Getting your new iPad Air (2026) up and running is the first step to enjoying it, and moving your data over is a smooth process. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPad, switching from an Android tablet, or starting fresh, you have a few reliable options to bring your apps, photos, and settings with you.
Use Quick Start for iPad-to-iPad Transfer
If you have your old iPad nearby, this is the simplest method. Turn on your new iPad Air and place it near your old one. A popup should appear on your old device's screen asking if you want to set up your new iPad. Tap Continue and then hold your old iPad over the animation on the new screen to scan it.
You'll be prompted to enter your old iPad's passcode on the new one. After setting up Face ID, you can choose Transfer from iPad. The two devices need to stay close together and, ideally, plugged into power using a USB-C PD charger for the duration. The transfer time depends entirely on how much data you're moving.
Restore from an iCloud Backup
This is the way to go if your old iPad isn't with you or has already been reset. First, double-check that a recent iCloud backup exists. On your old device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup to see the last backup time.
On your new iPad Air, follow the setup assistant until you reach the Apps & Data screen. Select Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in with your Apple ID, and pick the most recent backup. Your iPad will then download your data over Wi-Fi. Keep it connected to power and Wi-Fi until everything is finished.
Use a Mac or PC for a Faster Transfer
For the quickest and most comprehensive transfer, using a computer is your best bet. Connect your old iPad to your Mac or Windows PC. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a Windows PC or older Mac, open iTunes.
Select your device and click Back Up Now. I'd recommend checking the box to Encrypt local backup to ensure all your passwords and health data are included. Once that's done, disconnect the old iPad, connect your new iPad Air, and choose Restore Backup.
Move Data from an Android Phone or Tablet
Switching from Android? You can bring your core data over easily. First, download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store on your Android device. On your new iPad, during the initial setup, tap Move Data from Android when you see the Apps & Data screen.
A numeric code will appear on your iPad. Enter that code into the Move to iOS app on your Android device. You can then select what to transfer, like contacts, message history, photos, videos, and mail accounts. Keep both devices plugged in and on the same Wi-Fi network until the process completes.
Manually Move Specific Files and Services
Sometimes you only need to bring over certain items. For contacts and calendars, ensure they're synced to an account like iCloud or Google, then simply add that account to your new iPad. Your photos and videos will sync if you have iCloud Photos enabled.
For app-specific data, like WhatsApp chats, use the chat transfer feature within the app itself. Music and video streaming apps like Apple Music or Netflix will sync your library once you log in, though you may need to re-download content for offline use.
What to Check After Your Data Arrives
Once the transfer is done, take a moment to look around. Open your key apps to confirm they work and that your data is present. You'll likely need to sign back into banking apps, social media, and authenticator apps for security reasons.
Don't forget to check for any iPadOS updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. New updates often include performance improvements. When you're absolutely sure everything is set up on your new iPad Air, you can securely erase your old device.
