AndrewSo, you’re about to get a new iPhone? Are you an early adopter and ordered first in line? Or you are patient and waiting for your new phone, you need to set yourself up for success. I won’t go into crazy detail below but do touch on a few things worth knowing (if you didn’t already) on getting ready for a new iPhone.
Backup & Prep For Getting Ready For A New iPhone
If you are already an iPhone user, this should be rather simple. Depending on what you plan on doing with your existing phone you have a few avenues to take here.
If you are getting a new phone and trading in the old one make sure it’s BACKED UP! Take the time to go into your settings and make sure that all of the data you care about is backed up to your iCloud. If you are like me you might also back up your photos with a secondary service. One thing I’ve learned over the years, all of my data USUALLY transfers to a new phone, but it’s not perfect. I’ve lost a fair share of photos that I poorly managed. For most trade-in programs or buy-back programs, you usually can have some built-in overlap time between your new phone and old phone to make sure everything was backed-up and transferred.
If you have an existing iPhone Apple makes this pretty easy (of course they do). You can utilize the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” flow in the settings app. Here are the steps:
- Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Get Started (you’ll go through a few steps with Apple running a few items like iCloud backup)
- Tap Done
The nice thing about this is the data, specifically that of the various App data it backs up, is stored on a temporary iCloud allotment. What this means is in theory it won’t fill up the iCloud you pay for. This backup only lasts for a couple of weeks. Apple expects that in this time you’ll be moving it to a new device.
If you are an Android user making the switch, Apple released an app on the Play Store called “Move to iOS”. I have not used this product but from what I can see it helps you migrate your contacts, calendars, and more from your Android device to your new iPhone via a private wi-fi network. This should in theory handle transfers pretty quickly, and for the most part seamlessly.
It’s Not Just Data
Beyond the need to make sure your data is ready for the transfer, you should make sure you are set with your other needs. For example, I always order a new case when I order my new phone. I do the same with a screen protector. Even if that means I get those days before actually getting the phone, that’s fine with me.
I have a whole post about great accessories for iPhone users go check it out (it’s from last holiday season but still works)! iPhone User Holiday Gift Guide
Final Thoughts On Getting Ready For A New iPhone
It’s easy. That’s it.
Ha, but seriously if you’ve had iPhones or really any Apple product you know how they work. Apple’s all about making your life within their walled garden as easy as possible. Getting any new tech product can feel a bit overwhelming especially when it’s on you to do the data transfer. That’s a bit of why I suggest looking at having your prized data backed up in at least 2 places.
