By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-09-12

100 % Helpful

How to Transfer Data From Old iPhone to iPhone 17 Without iTunes

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-09-12 / iPhone 17

Switching to your new iPhone 17 sounds exciting, but the real issue arises when you need to transfer all your data from your old iPhone. Fortunately, Apple and third-party applications provide a number of methods that can make this transfer easy and painless.

Depending on your requirements, you have several choices. In this article, we’ll teach you how to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 17 step by step. We’ll also share the process of preparing both phones for a successful transfer.

01. What You Need to Prepare Before Transferring Data from Old iPhone to iPhone 17
02. How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to iPhone 17 Wirelessly (Quick Start)
03. How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to iPhone 17 Without iCloud/Resetting
04 How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With iCloud
05 How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With AirDrop
06 How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With iTunes

Part 1. What You Need to Prepare Before Transferring Data from Old iPhone to iPhone 17

Before you learn how to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone 17, make sure to prepare both phones for the transfer. This will guarantee that the transfer goes flawlessly and successfully.

Update iOS: Make sure both iPhones are on the latest iOS (Settings > General > Software Update).
Wi-Fi: Connect both phones to the same stable Wi-Fi.
Battery: Charge each iPhone to at least 50% or keep them plugged in.
Backup Old iPhone: Back up your old iPhone with iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now) or a computer.
Apple ID Ready: Make sure that you remember the Apple ID and password associated with your old iPhone.
Passcode Set: Make sure your old iPhone has a passcode.
Storage: Check you have enough space on both iPhones for the update (Settings > General > iPhone Storage).
Bluetooth: Turn on Bluetooth on both iPhones.

Part 2. How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to iPhone 17 Wirelessly (Quick Start)

Quick Start makes setting up a new iPhone 17 easy by using your old iPhone to transfer data wirelessly with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It saves time by moving your Apple ID, settings, and data quickly without extra steps. However, both phones are unusable during the process. Transfer speed depends on Wi-Fi and data size, and some info may need to be set up again manually. Here’s how to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 17 wirelessly with Quick Start:

Step 1: Switch on your iPhone 17. Place it near your old iPhone.

Step 2: Then, tap “Continue” when the “Quick Start” screen appears on the old iPhone (make sure Bluetooth is activated on both phones).

Step 3: Scan the animation on your iPhone 17 using your old iPhone’s camera. Then, wait for the “Finish” message.

Step 4: Enter your old iPhone’s passcode on the new one. Next, set up Face ID or Touch ID.

Step 5: Tap “Transfer From iPhone” on the old iPhone to move data (you can include settings like Apple Pay, Siri, and Apple Watch). Keep both phones close and plugged in.

Step 6: Follow on-screen steps. If the setup prompt disappears, restart both phones.

Part 3. How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to iPhone 17 Without iCloud/Resetting

If you want to move data from your old iPhone to the iPhone 17 without iCloud/iTunes and resetting, then employ an iPhone-to-iPhone transfer app. Tenorshare iCareFone allows you to back up data selectively from your old iPhone and move it to a new iPhone in a few clicks. It takes only a few minutes to transfer and doesn’t require resetting your new iPhone 17. You can also choose to move large files without trouble using WiFi or USB. Here’s how this tool can benefit you:

Transfers all data, including phone numbers, music, videos, pictures, etc, without syncing errors or any complex steps.
Supports 20+ file types (e.g., WhatsApp, photos, messages) and syncs 30+ data types.
Back up from your old iPhone to a PC/Mac, and restore data to the new iPhone 17 without loss.
Remove duplicate photos to free up storage.
Import/export contacts, manage videos/files and playlists, remove songs, and set ringtones directly.
Store sensitive data securely in a virtual USB.
Download geo-restricted apps, update/uninstall, and manage hidden apps.
Includes additional tools like HEIC to JPG converter, developer tools, iPhone testing, and AI wallpapers (Mac).
Fully compatible with iOS 26 and iPhone 17.

Here’s how to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 17 without resetting with Tenorshare iCareFone:

Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your computer. Open iCareFone and connect your old iPhone to the PC. Choose “Backup & Restore” from the right menu.
Then select all the data and click on Backup button.
When the backup is completed, choose “View Backup Data”.
Now disconnect your old iPhone and connect your new iPhone 17 to the computer. Tick all the data and choose “Restore to Device”.
And boom, all your stuff is now in the new iPhone! As simple as that!

Part 4. How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With iCloud

Using iCloud lets you back up your old iPhone and restore everything to your new one wirelessly, even if you don’t have the old device with you. It’s convenient, runs in the background, and Apple even offers temporary storage for the move. However, it can be slow, may require extra iCloud storage, and needs a strong Wi-Fi connection. Some settings and passwords won’t transfer, so you’ll need to re-enter them. Here’s how to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 17 with iCloud:

Step 1: Back up your old iPhone to iCloud. Then, switch on your iPhone 17. Proceed with the setup steps.

Step 2: When the “Apps & Data” screen appears, tap “From iCloud Backup.”

Step 3: Sign in with your Apple ID. Then, pick the backup you want to restore.

Step 4: Stay on Wi-Fi and wait for the restore to finish (time depends on data size and internet speed).

Step 5: Follow the remaining setup steps. Keep your iPhone 17 on Wi-Fi and plugged in so photos, music, and apps download automatically.

Part 5. How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With AirDrop

AirDrop lets you quickly share files between iPhones using Bluetooth and WiFi. It’s fast, secure, keeps file quality, and has no size limit. However, both devices must be close with Bluetooth or WiFi. For very large transfers, other methods may work better. Here’s how to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 17 with AirDrop:

Step 1: Open “Control Center” on both iPhones. Then, hold the network box. Tap “AirDrop.” Then, choose “Everyone for 10 Minutes.”

Step 2: Open the photo, video, or document you wish to send on your old iPhone. Then, click the “Share” icon. Select AirDrop.

Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With AirDrop

Step 3: Choose the iPhone 17. A pop-up will appear on iPhone 17 with the file preview. Tap “Accept.” The file opens in the right app (e.g., Photos).

Part 6. How to Transfer Data from One iPhone to iPhone 17 With iTunes

Using iTunes/Finder, you can back up your old iPhone to a computer and restore it to your new iPhone 17 with a cable. It’s free, functions offline, and stores data locally for privacy, with backup size limited only by your computer’s storage. However, it takes time, needs a computer, and restores everything without selective transfer. You must also erase your iPhone 17 if it’s already set up to restore from an iTunes backup. Follow the instructions beneath to move data from your old iPhone to iPhone 17:

Step 1: Connect your old iPhone to a computer with a USB. Then, open iTunes/Finder on the same computer.

Step 2: Tap “Trust This Computer” on iPhone if asked. Enter passcode. Select iPhone. Then, choose “This Computer” for backup.

Step 3: Click “Back Up Now” and wait until it’s done. Disconnect the old iPhone.

Step 4: Turn on the new iPhone 17 (erase first if already set up). Follow the setup steps until the “Apps & Data” screen appears.

Step 5: Next, select “From Mac or PC.” Connect the iPhone 17 to the computer with the backup. Then, open iTunes/Finder.

Step 6: Select iPhone 17. Then, click “Restore from this backup.” Tap “Continue.” Wait for restore to finish (keep iPhone connected).

Step 7: Your iPhone 17 will restart afterward. Complete the setup steps.

Conclusion

You can learn how to transfer data from old iPhone to iPhone 17 in different ways. Try out Quick Start (wireless), iCloud (cloud backup), AirDrop (file sharing), or iTunes/Finder (computer restore). Each method has advantages and limitations.

But if you want a faster, easier option without resetting your iPhone 17, Tenorshare iCareFone is the best choice. It lets you transfer files selectively, supports many data types and large transfers, avoids iCloud limits, and finishes the process in just a few clicks.

Downloads: