You most likely want to get your new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone Air updated and functional as soon as possible if you recently made the purchase. These four methods can let you move your data fast, securely, and most importantly, stress-free (even if you’re switching from an Android phone).

See how tiny the iPhone Air is and discover a number of hidden iOS 26 features for more.

1. The practical approach: iCloud restore

You will be prompted throughout the setup process whether you choose to use Quick Start to move data and applications straight from your old iPhone to your new one. If it’s been a few years since you’ve updated your phone, this function may be new to you since it was initially introduced with iOS 12.4.

Restoring from a recent iCloud backup is the simplest and fastest way to set up your new iPhone. Tap Restore from iCloud Backup during the initial setup process, then choose the most recent backup of your old iPhone after logging in with your Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID prior to iOS 18).

Spend a few additional minutes creating a fresh backup if the previous one is older than a day or two. To do this, launch the Settings app on your previous phone, type iCloud Backup into the top-of-screen search bar, and then choose the relevant result. To update the cloud backup, click Back Up Now.

After that is done, return to your new iPhone and choose the backup you just made as the restoration point.

In around fifteen minutes, your phone will be ready for use after restoring your settings and preferences. In the background, it will keep downloading the applications you have loaded.

After everything has been restored, you will need to check your applications to make sure you are still logged in and login back into any accounts you added to your phone.

2. Apple direct transfer is the fastest option.

You can move everything from one iPhone to another wirelessly or with a cable if you don’t have a recent iCloud backup or if your internet connection is sluggish. Select the direct transfer option when the Quick Start procedure requests the source.

My favorite method for upgrading to a new iPhone is to use a cable rated for high internet rates, which may make the process shockingly quick. Use the cable to connect both phones; if your phone is an iPhone 14 or older with a Lightning connection, you may require an adaptor. Apple provides more information on how to complete a wire transfer.

If you decide to go wireless, make sure both phones are charged and plugged in to prevent battery drain, and that they are linked to your Wi-Fi network (this is a step in the new phone’s setup procedure). Additionally, allow enough time for the procedure to complete, since it may take more than an hour.

It will take longer if you have more data on your phone, such as pictures in your library. You will get a time estimate on the phones as the transfer begins. That estimate has always been correct within a few minutes each time I’ve utilized this program. If you don’t backup your phone using Apple’s iCloud service, it’s worth the effort.

3. The more thorough, extended approach: Utilize a PC or Mac.

Using a Mac or PC to restore from an encrypted backup is a more involved but secure technique. In addition to transferring all of your applications, settings, and preferences, this method also saves you from having to log into the many programs on your phone.

You must first make an encrypted backup of your existing iPhone in order to utilize this approach. I understand that might sound daunting or unduly complex, but it simply requires you to enter a password and check an additional box.

To back up your old iPhone on a Mac, use Finder. Be careful to follow the instructions to create an archive backup. When asked, provide a password you can remember after checking the Encrypt backup box. After that, let your Mac start producing a backup file. When it’s finished, it will notify you.

To make a backup on a PC, you’ll need to utilize the Apple Devices app or iTunes (which isn’t entirely dead), as detailed here. Once again, you must provide a password and confirm that the Encrypt backup box is ticked.

Connect your phone to your computer and launch Finder or iTunes to restore your new phone. To restore the phone, choose the backup you just made and follow the instructions after clicking Trust when asked. Before the procedure starts, you will need to input the password for the backup, so be careful you remember it.

After it’s finished, your new phone will be a perfect replica of your old one, saving you time by eliminating the need to enter into random accounts or applications.

4. Switch to iOS if you use Android.

Move to iOS is one of the few Android applications from Apple that are available in the Google Play Store. By connecting your Android phone to a new iPhone, you may use this free program to move your most crucial data between the two phones.

According to Apple, Move to iOS has been revamped to make the process of switching from an Android phone to a new iPhone quicker and simpler. According to the business, Wi-Fi migration has been accelerated with transfer rates of up to 5GHz, and you may connect your Android phone to your iPhone via Wi-Fi. To speed up the process, Apple suggested using a USB-C or USB-C to Lightning connector to connect your Android phone to your new iPhone.

Whatever method you chose to configure your new phone, you’re going to have a lot of fun and excitement as you discover its capabilities.