Need to transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone SE? This guide covers 3 ways - iCloud, iTunes, and AOMEI FoneBackup. Move your apps and data hassle-free.
Got your hands on the new iPhone SE? Nice upgrade, especially coming from an older model like the iPhone 6, 7, 8, or X. That A15 Bionic chip and 5G are going to feel lightning fast compared to what you're used to. But now comes the part that's slightly less exciting: getting all your stuff onto the new phone. Specifically, your apps. Some you could take or leave, but others, the ones with important game saves, work documents, or years of chat history, those need to come with you. So let's get straight to it: how to transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone SE without losing anything important. This guide walks you through three solid methods. Pick the one that fits your style.
If you've been using iCloud for a while, this method is probably the easiest. iCloud automatically backs up your app data, not the apps themselves (those you redownload), but the stuff inside them.
iCloud doesn't waste space backing up things it can redownload. Songs, videos, the actual app files, those get skipped. It only saves the data you can't get back easily.
Step 1. On your old iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > tap your name at the top > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Tap your device name.
Step 2. You'll see a list of all the apps that are included in your backup. Here's some apps show a tiny file size (like 100MB) because only the essential data is saved. The app itself? That'll redownload later. Check the boxes for the apps you care about. Uncheck the ones you don't need.
Step 3. Go back to iCloud > Backups. Toggle on iCloud Backup (if it's not already on) and tap Back Up Now. Give it time to finish. Go grab coffee.
Step 4. Turn on your new iPhone SE. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with the same Apple ID. When asked, choose Restore from iCloud Backup and pick the backup you just made.
If you already set up your iPhone SE and started using it, you'll need to wipe it first. Go to Settings>General>Reset>Erase All Content and Settings. Then start fresh and restore.
Step 5. Let the restore finish. Your new iPhone SE will download the apps and their data. Sign back into any apps that need it.
iCloud is convenient, but that 5GB free storage fills up fast. If you've got tons of apps or just prefer a wired connection, iTunes (or the Finder on newer Macs) is your friend. Your computer's storage is basically unlimited for this.
iTunes backs up almost everything. But if you already have photos or messages saved to iCloud, iTunes might skip those to save space. Also, restoring from an iTunes backup will completely replace whatever is on your iPhone SE. If you've already been using it, that data gets overwritten.
Step 1. Download and install iTunes on your PC (if you don't have it). On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, use Finder instead.
Step 2. Connect your old iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. In iTunes, click the little device icon that appears near the top left. (In Finder, select your phone from the sidebar.)
Step 3. Under the Backups section, choose This Computer. Then click Back Up Now. Wait for it to finish, might take a few minutes depending on how much you've got.
Step 4. Disconnect the old iPhone. Connect your new iPhone SE. In iTunes or Finder, click Restore Backup. Pick the backup you just made and let it do its thing.
Step 5. When it's done, your iPhone SE will restart. You'll see all your app icons; some might be grayed out. Tap them to download the actual apps from the App Store. Then sign in to each app as needed.
Here's the thing about the methods above: they work, but they each have tradeoffs. iCloud is wireless, but slow and limited. iTunes is thorough but replaces everything. If you want something that just works fast, is flexible, and doesn't force you to wipe your new phone, AOMEI FoneBackup is worth a look.
Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FoneBackup on your Windows PC.
Step 2. Connect your old iPhone to the computer with a USB cable. If prompted, tap "Trust This Computer" on your iPhone.
Step 3. Open AOMEI FoneBackup. Click Phone Transfer, then choose iPhone to iPhone and hit Get Started.
Step 4. Your two iPhones will be listed. If you're moving sensitive data like Health info, check the encryption box. Then click Start Transfer.
Step 5. Wait for the process to finish. Your new iPhone SE will have everything from your old phone - apps included.
No problem. Use the Phone Backup feature to back up your old iPhone to the PC first. Then connect your new iPhone SE, and use Restore to put that backup onto it.
So, how to transfer apps from iPhone to iPhone SE? You've got options. iCloud works wirelessly but needs space. iTunes is reliable, but replaces everything. For most people, AOMEI FoneBackup hits the sweet spot—fast, flexible, and you don't have to wipe your new phone first. Give it a try and get your new iPhone SE set up the easy way.
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