How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to iPhone (2023)

In this article, we will discuss various methods and step-by-step instructions on how to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone. In today’s digital age, our contacts hold significant importance as they contain valuable information about our friends, family, colleagues, and clients. When upgrading to a new iPhone in 2023, transferring contacts from the old iPhone is a crucial step to ensure you don’t lose any valuable information.

Transferring contacts from iPhone to iPhone is essential to maintain seamless communication and avoid the hassle of manually re-entering contact information. With the advancements in technology, there are multiple methods to transfer contacts, including iCloud, iTunes, and Quick Start. Let’s explore each method in detail.

Table of Contents

1 Methods of Transferring Contacts
2 Steps to Transfer Contacts using iCloud
3 Steps to Transfer Contacts using iTunes
4 Steps to Transfer Contacts using Quick Start
5 Troubleshooting Tips
6 Conclusion
7 FAQs

Methods of Transferring Contacts

There are three primary methods to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone – iCloud, iTunes, and Quick Start.

iCloud Method

iCloud is a cloud-based service offered by Apple that allows you to store and sync various data, including contacts, across multiple devices. To transfer contacts using iCloud, follow these steps:

Sign in to iCloud on your old iPhone using your Apple ID and password.
Enable iCloud Contacts by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Contacts and toggling on the switch.
Sync Contacts to iCloud by selecting “Merge” when prompted.
On your new iPhone, sign in to iCloud using the same Apple ID and password.
Enable iCloud Contacts on your new iPhone by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Contacts and toggling on the switch.
Wait for the contacts to sync, and your contacts will be transferred to your new iPhone.

iTunes Method

iTunes is a software developed by Apple that allows you to manage and backup data on your iOS devices. To transfer contacts using iTunes, follow these steps:

Connect your old iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.
Back up your contacts by selecting your iPhone in iTunes and clicking on “Back Up Now” under the Summary tab.
Disconnect your old iPhone and connect your new iPhone to the computer.
Restore contacts to your new iPhone by selecting your iPhone in iTunes and clicking on “Restore Backup” under the Summary tab. 5. Choose the backup that contains your contacts and click on “Restore” to transfer the contacts to your new iPhone.

Quick Start Method

Quick Start is a feature available in iOS that allows you to transfer data, including contacts, from your old iPhone to your new iPhone wirelessly. To transfer contacts using Quick Start, follow these steps:

Keep your old and new iPhones close to each other.
Follow the on-screen instructions on your new iPhone until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
Choose the option to transfer data from your old iPhone.
Select “Transfer from iPhone” and authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID.
Choose to transfer Contacts and wait for the transfer to complete.

Steps to Transfer Contacts using iCloud

The iCloud method is a convenient way to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone without the need for a computer. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Sign in to iCloud on your old iPhone using your Apple ID and password.
Enable iCloud Contacts by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Contacts and toggling on the switch.
Sync Contacts to iCloud by selecting “Merge” when prompted. This will upload your contacts to iCloud.
On your new iPhone, sign in to iCloud using the same Apple ID and password.
Enable iCloud Contacts on your new iPhone by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Contacts and toggling on the switch.
Wait for the contacts to sync, and your contacts will be transferred to your new iPhone.

Steps to Transfer Contacts using iTunes

The iTunes method requires a computer with iTunes installed but offers more control over the backup and restore process. Here’s how to transfer contacts using iTunes:

Connect your old iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.
Back up your contacts by selecting your iPhone in iTunes and clicking on “Back Up Now” under the Summary tab. This will create a backup of your contacts on your computer.
Disconnect your old iPhone and connect your new iPhone to the computer.
Restore contacts to your new iPhone by selecting your iPhone in iTunes and clicking on “Restore Backup” under the Summary tab.
Choose the backup that contains your contacts and click on “Restore” to transfer the contacts to your new iPhone.

Steps to Transfer Contacts using Quick Start

The Quick Start method is the easiest way to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone, as it can be done wirelessly without the need for a computer. Here’s how to do it:

Keep your old and new iPhones close to each other.
Follow the on-screen instructions on your new iPhone until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
Choose the option to transfer data from your old iPhone.
Select “Transfer from iPhone” and authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID.
Choose to transfer Contacts and wait for the transfer to complete.

Troubleshooting Tips

While transferring contacts from iPhone to iPhone is usually a smooth process, you may encounter some issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

iCloud Sync Issues

If you face issues with iCloud sync, make sure that you have a stable internet connection and enough iCloud storage space. You can also try toggling off and on the iCloud Contacts switch, or sign out and sign back in to iCloud on both iPhones.

iTunes Backup Errors

If you encounter errors while backing up or restoring contacts using iTunes, make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. You can also try using a different USB cable or USB port, or restart your computer and iPhones before trying again.

Quick Start Connection Problems

If you face connection problems while using Quick Start, make sure that both your old and new iPhones are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and are close to each other. You can also try restarting both iPhones and retrying the Quick Start process.

Import/Export Contacts Method

Another method to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone is by exporting contacts from your old iPhone and then importing them to your new iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

On your old iPhone, go to the Contacts app.
Select the contacts you want to transfer by tapping on them.
Tap on the Share button and choose the option to export the contacts.
Choose the format to export the contacts (e.g., vCard) and select the method to share (e.g., AirDrop, Email, etc.).
Send the exported contacts to your new iPhone.
On your new iPhone, open the received contacts file and tap on “Add All Contacts” to import the contacts to your new iPhone.

Conclusion

Transferring contacts from iPhone to iPhone is a simple process that can be done using various methods such as iCloud, iTunes, Quick Start, and import/export. Depending on your preference and situation, you can choose the method that suits you best. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in this article to ensure a smooth and successful transfer of your contacts to your new iPhone.

FAQs

Can I transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone without using iCloud or iTunes?

Yes, you can transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone without using iCloud or iTunes by using the Quick Start method, which allows you to transfer data wirelessly between iPhones.

Can I transfer only specific contacts from my old iPhone to my new iPhone?

Yes, you can transfer only specific contacts from your old iPhone to your new iPhone by selecting them during the transfer process using methods such as Quick Start or import/export.

Do I need to have a computer to transfer contacts using iTunes?

Yes, you need to have a computer with iTunes installed to transfer contacts using iTunes, as it requires backing up and restoring data through iTunes.

What should I do if I face issues with iCloud sync during the contact transfer process?

If you face issues with iCloud sync, you can try toggling off and on the iCloud Contacts switch, sign out and sign back in to iCloud, or check your internet connection and iCloud storage space.

Can I transfer contacts from an old iPhone to a new iPhone with a different Apple ID?

Yes, you can transfer contacts from an old iPhone to a new iPhone with a different Apple ID using methods such as Quick Start or import/export, but some features may not be available if you use different Apple IDs.