{"id":9536,"date":"2026-09-04T15:04:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T19:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tcn.tidbits.com\/?p=11755"},"modified":"2026-09-04T17:55:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T21:55:49","slug":"follow-these-steps-when-switching-to-a-new-iphone-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.macworks.com\/blog\/follow-these-steps-when-switching-to-a-new-iphone-18\/","title":{"rendered":"Follow These Steps When Switching to a New iPhone 18"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you considering getting one of Apple\u2019s new iPhone 18 models? While it\u2019s tempting to unbox a new iPhone and dive right in, a methodical setup will save you from potential frustrations down the road. When you\u2019re ready to transfer your data\u2014and, for many people, that means much of your digital life\u2014to the new iPhone, follow these step-by-step instructions. For visual learners, Apple also provides a video showing how to transfer your data and set up a new iPhone<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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  1. Ensure that both your current iPhone and Apple Watch (if you have one) are running the latest versions of iOS and watchOS. These updates can take a while to install, so don\u2019t leave them for the last minute.<\/li>\n
  2. Have your login details ready: you\u2019ll need your iPhone and Apple Watch passcodes, along with your Apple Account email address and password.<\/li>\n
  3. Back up your old iPhone to iCloud<\/a> or your Mac<\/a>. If you back up to a Mac, make sure you encrypt the backup<\/a> (and record the encrypted backup password!) so it includes passwords, Wi-Fi settings, browsing history, Health data, and call history. For safety, consider backing up to both iCloud and your Mac. iCloud backups are typically more straightforward and avoid issues like unreliable USB cables. If you don\u2019t usually back up to iCloud, Apple offers temporary iCloud storage<\/a> for 21 days when transferring to a new iPhone, with another 21 days if your new iPhone doesn\u2019t arrive in time. To make a temporary iCloud backup, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone<\/b> and tap Get Started under Prepare for New iPhone. The temporary backup sticks around for 7 days after you restore it to the new iPhone.<\/li>\n
  4. If you have an Apple Watch, you can transfer it to the new iPhone<\/a> during setup. If the automatic transfer doesn\u2019t work for some reason, you can manually unpair the Apple Watch<\/a> from the old iPhone and pair it again with the new one. If you choose the manual route with a cellular Apple Watch, you\u2019ll be prompted to keep or remove your cellular plan; be sure to keep the plan to continue using it after you re-pair.<\/li>\n
  5. If you ordered your new iPhone through Apple and linked it to your cellular carrier account at purchase, or bought it directly from your carrier, your phone number usually transfers automatically during activation. If the transfer doesn\u2019t happen automatically and your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer<\/a>, Setup Assistant will guide you through transferring your eSIM directly from your old iPhone.<\/li>\n
  6. Use Apple\u2019s Quick Start<\/a> to set up the new iPhone. Put your old iPhone nearby, follow the on-screen instructions, and use it to scan the animation that appears on the new iPhone. When Quick Start asks how you want to transfer your data, you have two main choices: iCloud or a direct transfer. Neither is especially quick, so start only when you have plenty of time. (If your old iPhone isn\u2019t available or Quick Start fails, you can instead set up the new iPhone manually and restore from an iCloud or Mac backup.)\n