5 Valid Tips to Transfer Data to New iPhone After Setup [Full/Selective Copy]

Switching to a new iPhone 17/16 is exciting, but transferring data from your old device after setup can be tricky. Luckily, there are multiple ways to transfer data fully/selectively—both official and third-party solutions—that are easy, fast, and safe. This guide covers all practical methods, including iCloud, AirDrop, Quick Start, iPhone Migration, iTunes/Finder, and EaseUS MobiMover, so you can pick the method that works best for you.

1. Transfer Data to New iPhone After Setup via Quick Start

Quick Start is Apple's official setup assistant that appears when you bring a new iPhone 17 close to your old one. After verifying your Apple ID and completing the initial setup steps, Quick Start gives you two choices: restore from iCloud or transfer directly from the old iPhone. (If your new iPhone is already set up, you need to reset your iPhone before using this method to transfer data.)

Following the Quick Start process, the second option is called iPhone Migration, which lets you copy everything from your old device to the new one—either wirelessly or by connecting the two iPhones with a cable.

Now let's follow the step-by-step instructions below to transfer files to a new iPhone after setup using Quick Start:

Step 1. Place Devices Nearby

Turn on your new iPhone and keep it near your old iPhone.

Step 2. Follow On-Screen Instructions

On the new iPhone, follow the Quick Start prompts and select Transfer from iPhone.

Step 3. Authenticate

Scan the animation on the new iPhone using your old device or enter the passcode displayed.

Step 4. Select Data

On the old iPhone, choose the data you want to transfer and tap Continue.

Step 5. Complete Transfer

Wait until the transfer finishes, then continue the setup process on your new iPhone.

2. Transfer Data Selectively After Setup Using EaseUS MobiMover

If you've already set up your new iPhone 16/17 or want to transfer data without iCloud or Quick Start, an iPhone data transfer tool like EaseUS MobiMover is a fast and flexible solution. It allows you to transfer everything from contacts, messages, photos, videos, to apps—selectively or all at once—without overwriting existing data.

All you need to do is download the software on your computer and follow the steps below to start transferring data from one iPhone to another without resetting after setup:

Step 1. Connect Devices

Plug both iPhones into your computer (PC or Mac) with compatible USB cables. Tap Trust This Computer on both devices.

Step 2. Launch MobiMover

Open EaseUS MobiMover and navigate to Phone to Phone. Select the source and destination devices, then click Next.

Step 3. Select Data

Flexiblely choose the files you want to transfer (or select all) and click Transfer.

Step 4. Complete Transfer

Wait until the process finishes, then check your new iPhone to confirm all data is synced.

EaseUS MobiMover supports pictures, videos, audio files, messages, etc., from iPhone to another iPhone, iPad, Android, or computer. More importantly, it is so easy to transfer iPhone to iPhone whether the latter is set up or not.

3. Transfer Data to New iPhone Using iCloud Backup / iCloud Sync

When it comes to transferring data from your old iPhone to a new one after setup, iCloud offers two main options: iCloud Backup for full data migration and iCloud Sync for selective data transfer. Both methods are easy to follow and require Wi-Fi and enough iCloud storage, but their use cases and supported data types differ.

Follow the steps below to transfer data to new iPhone 17 after setup via iCloud:

Using iCloud Backup (After Setup)

• Best for: Users who want to restore most of their data, including apps, messages, photos, and device settings.
• Key point: Involves resetting the new iPhone to enable full backup restore.

To transfer iPhone to iPhone after setup by restoring iCloud Backup:

Step 1. Connect to Wi-Fi

Make sure both old and new iPhones are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. Create a Backup

On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Wait until the backup is complete.

Step 3. Erase New iPhone (if already set up)

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 4. Restore from Backup

During setup, select Restore from iCloud Backup, then choose the most recent backup from your old iPhone.

Step 5. Complete Setup

Wait for the restore process to finish. Keep the device connected to Wi-Fi and power until all data is restored.

Using iCloud Sync

• Best for: Users who only need specific data like contacts, calendars, photos, or notes, without affecting existing settings.
• Key Point: No need to reset the new iPhone, but only syncs supported data types (Contacts, Calendars, Notes, Photos via Photo Stream, Reminders, etc.).

To transfer from old iPhone to new iPhone after setup via iCloud Syncing:

Step 1. Log in with Apple ID

Ensure both old and new iPhones are signed in with the same Apple ID and connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Enable iCloud Sync

On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, then toggle on the data categories you want to sync.

Step 3. Wait for Sync

The selected data will automatically appear on the new iPhone once the sync is complete.

4. Transfer Data to New iPhone After Setup Using AirDrop

Using Airdrop is another easy way to transfer small to medium-sized files like photos, contacts, or videos without using a computer. No Wi-Fi or internet required, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be enabled.

Here is how you use AirDrop to transfer iPhone to iPhone after setup.

Step 1. Enable AirDrop on both iPhones

On your iPhones, navigate to Control Center > Network Settings > AirDrop > Everyone.

Step 2. Select files to transfer

Select files on your old iPhone and tap Share > AirDrop > New iPhone.

Step 3. Start transfer

Accept the transfer on your new iPhone.

5. Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone Using iTunes / Finder Backup (After Setup)

Another reliable option is restoring from an iTunes or Finder backup on your computer. This approach gives you a complete copy of your old iPhone, including apps, settings, and media files, making it ideal if you already keep regular backups on your PC or Mac.

However, the process requires a USB connection and may overwrite existing data on your new iPhone (such as iPhone 16 or iPhone 17/Air), so it's best used if you're setting up the device fresh or don't mind replacing current content.

Step 1. Backup Old iPhone

Connect your old iPhone to your computer → open iTunes/Finder → select your device → Back Up Now (choose Encrypt Backup if desired).

Step 2. Connect New iPhone

Connect the new iPhone to the same computer.

Step 3. Restore Backup

In iTunes/Finder, select Restore Backup, then choose the backup you just created.

Step 4. Authenticate & Complete

Enter backup password if encrypted, wait for the restore to finish, then complete remaining setup on your new iPhone.

Conclusion

Transferring data to a new iPhone after setup doesn't have to be a hassle, as this article has proven. Whichever of the above-mentioned options you choose, transferring your data is quick and straightforward. With these steps in mind, you can easily transfer files without worrying about losses. Even better, you have numerous options available to you. Our FAQ section also offers more helpful insights we're sure will help.

FAQs on Transfer Data to New iPhone after Setup

1. How do I transfer data to a new iPhone after setup without iCloud?

You can transfer data to a new iPhone after setup without iCloud by using iTunes. There are also third-party applications, like EaseUS MobiMover, Quick Start, etc.

2. How do I transfer data to a new iPhone after a setup from Android?

You can transfer data from an Android to a new iPhone using Apple's "Move to iOS" app. By downloading the app on your Android device, and following the on-screen instructions, is a pretty easy process. You can set up your new iPhone by selecting "Move Data from Android" when prompted. Simply proceed by following the instructions to complete the transfer.

3. Can I transfer everything to a new iPhone after setup?

Yes, you can transfer everything to a new iPhone after setup by using iCloud or iTunes backup. iTunes backup will transfer the same data but requires a computer connection. For applications or data that can not be transferred, you can look out for third-party applications.