Getting your new iPhone 17 set up with all your stuff is the first step to enjoying it. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, iOS 26 has a few different paths to get your data moved over. The process is designed to be smooth, but knowing which method to use can save you a lot of time.
Start with Quick Start for iPhone-to-iPhone
If you have your old iPhone right next to you, Quick Start is the way to go. Turn on your new iPhone 17 and place it near your old device. A setup animation should pop up on your old phone's screen. Tap Continue and then hold your old phone's camera over the swirling pattern on the iPhone 17's display to scan it.
You'll be prompted to enter your old device's passcode on the new iPhone 17. After setting up Face ID, you'll see an option to Transfer from iPhone. This moves almost everything wirelessly. I'd recommend keeping both phones plugged in, as a full transfer can take over an hour if you have a lot of photos and videos.
Restore from an iCloud Backup
This is your best option if your old phone isn't with you or is already erased. First, double-check that a recent backup exists on your old device by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. On your shiny new iPhone 17, follow the setup steps until you hit the Apps & Data screen.
Choose Restore from iCloud Backup, sign in with your Apple ID, and pick the latest backup from the list. Your phone will begin downloading your apps, settings, and iCloud Photos. Keep it connected to Wi-Fi and power; the download time depends entirely on your backup size and internet speed.
Use a Computer for a Faster, Local Transfer
For the absolute fastest and most reliable transfer, use a Mac or PC. Connect your old iPhone to your computer using a USB-C cable. On a Mac with macOS or a PC with iTunes, find your device and select Back Up Now. Crucially, check the box for Encrypt local backup to include your saved passwords and Health data.
Once that backup is complete, unplug the old phone and connect your iPhone 17. Select Restore Backup and choose the file you just created. Since this happens over a cable, it's often significantly quicker than restoring over Wi-Fi from iCloud.
Moving Your Data from an Android Phone
Switching from Android? Apple's Move to iOS app handles it. First, download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play Store on your Android phone. On your iPhone 17, during the initial setup, tap Move Data from Android when you reach the Apps & Data screen.
A six or ten-digit code will appear on your iPhone. Enter that code into the Move to iOS app on your Android device. You can then select what to bring over: contacts, message history, photos and videos, and even your mail accounts. Keep both phones on the same Wi-Fi network and plugged in until the transfer finishes.
Manually Moving Specific Items
Sometimes you don't need a full device clone. For contacts and calendars, just make sure they're synced to your iCloud or Google account, then sign into that account on your iPhone 17. Your photos and videos will sync if you have iCloud Photos enabled on your old device.
For apps like WhatsApp, use the app's own migration tool. In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Move Chats to iPhone and follow the instructions. This is much cleaner than trying to restore from a third-party backup.
What Usually Doesn't Come Over
It's good to know the limits so you're not caught off guard. Apps that have been removed from the App Store won't reinstall. Any local data within apps that doesn't use iCloud or another cloud service might be left behind, so check your important apps first.
Music or podcasts downloaded for offline listening in apps like Apple Music or Spotify will need to be re-downloaded, though your library and playlists will sync once you log in. You'll also likely need to sign back into banking apps, social media, and authenticator apps for security reasons.
Finishing Up on Your iPhone 17
After the transfer is done, take a few minutes to scroll through your home screens and make sure all your apps are present and accounted for. Open a few key apps to confirm they work and that your data is there. This is also the time to re-pair your Apple Watch or any other accessories.
Once you're completely satisfied that everything moved successfully, you can securely wipe your old phone. On the old device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
