How to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 7
4:47:00 PM
Now that iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are officially available for pre-order, you may be tempted to ditch your existing model for a shiny new one.
Before you upgrade, however, you’ll likely want to migrate all of your info from the old iPhone to the iPhone 7. This includes apps and games, media (such as music, movies, TV shows, ebooks), podcasts, health and fitness data, and settings.
Fortunately, you’ve got a couple of options on how to pull this off.
Using iTunes
Connect your existing iPhone to your PC or Mac via a USB cable, and if iTunes doesn’t launch automatically, click the icon to open the app.
Click the name of your iPhone on the left-hand side of the screen (such as Marc’s Phone). Under “Summary,” click Backup Now to ensure your iPhone is backed-up on your computer. It may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Keep in mind, you’ll have to also select the “Encrypt iPhone Backup” option before backing up if you have Health and Activity data on your iPhone, and want this information transferred over to the new device.
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You’ll know if your backup finished successfully by looking under the Backups tab and seeing the current date and time of the last backup.
When you get your new iPhone (lucky you), swipe left to right on the “Hello” screen and follow the steps until you see the Apps & Data screen, and then tap Restore from iTunes Backup. Now connect your new device to the computer you used to backup your previous device, and if iTunes doesn’t open automatically then open iTunes on your computer and select your device, followed by Restore Backup. If you’re restoring from an encrypted backup, enter your password when prompted.
If you’re sticking with the same carrier, then you can use a paperclip to pop out your SIM card from the old phone and insert it into the new iPhone. If your carrier gave you a new SIM card, put it in your new device, or if your old SIM doesn’t fit your carrier can help with an adaptor or replacement.
Via iCloud
You could also backup your phone’s important information without using a computer -- but be sure you have a fast Wi-Fi connection and a full battery.
Connect your older iPhone to the Internet over Wi-Fi, then tap on the gray Settings icon, followed by iCloud, and then Backup. Make sure “iCloud Backup” is turned on, third from the bottom. Now tap “Backup Now.”
It’s important you remain connected to Wi-Fi until the process finishes.
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On your new device, you’ll see a “Hello” screen. Have it join your Wi-Fi network. Follow the onscreen setup steps until you reach the Apps & Data screen, and then tap Restore from iCloud Backup. Sign into iCloud with your Apple ID.
You’ll likely be prompted to sign into your Apple ID account one more time to restore your apps and purchases from iTunes or the App Store. It could take up to an hour to complete, but you’ll see a progress bar.
Whether you used the iTunes or iCloud method of backing up and transferring data to your new phone, you’ll want to properly erase content from your old device before donating or trading it in.
To erase your device, tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This will delete any data that’s currently on your device. After you erase it, your device restarts and you’ll see the “Hello” screen appear.
Columnist Marc Saltzman writes on tech devices and trends for USA TODAY. Follow Marc on Twitter: @marc_saltzman.
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