on your iPhone into your Android device.
On your Android device, tap "Continue" to connect with your iPhone via Wi-Fi.
Select the content to transfer on your Android device.
Once the transfer is complete on the iPhone side, tap "Done" on the Android device.
Proceed with the initial setup of your iPhone.