iPhone 18 Pro Stuck on Preparing to Transfer? 9 Real Fixes Tested (2026)

Part 1. Why Is My New iPhone 18 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer?

iPhone 18 stuck on preparing to transfer is most often caused by weak Wi-Fi, devices placed too far apart, an outdated iOS version, low storage, or Apple server congestion.

Apple recommends keeping both devices close together, connecting the old iPhone to Wi-Fi, turning on Bluetooth, and keeping both phones connected to power while migration runs. Apple also notes that transfer time depends on network conditions and the amount of data being moved.

Weak, Mismatched, or Public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is one of the first things to check when you see iPhone 18 stuck on preparing to transfer. The old iPhone needs a reliable connection during setup. A public network, hotel Wi-Fi, school network, or network that requires a browser login can cause problems.

If the iPhone 18 transfer taking too long, check whether both phones have a stable internet connection. Avoid switching between networks during the transfer. If possible, use your normal home Wi-Fi instead of a public hotspot.

Devices Too Far Apart or Bluetooth Interference

Quick Start uses a nearby connection between your old and new devices. If your new iPhone transfer not working, move the phones close together and remove other Bluetooth devices from the immediate area.

Keep the phones on the same table rather than placing one in another room. Apple specifically recommends keeping the devices near each other and connected to power until migration finishes.

Old iPhone Running an Outdated iOS Version

An older iOS version can also cause setup problems. Before starting the transfer, check the old iPhone under Settings > General > Software Update and install any available update.

If your iPhone 18 stuck on preparing to transfer for hours, an outdated old iPhone can be one possible reason. Updating the old phone first can reduce compatibility problems during setup.

Not Enough Free Storage on the New iPhone 18

Large photo libraries, videos, apps, messages, and other files can require significant space. If the new phone does not have enough available storage, the transfer may stop or fail.

Check the storage size of your old phone before starting. If the old iPhone contains more data than the available space on the new model, consider removing unnecessary files or using an iCloud backup and restore method.

Apple Server Congestion During Launch Week

During a major iPhone release, many people activate devices and restore backups at the same time. This can increase demand on Apple's services.

If many users report that a new iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer occurs at the same time, the problem may not be limited to your phone. In that situation, waiting and trying again later can help.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone 18 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

If you have an iPhone 18 stuck on preparing to transfer, start with the easiest checks before erasing anything. Most setup problems do not require you to delete your old iPhone's data.

Method 1: The 3-Minute Checks --- Wi-Fi, Distance, and Battery

Before changing settings, check these three areas:

• Connect the old iPhone to stable Wi-Fi and keep Bluetooth enabled.
• Keep both phones within about 5--15 feet of each other.
• Charge both phones above 50%, or keep both connected to power.
• Remove thick cases if either device becomes unusually hot.
• Do not switch networks while Quick Start is running.
• Keep both phones unlocked when the setup process asks for action.

These checks are especially useful when the iPhone 18 transfer taking too long but the screen still responds normally.

Apple also recommends keeping both devices plugged into power and close together during direct migration.

Method 2: Force Restart Both iPhones

A force restart can help when the setup process stops responding. Importantly, a force restart does not clear your data.

For an iPhone with Face ID, including current iPhone models, use this sequence:

• Quickly press and release Volume Up.
• Quickly press and release Volume Down.
• Press and hold the Side button.
• Keep holding it until the Apple logo appears.
• Release the button after the logo appears.

Apple gives the same button sequence for an unresponsive Face ID iPhone. If your iPhone 18 stuck on getting things ready, force restart both phones and start Quick Start again. Do not worry that this action will erase your old phone.

Method 3: Reset Network Settings --- What You Lose and What You Don't

If the new iPhone transfer not working continues after restarting, resetting network settings can remove a damaged network configuration.

On the iPhone, go to:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings

This does not delete your photos, apps, messages, contacts, or other personal data. It resets network-related information such as saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, Bluetooth connections, and some VPN/network settings. Apple confirms that Reset Network Settings removes network settings without deleting your content or media.

After the reset, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and try Quick Start again.

Method 4: Start Over --- Set Up as New, Update First, Then Restore

If the iPhone 18 stuck on preparing to transfer problem returns after several attempts, starting the setup process again may help. First, make sure you have a current backup of the old iPhone. Apple supports iCloud backup and computer backups through Finder or Apple Devices.

Then erase the new iPhone if necessary and start from the Hello screen. Update the new iPhone first if setup provides an update option. After the update finishes, restore your backup or try Quick Start again.

This approach takes longer, but it can help when a new iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer has already failed several times.

Part 3. How to Solve New iPhone 18 Stuck on Software Update During Transfer

Sometimes the problem is not the data transfer itself. The new iPhone 18 stuck on software update may be waiting for an iOS installation to finish before it can continue.

This creates an important difference. If the transfer screen is moving normally but the update screen has stopped, treat the issue as an iOS update problem instead of repeatedly restarting Quick Start.

Is My Data Safe While the Update Is Frozen?

In most cases, data stored on the old iPhone remains on the old iPhone during Quick Start. The old phone should not be erased until you confirm that your important data exists on the new device or in a backup.

Your eSIM also deserves attention. During setup, Apple may ask you to activate or transfer cellular service. Apple notes that users may be asked to activate cellular service during the new-device setup process.

If the new iPhone 18 stuck on software update appears before the transfer has completed, do not assume that your old phone's data has disappeared. Keep the old device available until the new setup finishes successfully.

The eSIM Migration and Update Got Stuck Ahead of Schedule

If cellular activation appears to have completed but the software update is frozen, avoid removing the eSIM or changing carrier settings repeatedly.

First, keep the new phone connected to power and give the update time to finish. If the phone stops responding completely, use the force-restart method described above.

If the new iPhone 18 stuck on software update continues after restarting, you can restart setup and update the new iPhone before attempting the full data migration.

How to Get Unstuck and Avoid This Next Time

If an iPhone 18 stuck on getting things ready turns into a software update problem, use this order:

• Keep both phones connected to power.
• Confirm that Wi-Fi works properly.
• Wait if the progress screen is still changing.
• Force restart only when the device appears frozen.
• Update the new iPhone before starting another large transfer.
• Keep the old iPhone untouched until you verify the new phone.Apple supports several transfer methods, including Quick Start, iCloud, and computer-based backups.
• Why is it taking so long to transfer data to my new iPhone 18 Pro?

Part 4. How to Back Up and Transfer Data When iPhone 18 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

If you have not tried the Start Over or network reset methods above, or you have tried them but If you have already tried Start Over or Reset Network Settings, you may still worry about losing important photos, messages, contacts, and other files. A safer approach is to back up your old iPhone first and then transfer the data. Tenorshare iCareFone provides a computer-based way to back up and manage supported iPhone data before you try the transfer again. This can be helpful when Quick Start keeps freezing or your new iPhone transfer not working. By creating a backup first, you have an extra copy of your important data and can troubleshoot the new iPhone with less risk.

Key Features of Tenorshare iCareFone

• One-Click iPhone Backup: Back up supported iPhone data to your computer before trying another transfer, resetting the device, or fixing issues like when your iPhone 18 stuck on setup.
• Data Transfer Support: Move supported data between your iPhone and computer, especially when Quick Start fails or you are unable to transfer phone number to iPhone 18.
• Backup Data Management: View and manage supported backed-up files so you can check important information before restoring it.
• Restore Supported Data: Restore selected supported data from a computer backup to your iPhone when you need another recovery option.
• Easy Computer-Based Process: Connect your iPhone, choose the backup or transfer option, and follow the on-screen steps without relying only on Quick Start.

How to Back Up and Transfer Data Using Tenorshare iCareFone

• Back Up the Old iPhone First. Connect your old iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. Open iCareFone, select Backup & Restore, then choose Backup. Select the data types you want to save and click Backup to create a full copy on your computer.
• Restore the Backup to Your New iPhone. Connect your new iPhone to the computer, open iCareFone, select Backup & Restore, and choose Restore. The software will display compatible backup files created with iCareFone or iTunes --- including the backup you just created.

• Choose the backup file you want to use. If the backup is encrypted, enter the correct backup password first. iCareFone will then extract the available data so you can review the files before restoring them.

• Choose the specific files or data types you want to restore. Depending on the supported data type, you can restore the content directly to your iPhone or export it to your computer for separate storage.
• Confirm your selected data and start the restoration. Keep your iPhone connected until iCareFone finishes the process. Afterward, check your iPhone or computer to make sure the restored files are available.

When Quick Start Is Still Your Better Option

Quick Start remains the easiest choice when the old iPhone works normally and both phones can connect properly.

Use Quick Start if:

• Both phones have stable Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth works normally.
• Both phones have enough battery.
• You have enough storage on the new phone.
• The old iPhone runs a compatible iOS version.
• The transfer starts and shows progress.

Use a backup-first method if:

• The iPhone 18 transfer taking too long happens repeatedly.
• Quick Start freezes at the same point every time.
• You need a separate computer backup before troubleshooting.
• The new phone keeps restarting during setup.
• You want to check your data before erasing or restarting setup.

Apple also supports wired transfer. For iPhone 15 and later models, Apple says users can connect the two iPhones with a USB-C Charge Cable for direct migration.

Part 5. FAQs About iPhone 18 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

1. How long should iPhone preparing to transfer take?

There is no fixed time for Quick Start. A small transfer can finish quickly, while a large photo and video library can take much longer. As a rough guide: under 20 GB usually finishes in a few minutes, 20--100 GB can take 15--45 minutes, and 100 GB+ libraries may take over an hour --- actual time still depends on Wi-Fi speed.

A large amount of data can make the transfer take longer. Network conditions also affect migration time. Apple recommends keeping both devices close together and connected to power until the process finishes.

If the iPhone 18 transfer taking too long shows no progress for an extended period, restart both devices and try again after checking the connection.

2. What to do if iOS transfer is stuck?

If your new iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer, first check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, distance, battery, and storage. Next, force restart both phones. If that fails, reset network settings or back up your old iPhone before starting the new setup again.

If the new iPhone 18 stuck on software update, handle the update problem separately. Keep the phone connected to power and restart it only if the screen has become unresponsive.

3. Can I use a Lightning or USB-C cable for wired transfer?

Yes, the correct cable depends on the iPhone models. Apple says iPhone 15 and later devices can use a USB-C Charge Cable for direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer. Older iPhone-to-new-iPhone combinations may require a USB-C-to-Lightning cable.

A wired method can be useful when new iPhone transfer not working over a wireless connection.

Conclusion

If your iPhone 18 is stuck on preparing to transfer, check Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, device distance, battery, and available storage first. A force restart or resetting network settings can also help when Quick Start does not progress.

If the transfer still fails, use an iCloud, wired, or computer backup instead. Before retrying major changes, you can also use Tenorshare iCareFone to create a computer backup of your iPhone data and restore supported content when needed.

Downloads:

Tenorshare iCareFone - Best iOS Backup Tool and File Manager

rated on Trustpilot >

• Free backup everything you need on iPhone/iPad/iPod
• Transfer music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS without limitation
• Selectively restore files without erasing current data
• 1-Click to transfer photos from iPhone to PC/Mac
• Supports the latest iOS 26 and iPhone 16

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