How to Transfer Apps from Old iPad to New iPad in 4 Simple Ways

How to transfer Apps from an old iPad to the new iPad Pro? Or how to transfer Apps from one iPad to another? Check this post and learn to use iTunes and iCloud to transfer Apps from iPad to iPad easily.

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Myra

Updated on Jun 12, 2025

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#Key Takeaways:

  • Quick Start: Ideal for users setting up a new iPad for the first time. >> Learn More
  • iTunes Backup and Restore: Transfers apps and data via a wired connection to a computer, creating a full backup and restoring it to the new iPad. >> Learn More
  • iCloud Backup and Restore: Enables wireless transfer by restoring apps and data from a cloud backup. >> Learn More
  • EaseUS MobiMover: Offers a versatile, user-friendly solution to transfer apps, contacts, photos, and more directly between devices via PC. >> Learn More

There are several ways to easily transfer apps from an old iPad to a new iPad using iTunes or iCloud. Each method has its pros and cons, but all are equally effective. You will also find the easiest and quickest way to transfer data from an iPad to a new one through EaseUS MobiMover in the latter half of this article.

How to Transfer Apps from iPad to iPad via Quick Start

Apple's Quick Start feature offers an easy and wireless way to transfer apps, settings, and other data from your old iPad to your new iPad during the initial setup process. This method requires both devices to run iPadOS 13 or later and use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to securely migrate your data. For the transfer speed, the app transfer duration depends on the amount of data being moved and network conditions. Larger apps and more data will take longer.

✅Benefits of using Quick Start to transfer apps from one iPad to another:

  • 1. Wireless and Convenient: No cables or computers needed.
  • 2. Comprehensive Transfer: Moves apps, app data, contacts, photos, settings, and more.
  • 3. Secure: Uses encrypted Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.
  • 4. Fast Setup: Lets you start using your new iPad quickly with all your data intact.

This Quick Start method is ideal if you're setting up a new iPad for the first time. If you have already set up the new iPad, you can use EaseUS MobiMover to transfer everything from one iPad to another. >> Learn More

Step 1. Prepare both devices

1. Ensure your old iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

enable-wifi-bluetooth-iphone.jpg

2. Turn on your new iPad and place it near your old iPad.

3. Connect both iPads to power throughout the transfer to avoid interruptions. (This is optional.)

Step 2. Start the setup of the new iPad

1. The Quick Start screen will appear. You need to use your Apple ID (the Apple ID you'd like to transfer data from) to set up the new device.

quick-start-appear.png

2. An animation will show on the new iPad.

3. Hold your old iPad over the new one and center the animation in the camera viewfinder to pair the devices.

Step 3. Transfer apps to new iPad

1. When achieving the App & Data screen, choose Transfer from iPad to move your apps, data, and settings directly to the new iPad.

transfer-directly-from-ipad.png

2. You can choose to download apps and data from iCloud if preferred.

3. Keep both iPads near each other until the transfer completes. Transfer time varies depending on Wi-Fi speed and data size.

4. After the transfer finishes, your new iPad will have the same apps, phone numbers, settings, and other data as your old iPad.

Important Notes:

  • If an app is no longer available in the App Store (either because it's been removed or withdrawn), you won't be able to reinstall it on the new iPad.
  • You can always manually download and install apps from the App Store on your new iPad, even if they weren't transferred through Quick Start.

How to Transfer Apps from Old iPad to New iPad Using iTunes

Like transferring apps to a new iPhone, you can also transfer apps from an old iPad to a new iPad using iTunes. First, you need to back up your old iPad to iTunes and restore the backup to your new iPad. For more details, you can check the following steps.

✅Benefits of using iTunes to transfer apps from iPad to iPad:

  • 1. Local and Reliable Backup: Creates a complete backup of your old iPad's apps, app data, settings, and more on your computer.
  • 2. No Internet Required: Transfers data directly via USB cable.
  • 3. Preserves App Data and Settings: Restores most app data and personalized settings.
  • 4. Compatible with Older iOS Versions: Works even if your devices don't support newer wireless transfer methods like Quick Start.

This iTunes method is ideal if you prefer a wired, offline transfer or if your new iPad is already set up.

Step 1. Back up your old iPad with iTunes

1. Connect your old iPad to your computer, including your Mac and Windows PC/laptop.

2. Run the latest version of iTunes, and then click the iPad device icon.

3. Click "Back Up Now" and wait for the backup to complete. This will back up all your iPad data, including photos, contacts, notes, music, Apps, etc.

back up iPad with iTunes

Step 2. Transfer Apps to new iPad with iTunes backup restoring

Restoring an iPad from the backup is the same as restoring the iPhone from the computer backup.

1. Plug out your old iPad and plug in your new iPad into the computer.

2. Open iTunes and click the iPad icon.

3. Click "Restore Backup" and choose the latest backup file.

4. Click "Restore," and iTunes will begin to restore your iPad with the backup. When the process is finished, open your new iPad and check whether the Apps are on it or not.

how to transfer apps from old iPad to new iPad with iTunes backup

How to Transfer Apps from One iPad to Another with iCloud

Using iCloud to transfer Apps from the old iPad to the new iPad works similarly, that is, backing up the old iPad and restoring the backup to the new one with iCloud. Additionally, you can also download photos from iCloud to your iPhone if needed.

✅Benefits of using iCloud to transfer apps to new iPad:

  • 1. Wireless and Convenient: Transfers apps, app data, settings, photos, and more over Wi-Fi.
  • 2. Automatic Backup: iCloud automatically backs up your old iPad's data when enabled.
  • 3. Access Anywhere: Since data is stored in the cloud, you can restore your apps and data even if your old iPad isn't physically nearby.
  • 4. Limitations to Consider: Free iCloud storage is limited to 5GB, so you may need to purchase additional storage for large backups.

This iCloud method is perfect if you prefer a wireless, hassle-free way to transfer apps and data during the initial setup of your new iPad or when your old device is not nearby.

To transfer apps from one iPad to another with iCloud:

Step 1. Back up your old iPad to iCloud

1. Open your old iPad and go to "Settings."

2. Tap "Apple ID" > "iCloud" > "iCloud Backup," and turn it on.

Note: Ensure your iPad is connected to a stable WLAN network. When you turn on iCloud backup, it automatically backs up data such as photos library, accounts, documents, and more.

Back up iPad with iCloud

Step 2. Restore your new iPad from iCloud

If your target iPad is brand new, you can directly set it up by following its on-screen prompts. When you come to the "Choose backup" page, just choose the latest backup you made to restore.

If your target iPad is not new, you'll need to erase its content and settings by going to Settings > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings." After that, you can follow the steps below to restore it from iCloud backup.

1. Set up your iPad by following its on-screen prompts.

2. When you come to the "Choose backup" page, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup."

3. Enter your Apple ID and password and click "Next" > "Agree."

4. Choose the latest backup file to transfer all the data on the old iPad to the new iPad.

transfer apps from one iPad to another with iCloud backup

Though both iTunes and iCloud can transfer data between two iPads, they have limitations, such as:

  • 🔍Limited storage capacity - iCloud only offers 5GB storage space for free. If you have over 5GB apps to transfer, you'll pay $1 monthly for 20GB, $3 monthly for 200GB extra, and $10 monthly for 1TB.
  • 📚Limited supported data type - Except for data that Apple deems necessary, iCloud doesn't allow you to back up the items you didn't purchase through iTunes.
  • 📩Slow transfer speed - Data transfer is relatively slow and impossible without an active internet connection.

Want to get rid of these problems you may meet when using iTunes and iCloud? If so, just try the below method, which enables you to transfer data to the new iPad more quickly and flexibly. The tip below also works to transfer data from the old iPad to the new iPad without iCloud. Thus, if you need to move data from one iPad to another, don't hesitate to have a try.

How to Transfer App Data from Old iPad to New iPad After Setup

EaseUS MobiMover is one of the best iTunes and iCloud alternatives that allows you to transfer files from iPad to PC without iTunes, copy data from an old iPad to a new one directly, and import files from Mac to iPad. The data supported by EaseUS MobiMover includes contacts, notes, books, Safari bookmarks, photos, videos, and audio. Apart from transferring data, it also enables you to back up important files to your computer, manage WhatsApp data, or convert HEIC pictures to JPG. For more features of EaseUS MobiMover, you can download this program on your computer to explore.

✅Benefits of using EaseUS MobiMover to transfer app data to another iPad:

  • 1. Versatile Data Transfer: Easily move contacts, photos, videos, music, messages, and more between your iPads.
  • 2. Selective and Bulk Transfer: Choose to transfer specific apps and files or move everything at once.
  • 3. Backup and Restore Capability: Besides transferring, MobiMover allows you to back up your iPad data to your computer and restore it anytime.
  • 4. Fast and Reliable: Transfers large amounts of data quickly and stably over a wired connection.

EaseUS MobiMover is an excellent solution if you want a comprehensive, secure, and flexible way to transfer app data to your new iPad after setup.

Here's how to transfer information from one iPad to another with the iOS data transfer software:

Step 1. Connect the two iPads to your computer with matched USB cables. Once connected, tap on "Trust" on your devices. Run EaseUS MobiMover for PC. To transfer data between two iPads, you need to choose the "Phone to Phone" transfer mode, and switch to the correction direction, from the source iPad to the destination iPad. Click "Next" to continue.

how to transfer files from iPad to iPad - step 1

Step 2. MobiMover will check all the supported files on your iPad and let you transfer them all at a time, including photos, audios, videos, contacts, messages, podcast, voice memos, etc.. So choose the desired data, click " Transfer" to copy data from iPad to iPad without iTunes or iCloud.

how to transfer files from iPad to iPad - step 2

Step 3. Wait for a while to let the software migrate data from one iPad to the other. Please don't suspend the USB connection until the process finishes. After this, go to open the related apps on your target iPad to check the imported files.  

how to transfer files from iPad to iPad - step 3

Can You Transfer Apps from iPad to iPad via Bluetooth or AirDrop

It is important to note that apps cannot be directly transferred from one iPad to another using Buletooth or AirDrop. AirDrop is primarily designed for sharing files, photos, videos, contacts, and other content between Apple devices. When it comes to transferring apps from one iPad to another without iCloud or iTunes, you can re-download the apps from the App Store onto the new device.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, all of the tips introduced above can help you transfer data from the old iPad to the new iPad. Asides from the above tips, you can also use Quick Start to migrate all of your data from the old device to the new one if you haven't set up your new iPad. But doing that with the Quick Start feature is more complex than the above-introduced tips, so we don't recommend it.

FAQs About iPad Apps Transfer

Considering that some users have more questions related to iPad app transfer, we prepared some frequently asked questions and their answers below. Learning these questions can be helpful if you want to dig into this topic deeper.

1. How do I transfer apps from iPhone to iPad wirelessly?

You can wirelessly transfer apps from an iPhone to an iPad via Quick Start, a new feature designed to help users move data to a new iPhone or iPad while setting up their device. The process is very straightforward, and you can follow Apple's guide on using Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad.

2. How do I restore my apps to my new iPad?

There is no direct way to restore your apps to your new iPad, but you can reinstall apps on your new iPad and then restore data and settings from the backup you made. Besides, you must ensure that you've backed up your iPad before deleting apps. If you want to learn more about this topic, you can refer to our previous guide on how to restore deleted apps on iPhone or iPad.

3. Why haven't all my apps transferred to my new iPad?

Under the following situations, you will not be able to transfer apps to a new iPad.

  • Your old and new iPad are not signing in with the same Apple ID.
  • You have a poor network condition.
  • The app is not available in the App Store.

To fix these problems, you need to sign in with the same Apple ID on both iPads and ensure a good network connection. As for apps that are currently available in the App Store, there is no way to re-download them.

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Updated by Myra

Myra joined EaseUS in 2017. As a big fan of Apple products, she mainly focuses on iOS data transfer and iOS troubleshooting tips. Meanwhile, she is expanding her knowledge and skills in other fields like data recovery and disk management.

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