I got a new iPhone and need to move all my photos from the old one, but I’m unsure what’s the best and fastest way to do it. Does anyone have tips or steps that could help with this?
Hey, transferring photos between iPhones is super straightforward if you know the right steps. Apple really wants you locked in their ecosystems, so they’ve got a few ways to make this nearly painless (good for them, I guess).
Option 1: Use iCloud.
- Make sure both iPhones are signed into the same Apple ID.
- On your old phone, go to Settings > your name > iCloud > Photos, and turn ON iCloud Photos.
- Wait for all your photos to upload to the cloud (this could take some time if you have tons of photos or a bad Wi-Fi connection).
- Then, on your new iPhone, do the same steps to turn on iCloud Photos. They’ll start downloading automatically. Done!
Cons: Limited free storage (just 5 GB unless you’ve upgraded). If you have thousands of photos, you’re either paying extra or dealing with ‘this iPhone cannot back up because storage is full.’ Yay capitalism.
Option 2: Direct transfer during setup.
- When setting up your new iPhone, it asks if you want to transfer everything directly from your old iPhone.
- Put both phones near each other. Follow the steps on-screen. Voilà — they magic everything over, no iCloud required.
Cons: Can’t use this option if the new iPhone is already set up and functioning, unless you’re cool with wiping it and starting over.
Option 3: AirDrop.
- Open Photos on your old phone, select all the images, tap the share icon, and AirDrop them to the new iPhone. (Tip: Make sure both phones have AirDrop enabled in Settings > General > AirDrop, and set it to ‘Everyone’ if you’re impatient.)
- Watch in awe as your phones transfer hundreds of images at a glacial pace.
Cons: Painfully slow compared to the options above, especially for large albums. Also, your hand WILL cramp trying to select them all.
Option 4: Use a computer.
- Transfer photos from the old iPhone to your computer (USB cable time or via iTunes/Finder).
- Then, connect your new iPhone and move them back onto it.
Cons: This is so last decade, and honestly, why are you rooting around with cables like it’s 2011?
TL;DR – If you’re cool with iCloud, use it. If not, try the direct phone-to-phone transfer. ONLY go with AirDrop or a computer if the universe has conspired against the simpler methods.
Okay, look—I’m just gonna throw this out there: why does transferring photos between iPhones always feel like solving a riddle when it should just work? Anyway, here’s my slightly different take from @reveurdenuit’s options:
Honestly, ditch AirDrop unless you’re feeling masochistic. I mean, you’re selecting photos one by one? Who has the thumbs (or patience) for that when you’re migrating thousands? Don’t do it to yourself.
But here’s an option I didn’t see them mention: Quick Start. It’s a direct transfer method Apple sneaks into their setup process, and it’s pretty slick if you don’t mind the sensorial trauma of waiting through Bluetooth-like speeds:
- Enable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi on both devices.
- Restart your new iPhone and go through the setup process.
- When you see the “Quick Start” screen, follow the prompts to pair the devices. You’ll get an option to transfer your data wirelessly, including those glorious selfies and memes.
Yes, it takes a while, so grab coffee. Or wine. But here’s the real kicker: no iCloud fuss and no computer middleman. It just happens.
For those screaming, “I already set up my new iPhone!”, cooldown. Reset it to factory settings and start again—it’s not pretty, but it works. (Am I the only one who feels like setting up a shiny new phone more than once is soul-crushing?)
Also, since everyone loves options, another alternative: third-party apps. Google somewhere like Photo Transfer App or similar to shuttle your pics. BUT, warning: some of these apps are either clunky or pop up ads every five swipes. Also, I’d avoid them if you value privacy. Just sayin’.
In short, Quick Start shouldn’t be overlooked. iCloud works for those not petrified of ‘storage full’ warnings. But AirDrop? Honestly feels like more of a prank than a practical option for this.