- Direct transfer with Quick start and cable for maximum speed.
- Cloud-free alternatives: Finder/Apple Devices, AirDrop and apps specialized companies.
- Keys to success: encrypted backup, power, USB-C/Lightning compatibility.
If you are considering changing your iPhone and don't want to rely on iCloud, there are several reliable ways to move everything important from one device to another. There are 100% cloud-free methods (cable, computer, AirDrop, and even specialized apps) and also options with iCloud for those who prefer it, so you can choose what best suits your situation.
In this guide, you'll find detailed steps, recommendations, and external tools that speed up and simplify the process. The goal is for you to get your new iPhone without wasting time or data., minimizing waits and avoiding the typical errors that lengthen migration.
Methods available to transfer data between iPhones without iCloud
Before you get started, it's a good idea to be clear about what alternatives are available and when to use them. Direct transfer between iPhones (Quick Start) is the easiest if you have both devices with you; for those who prefer a computer, Finder in Mac and the Apple Devices or iTunes app on Windows They are safe and predictable; and for selective transfers, AirDrop is extremely convenient.
In addition, there are third-party utilities geared toward full backups or moving specific types of data (photos, videos, contacts, WhatsApp, etc.). They are valid solutions when you want more control or speed., or if the official method is slow or gives you problems.
You can also move just your photos and videos to a computer, whether it's a Mac or Windows computer, and then transfer them to your new iPhone. It is a useful way if you are only interested in multimedia content. or if you don't want to restore a full backup.
Finally, although this guide focuses on not using iCloud, we briefly include options with Apple's cloud and other platforms (Google Photos or Amazon Photos) for those who value that convenience. The more cards you have, the easier it is to choose. the one that best suits you.
Quick Start without iCloud: Direct iPhone to iPhone Transfer
The so-called Quick Start allows you to set up your new iPhone using your old one by placing them side by side. From iOS 12.4 You can migrate data directly, without going through iCloud, using Wi‑Fi between both devices or a cable to speed up the process.
Basic requirements: Both iPhones with iOS 12.4 or later, Bluetooth enabled, and sufficient battery life (or plugged into power). Keep the two close throughout the operation to avoid unnecessary cuts or reconnections.
- Turn on your new iPhone and place it next to the old one. On the old one, you'll see a prompt to set up the new one with your Apple ID; tap Continue.
- On the new iPhone an animation will appear; scan with your old iPhone to link them and confirm the security code.
- Set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device when prompted and choose Transfer from iPhoneThis way you can copy data directly without using the cloud.
- Leave both iPhones together and connected to power until the power is finished. Weather It depends on the size of your data and the quality of the connection.
Want to go even faster? Use a cable. If one iPhone has USB-C and the other has Lightning, connect a USB-C to Lightning cable; if both are USB-C, a USB-C to USB-C cable. The system will detect the connection and prioritize wired transfer.
A quick compatibility note: If you're moving between generations with port changes (e.g., from an iPhone with Lightning to one with USB-C), the right cable allows you to transfer directlyIn very specific cases of recent models, it's a good idea to review the official guide if the wizard shows you limitations.
Using a computer: Finder on Mac or iTunes/Apple Devices on Windows
If you'd rather not rely on a connection between iPhones, you can create a local backup of your old iPhone and restore it to your new one. On Mac it is done with Finder; on Windows, with the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if you're still using it).
Key advantage: If you mark the copy as encrypted, Sensitive data such as Health and Activity are also restored.Without encryption, that information does not travel in the copy.
- On the old iPhone, connect it to your Mac or PC. On a Mac, open Finder; on Windows, open Apple Devices or iTunes and select your iPhone.
- Choose to do backup on the computer (turn on 'encrypt' if you want to include Health, passwords, etc.) and press 'Back up now'.
- When finished, unplug the old one and turn on the new one. In the wizard, select 'Restore from Mac or PC'.
- Connect your new iPhone to your computer, open Finder or Apple Devices/iTunes, tap 'Restore backup' and choose the most recent one.
Once the restore is complete, your new iPhone will be up and running in the background. apps and content will be downloaded if necessary. Keep your device connected to power and Wi-Fi to speed things up.
Note for Windows: Apple has gradually replaced iTunes features with the Apple Devices app. Both options serve to restore copies, so use the one you have installed and updated.
AirDrop and other selective transfers without iCloud
If you don't need to clone your iPhone and just want to transfer specific items (several photos, a long video, a document), AirDrop is ideal. No external internet required: Creates a Wi‑Fi Direct network between devices using Bluetooth for pairing.
- On both iPhones, turn on Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth and check AirDrop in 'Settings > General > AirDrop'. The typical range of Bluetooth is about 9 meters.
- On the source iPhone, select what you want to share in the Photos or Files app and tap the share icon.
- Choose the target iPhone that appears in AirDrop. On the new iPhone, accept receipt and wait a few seconds.
When sharing large batches, it's more stable to move your iPhones closer together and keep both screens active while sending. For huge libraries, Quick Start or your computer are more efficient., but for one-off passes AirDrop is unbeatable.
Just want to share a few photos with someone else or with your second iPhone? Consider using shared albums or the iCloud Share button if that's convenient for you. It's not strictly iCloud-free, but it is practical for small, collaborative collections.
Third-party tools for full or advanced transfers
There are applications that automate or enhance migration, especially when you want to move everything quickly or need granular control by data type. Use them when the native method is slow or limited..
- AnyTrans offers a simple panel to choose what to send from one iPhone to another (photos, videos, music, notes, apps, WhatsApp chats, etc.). Allows one-click transfers and category selection, and it also serves to synchronize with the computer or with the iTunes library.
- MobileTrans – Phone Transfer is focused on copies between mobile phones, even crossing platforms (iOS, Android, Windows Phone). Connect both iPhones to the computer, select the source and destination, select the data to be transferred, and start the transfer. It includes an option to wipe the destination iPhone before copying if needed.
- AirDroid Personal facilitates wireless transfers between devices and your computer on the same network. It is useful if you prefer not to use cables. and if you also want to manage files bidirectionally with your PC.
- WinX MediaTrans is specially optimized for photos and videos. They boast of moving thousands of photos per minute, with support for JPG, PNG, and HEIC, including Live Photos, panoramas, portraits, and stills. Very handy if your priority is quickly emptying or copying your camera roll.
Safety advice for any third-party app: Always download from the official website and check the permissions. Make a copy in case you need to go back and avoid disconnecting cables during operations.
Transfer only photos and videos to a computer
If your goal is to get photos and videos from your old iPhone and then decide what to bring to your new one, you can use the native tools for each system. It's a very clear route when you're only worried about the reel. and not the rest of the data.
On a Mac, open the Photos app with your iPhone connected via cable. The system will display the images ready to import; Tap 'Trust' on your iPhone when prompted. and then tap 'Import.' You can then sync them to your new iPhone from the app itself or with Finder.
In Windows 10/11, use the Photos app. Connect your iPhone via USB, authorize access, and choose 'Import' from a device. If your iPhone isn't detected, install or update iTunes or the Apple Devices app., which include the necessary drivers.
You can also go to iCloud.com to download your photos to your computer if you already had them synced. It's not a way without iCloud, but it solves the problem of accessing from the browser. and serves as a bridge if you don't have your iPhone handy.
If you prefer cloud-based alternatives, Amazon Photos (included with Prime) lets you upload unlimited original-quality photos and videos with 5 GB free, and Google Photos offers flexible plans. They are useful to have an independent backup of the Apple ecosystem. or to share with family and friends.
Important considerations: timing, compatibility, and energy
The transfer time depends on the amount of data and the method. By cable, copying is usually more stable and faster. than Wi‑Fi Direct, especially with large photo and 4K video libraries.
If you connect your iPhones via cable (USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to Lightning), the system prioritizes that route. Check that the cable supports data (not just charging) to prevent it from being left in Wi‑Fi transfer without warning.
When migrating between generations with different ports (Lightning to USB-C), the correct cable is usually sufficient. If the wizard displays model-specific constraints, check the official Apple guide or request technical support for your case.
During either method, keep both iPhones connected to power and with their screens on if the process requires it. Avoid calls or intensive use during copying so as not to interrupt the transfer or generate extra heat.
If you opt for iCloud, keep in mind that Apple offers storage extra time to complete the migration when you buy a new iPhone. That space does not consume your quota and is automatically released after a few days.
iCloud Transfer: When the Cloud Works for You
Even if you're looking to avoid iCloud, it might be helpful to know how to do it if one day it becomes more convenient for you. The advantage is that you can use the new iPhone while it downloads in the background. apps, data, and your Photos library.
- On your old iPhone, go to Settings and make sure iCloud backup is enabled. Force a copy now to keep everything up to date.
- Turn on your new iPhone and choose 'Restore from iCloud Backup'. Sign in with your Apple ID and select the most recent copy.
- Keep your new iPhone connected to power and Wi‑Fi until indexing and updates are complete. downloads. It is normal to notice more consumption during the first hours.
With Quick Start, you can also choose to download from iCloud instead of direct transfer. This way, the iPhone is immediately usable. and brings the rest in the background.
Useful shortcuts and troubleshooting
If Quick Start pairing doesn't appear, toggle Bluetooth on and off on both iPhones, restart them, and move them closer together. Remove metal cases or bulky MagSafe accessories that may interfere slightly.
When a restored backup does not include Health data or passwords, it is almost certain that the backup was not encrypted. Repeat the copy by activating encryption and restores it again so that the data can travel.
AirDrop failing? Check visibility ('Contacts Only' or 'Everyone') and that both are running the latest version of iOS. Trying 'Everyone' often resolves scheduling conflicts. or permissions between contacts.
If the Windows Photos app doesn't detect your iPhone, install the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if you're already using it) and change the USB port or cable. Authorize the computer at the iPhone trust prompt to unlock access.
With third-party tools, always keep previous backups and do not disconnect cables until the program confirms completion. Update both the computer app and iOS to minimize compatibility errors.
Related searches that usually accompany this question
In addition to how to transfer data, many users end up searching for other common tasks related to photos and migrations. We leave you a guide list so you can quickly find what you need:
- Edit iPhone Photos – Hide iPhone Photos – Blur iPhone Photo Background
- Pass Photo to PDF iPhone – Remove Background from iPhone Photo – Send Photo via Bluetooth on iPhone
- How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC – to Android – to Mac
- iCloud photos – View iCloud Photos – Delete Duplicate Photos on iPhone – Download iPhone Photos to PC
Choosing the ideal method depends on your starting point, the amount of time you have, and the type of data. If you're in a hurry and have both iPhones at hand, use Quick Start (better with cable) is unbeatable. If you like control and a backup, Finder/Apple Devices is for you. For one-off transfers, AirDrop is great. And if you want extras or cross-platform support, third-party apps add speed and flexibility.
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