How To Transfer Contacts From iPhone To iPhone

Apple recently took to the stage to unveil the iPhone 15 series of devices, all of them featuring Apple’s latest chipset, Dynamic Island and improved cameras. Apart from this, all handsets of the 2024 iteration of the iPhone boast incremental upgrades to the design and performance. 

With all of that being said, if you just bought a new iPhone, or upgraded to an iPhone 15 series from a prior model, you might be curious about how you can transfer contacts from an iPhone to a newer iPhone. Here’s a guide on the various ways to transfer contacts to a new iPhone from your older Apple device.

Also Read: OnePlus 12 vs iPhone 15: What To Choose?

How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to iPhone?

Before we begin, it is important to note that there are multiple ways via which you can transfer your contacts. Using Apple’s services like iCloud is recommended and maintains data privacy. Some third-party apps also work, but if the Cupertino giant has a workaround, why not go for it? 

1. Transferring Contacts Using iCloud Sync

The first method makes use of iCloud which is a cloud storage service offered by Apple. It allows users to store data such as documents, photos, videos and music on servers that can be accessed via any iOS, macOS, or via web using any device.

This method eliminates the need for a computer and leverages the convenience of your Apple ID. However, to ensure a smooth transfer, it’s essential to confirm your old iPhone’s contacts are backed up to iCloud. If not, simply navigate to:

Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup on your old iPhone and tap “Back Up Now

Step 1: Sign in to the same Apple ID on both your old and new iPhones.

Step 2: On each iPhone, navigate to Settings > tap on your Apple ID > select iCloud.

Step 3: Locate the Contacts toggle and tap to activate it.

Step 4: If prompted, choose “Merge” to integrate your existing contacts with the new iPhone. This step allows you to avoid duplicate entries.

Step 5: Wait patiently as your old iPhone’s contacts synchronize seamlessly to your new device. This process might take a few minutes depending on the number of contacts being transferred.

2. Transferring Contacts Using iTunes

iTunes acts as a media player, media library, and iPhone management app developed by Apple. It was initially released in 2001 and became one of the most popular software applications for managing and playing music, videos, and other multimedia content on computers and mobile devices.

iTunes lets users purchase and download digital media, including music, movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and podcasts from the iTunes Store. It also gives access to tools for organizing and syncing media libraries with iPods, iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. But the tool can also be used to create backup for your iPhone and even transfer contacts from iPhone.

Step 1: Within the iTunes interface, identify and click on your old iPhone icon.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Info” tab for your selected device.

Step 3: Locate the “Sync Contacts” option and check the box next to it.

Step 4: Click the “Apply” button in the lower right corner of the iTunes window. This will begin syncing your old iPhone’s contacts to your computer.

Disconnect and connect the new iPhone: Once the sync is complete, safely disconnect your old iPhone from the computer. Then, connect your new iPhone using the USB cable.

Step 5: Scroll down to the “Advanced” section. Under “Replace information on this iPhone,” locate and check the box next to “Contacts.” This ensures existing contacts on your new iPhone are replaced with the transferred ones.

Step 6: Click the “Apply” button to initiate the transfer of contacts from your computer to your new iPhone.

Also Read: Top Picks: Best Apps For Your iPhone 15

3. Transferring Contacts Using iCloud Backups

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup on your old iPhone.

Step 2: Ensure “iCloud Backup” is toggled on. If it’s disabled, tap “Back Up Now” to create a fresh backup.

Step 3: On your new iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings > Erase iPhone. This step is crucial for a clean transfer and should only be performed if you haven’t set up your new iPhone yet.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your new iPhone until you reach the “Apps & Data” screen.

Step 5: Select the option to “Restore from iCloud”.

Step 6: Choose the backup you just created (or the one containing your contacts) from the available options.

Step 7: Wait for a moment as your new iPhone downloads and restores the selected backup, including your contacts. This process might take some time based on the backup size.

4. AirDrop Transfer

This method leverages AirDrop, a wireless sharing feature available on iPhones, to seamlessly transfer individual contacts from your old iPhone to your new one.

Step 1: Activate AirDrop

Launch Control Center: On both iPhones, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (iPhone with Face ID) or down from the top-right corner (iPhone with Home button).

Access AirDrop settings: Press and hold the wireless controls box (top left corner) in Control Center, then tap AirDrop.

Enable AirDrop: Choose “Receiving On” or “Contacts Only” (recommended for security) to allow your old iPhone to see your new one.

Open Contacts app: On your old iPhone, launch the Contacts app.

Choose the contact: Locate the specific contact you want to transfer. Or in case you want to transfer all, just select a single contact and while holding the finger navigate down to select all contacts in the list.

Initiate AirDrop sharing: Now long press and Tap “Share” and select “Save To Files” “AirDrop”.

Send to new iPhone: Now you can share the saved file from Files using “Airdrop”

Step 6: Accept the Transfer on the New iPhone

Also Read: Best Drawing Apps For iOS and Android

5. Using Google Cloud Sync

You can even use the Google Clouse sync feature to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone. This method even works on transferring contacts from an Android device to iPhone. Follow these steps to transfer contacts:

– If you are coming from an Android smartphone then make sure to navigate to Settings and then Accounts, and select Google and make sure that a toggle besides Contacts is selected.

– Now on your iPhone navigate to Settings, then select Contacts and under the Accounts section select Add Account and select Gmail. Now log in using your Google ID that you have been using with your old iPhone.

– Make sure that the toggle beside Contacts is enabled and you will see all your Google synced contacts will appear on your new iPhone.

6. Using third Party Apps

If you want to transfer your iPhone contacts to another device, you can use a third-party app or software. Nowadays, various free apps enable quick transfer of contacts between iPhones. These apps eliminate the need to use iTunes or iCloud, making the process faster.

To begin the process, Make sure to download “My Contacts Backup” app from the app store. The app uses the email functionality to transfer contacts. The process is pretty simple. First, email your contact list to yourself. Then, export the contacts to your new iPhone and import the list from your email.

Also Read: Tips to Extend The Lifespan of Apple iPhone Charging Jack

Did you know that refurbished mobile phones cost at least 10% less than new phones on Cashify? You also get other discounts, No-cost EMI and more, making it the most affordable way to buy a premium phone. So, what are you waiting for? Buy refurbished mobile phones at your nearest Cashify store and avail exclusive offers.