Switching to a new iPhone is always exciting, but transferring contacts from your old device can feel a little tricky if you don’t know the right steps. Thankfully, Apple provides multiple ways to move your contacts securely—whether through iCloud, iTunes, or even third-party tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the methods so you can quickly get your contact list on your new iPhone.
Transfer Contacts From iPhone to iPhone With iCloud
The simplest way is to use iCloud sync, which keeps contacts updated across all devices logged in with the same Apple ID.
- On both iPhones, connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with the same Apple ID.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Toggle Contacts to the green “on” position.
- If prompted, select Merge to combine existing contacts.
Your contacts will now sync between both devices. If you have a lot of contacts, this may take a little while.
Transfer iPhone Contacts by Restoring an iCloud Backup
If you want to move all your data (including contacts), you can restore from an iCloud backup.
- On the old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Toggle iCloud Backup on and tap Back Up Now.
- On the new iPhone, during setup, select Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Choose the most recent backup to restore.
⚠️ Note: If you’ve already set up your new iPhone, you’ll need to reset it to factory settings before restoring from iCloud.
Transfer iPhone Contacts Using iTunes
Prefer using a computer? iTunes works well for backing up and restoring contacts.
Connect your old iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
Select your iPhone, then under Backups, choose This Computer and click Back Up Now.
Once done, disconnect the old iPhone and connect your new one.
Select Restore Backup and choose the most recent backup.
If iTunes asks you to turn off Find My iPhone, you can do so under Settings > iCloud > Find My iPhone.
Transfer iPhone Contacts Using Web-Based Tools
Aside from iCloud, services like Google Contacts or Yahoo Contacts can help.
- Sign into your Google or Yahoo account on your old iPhone.
- Sync your contacts to that account.
- Log in with the same account on your new iPhone, and enable Contacts Sync under Settings > Passwords & Accounts.
This way, your contacts stay backed up across multiple platforms.
Transfer iPhone Contacts Using Third-Party Software
If you want something faster or more flexible, apps like My Contacts Backup can help.
- Install the app on your old iPhone.
- Back up your contacts and email the backup file to yourself.
- Open the email on your new iPhone and import the file.
Simple and quick—no computer needed.
Why You Can’t Transfer iPhone Contacts Using a SIM Card
Unlike many other phones, iPhones don’t allow saving contacts directly to the SIM card. Apple requires using iCloud, iTunes, or third-party tools for transfers.
FAQ
How do I transfer contacts from Android to iPhone?
Enable Sync Contacts on your Android under Settings > Accounts > Google. Then sign in with the same Gmail account on your iPhone and enable Contacts sync.
How do I transfer contacts from iPhone to Android?
Use iCloud to back up contacts, then install a third-party app like Sync for iCloud Contacts on your Android to download them.
How do I download contacts from iPhone to Mac?
On iPhone: Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Contacts > Merge. On Mac: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Contacts.
Transferring contacts doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you prefer iCloud, iTunes, or a handy third-party app, these methods will ensure your valuable contact list moves safely to your new device.
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