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Community Member
November 25, 2025
Solved

Should I setup my new iPhone before switching ?

  • November 25, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 2169 views

Hi, I  have an old iPhone that I am switching the number to my new ID iPhone. I want to transfer all the account details, apps and messages to the new phone, but do I need to set it up before the number switches, and then transfer, or should I wait until the switch has competed? I  don't want to lose messages etc.

Regards 

MCL

    Best answer by Lamiya C

    Hi ​@MCL1 ,

     

    Great news, you don’t need to wait for the number switch to finish before setting up your new iPhone!  You can go ahead and transfer all your apps, messages, and account details now using Quick Start or iCloud backup. Everything will move over safely.
    Once the number switch is complete, your new phone will automatically update with your correct number, so you won’t lose any messages or data. Just make sure you sign in with your Apple ID during setup
    How to Transfer Your Data to Your New iPhone
     

    Option 1: Quick Start (Fast & Easy)

    Place both iPhones next to each other and turn on your new iPhone.
    On your old iPhone, you’ll see a Quick Start screen—tap Continue.
    Scan the animation on your new iPhone using your old iPhone’s camera.
    Follow the on-screen steps to transfer your data.
    Keep both devices connected to Wi-Fi and power until the process finishes.

     

    Option 2: iCloud Backup

    On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
    Tap Back Up Now and wait for the backup to complete.
    On your new iPhone, during setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
    Sign in with your Apple ID and select the latest backup.

    After the number switch completes, your new iPhone will automatically update with your correct number.
    No messages or apps will be lost!

    Lamiya

    3 replies

    Lamiya C
    iD Mobile Employee
    Lamiya CAnswer
    iD Mobile Employee
    November 25, 2025

    Hi ​@MCL1 ,

     

    Great news, you don’t need to wait for the number switch to finish before setting up your new iPhone!  You can go ahead and transfer all your apps, messages, and account details now using Quick Start or iCloud backup. Everything will move over safely.
    Once the number switch is complete, your new phone will automatically update with your correct number, so you won’t lose any messages or data. Just make sure you sign in with your Apple ID during setup
    How to Transfer Your Data to Your New iPhone
     

    Option 1: Quick Start (Fast & Easy)

    Place both iPhones next to each other and turn on your new iPhone.
    On your old iPhone, you’ll see a Quick Start screen—tap Continue.
    Scan the animation on your new iPhone using your old iPhone’s camera.
    Follow the on-screen steps to transfer your data.
    Keep both devices connected to Wi-Fi and power until the process finishes.

     

    Option 2: iCloud Backup

    On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
    Tap Back Up Now and wait for the backup to complete.
    On your new iPhone, during setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
    Sign in with your Apple ID and select the latest backup.

    After the number switch completes, your new iPhone will automatically update with your correct number.
    No messages or apps will be lost!

    Lamiya

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    New Contributor
    July 30, 2026

    I’ve done this before but for some reason it’s asking me for new things which I can’t find or don’t know what to do! I’m doing quick start, scanned the pretty picture, found it in English and now it’s asking me to scan a QR code. Where is it?… to enter  my details manually, what details where/what are they! Help! 

    iD Mobile Employee
    July 30, 2026

    Hi ​@KT nic 

     

    Thank you for getting in touch with us, and I am so sorry that you have tried the above steps with no luck.

     

    Please send us a private message via our socials (Facebook or Instagram).

     

    Thank you,

     

    Zandile M

    The iD Mobile Team

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.