5 Best iPhone to iPhone Transfer Apps: Choose the Right One

You’ve just opened your new iPhone, but your photos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings are still on the old one. Apple’s Quick Start is usually the simplest choice when you want to move most data during setup.

An iPhone to iPhone transfer app becomes more useful when Quick Start fails, your new iPhone is already set up, or you want more control over the content being moved. Below, we compare 5 current options by transfer scope, platform, cost, and key limitations.

Quick Answer: Which iPhone Transfer App Should You Use?

The following reviews compare transfer scope, computer support, free or paid access, requirements, and the main limitation of each app.

Option 1. AOMEI FoneBackup 

👍 Best for: Choosing which files to transfer or where to store a local iPhone backup

AOMEI FoneBackup is an iPhone transfer and backup tool for Windows PCs. It can transfer data between an iPhone and computer, move data directly from one iPhone to another, and create local iPhone backups. You can choose which files to import or export and where to save a full backup.

✅ Pros:

• Supports direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer.
• Choose individual files to import or export.
• Saves full iPhone backups to a location you choose.
• Works after iPhone setup.

❌ Cons:

• Direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer requires Pro Edition.
• Free file transfers are limited to 30 files per day.
• Available only on Windows PCs.

⚖️ Verdict:

Choose AOMEI FoneBackup if you use Windows and want control over which files you move or where you keep a local backup. For a complete transfer to an unconfigured iPhone, compare it with Quick Start first. 

Selectively Transfer Data from Old iPhone to a New iPhone 

Combining iPhone to PC and PC to iPhone transfer mode is useful when the new phone is already set up and you do not want a full-device restore.

Step 1. Connect the old iPhone to your Windows PC and tap Trust if prompted. In AOMEI FoneBackup, select Phone Transfer > iPhone to PC, and click Get Started.

Step 2. Choose the photos, videos, music, contacts, or other items you need. You can preview them before making your selection.

Step 3. Click Transfer Settings to select a destination where you want to save data and click Save > Start Transfer.

Step 4. Connect the new iPhone to your Windows PC and tap Trust when prompted to trust the computer. Open AOMEI FoneBackup, select Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone, and clickGet Started.

Step 5. Click the Photos icon and drop your exported files into the file area. You can also select Videos, Music, etc., Click Start Transfer to proceed.

Photos stored only in iCloud must first be downloaded to the old iPhone’s local photo library.

If Windows does not recognize the device, unlock the iPhone, reconnect it directly to another USB port, and enter passcode to trust This Computer. For additional help, see this guide: iPhone files not showing on a PC.

Option 2. iMazing 

👍 Best for:  Windows or Mac users who want detailed control over a device-to-device migration.

iMazing is a desktop iPhone management tool for Windows and macOS. Its device-to-device assistant works with both iPhones connected to the computer and lets you choose which compatible apps and data to move.

The supported categories listed by the vendor include photos, messages, call history, contacts, calendars, notes, voice memos, Safari data, Health data, and selected app data. The actual result can still depend on Apple restrictions and the condition of the source data.

✅ Pros:

• Available for Windows and macOS
• Provides detailed control over included data
• Covers more than photos and videos
• Offers backup and device-management features beyond migration

❌ Cons:

• Requires a computer and USB connections for direct migration
• Full functionality requires a paid license
• Some operations may need a backup before data can be accessed
• Transfer choices need careful review before changing the target device

⚖️ Verdict:

iMazing is worth considering when you need a configurable migration and use either Windows or Mac. It may be excessive if you only want to send a small photo album or complete a standard new-iPhone setup.

Option 3. EaseUS MobiMover 

👍 Best for: Moving common iPhone content between iOS devices and computers on Windows or Mac.

EaseUS MobiMover is an iPhone data transfer and management program for Windows and macOS. Its official product information covers transfers between phones, iPhone-to-computer backup, and device content management.

It can be useful when you want an interface for moving common content instead of restoring a complete Apple backup. EaseUS also offers a free edition, but you should verify the current file or usage limit before planning a large migration.

✅ Pros:

• Available for Windows and macOS
• Supports phone-to-phone and phone-to-computer transfer
• Offers file-management and backup functions
• Provides a free edition with limited use

❌ Cons:

• The free boundary may be too restrictive for a large library
• A computer and cables are normally required
• Not every iPhone setting or protected credential is transferable
• Its extra media tools may be unnecessary for a basic upgrade

⚖️ Verdict:

Choose EaseUS MobiMover if you want a general iPhone file manager on either major desktop system. Check the current free allowance and supported data list before deciding that it can replace a full Apple migration.

Option 4. Wondershare MobileTrans 

👍 Best for: Moving data between different phone platforms or managing more than a simple iPhone upgrade.

Wondershare MobileTrans is a Windows and Mac transfer program for iOS and Android devices. It offers phone-to-phone transfer, computer backup and restore, and separate migration features for certain messaging apps.

For iPhone-to-iPhone use, you connect both devices, confirm the source and destination, choose the available data, and start the transfer. Its broad platform coverage is the main reason to consider it over an iOS-only file tool.

✅ Pros:

• Supports Windows and macOS
• Handles iOS and Android transfer situations
• Provides selective phone-to-phone transfer
• Includes backup, restore, and messaging-app tools

❌ Cons:

• Most useful transfer functions require payment
• The number of modules can make a simple task feel more complex
• Supported data varies by source and destination platform
• Vendor claims should not be read as a guarantee that every app’s private data will transfer

⚖️ Verdict:

MobileTrans makes the most sense if you manage both iPhone and Android devices or need a separate messaging-app transfer feature. For an ordinary iPhone-to-iPhone upgrade, Quick Start or a simpler selective file tool may require less setup.

Option 5. PhotoSync 

👍 Best for: Wireless transfer of photos and videos between phones, computers, storage devices, and services.

PhotoSync focuses on photo and video transfer rather than complete phone migration. It supports iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS devices, and several cloud destinations.

You can use Wi-Fi to move selected media without passing through iCloud. That makes it useful for a large photo library or for adding media to a phone that is already configured.

✅ Pros:

• Specializes in photos and videos
• Supports wireless local transfer
• Works with a wide range of computers and storage destinations
• Does not require a complete device reset

❌ Cons:

• Does not transfer full iPhone settings or all app data
• Both devices must have a suitable connection and setup
• Some advanced features require a paid plan or in-app purchase
• Not suitable when messages, Health data, or device configuration are the priority

⚖️ Verdict: 

Use PhotoSync when your task is clearly about photos and videos. Choose another option if “transfer everything” means recreating the full state of your old iPhone.

Compare the 5 iPhone to iPhone Transfer Apps

Here is the simple decision:

• Start with Quick Start when the new iPhone has not been set up and you want the closest option to a complete migration.
• Use AOMEI FoneBackup when you have a Windows PC and want selected files or a free local backup.
• Consider iMazing when you want broader migration control on Windows or Mac.
• Choose EaseUS MobiMover for everyday iOS file transfer and management.
• Use MobileTrans when Android or a special messaging transfer is also involved.
• Pick PhotoSync when photos and videos are your only priority.

Check the New iPhone Before Erasing the Old One

Do not trade in, reset, or erase the old iPhone immediately after a transfer.

• Open several recent and older photos and videos.
• Check contacts, calendars, messages, and call history.
• Open important apps and confirm that their data is available.
• Check Notes, Voice Memos, Files, and downloaded media.
• Confirm that authenticator and banking apps still work.
• Pair your Apple Watch and check Health or Activity data.
• Make a test call and confirm your SIM or eSIM is active.
• Keep the old iPhone unchanged until you have a fresh backup of the new one.

If something is missing, first check whether it is still downloading from iCloud. Then, compare the missing data type with the app’s support list. Repeat only the incomplete category when the software offers selective transfer.

Why an iPhone Transfer May Get Stuck?

The phones cannot find each other: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth may be unavailable. Turn both on, restart the devices if the Quick Start prompt disappears, and place the phones close together.

The estimated time stops changing: The connection may be unstable or the phones may not have reliable power. Keep both devices plugged in and avoid using them during the transfer.

The process returns to the setup screen: The new device may need a software update or a fresh setup attempt. If the source data is still safe, update the new iPhone before repeating the migration.

The computer does not detect an iPhone: The phone may be locked, the computer may not be trusted, or the cable may carry power without carrying data. Unlock the iPhone, tap Trust, connect directly to another USB port, and try a known data cable.

Some content is missing after completion: Apps and cloud content may still be downloading. Protected data may also require an encrypted backup or separate app-specific process.

FAQs 

1. What is the best free app to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone?

There is no single free app for every type of data. Quick Start is the first choice for a new-device migration. AOMEI FoneBackup offers free backup and up to 30 transferred files per day for its PC transfer modes, while PhotoSync is better suited to media-only transfer.

2. Can I transfer data after setting up my new iPhone?

Yes, selective transfer tools can add supported files after setup. However, restoring a complete Apple backup normally requires you to erase the new iPhone and return to the setup assistant.

3. Can an app transfer my installed apps and all their data?

Not always. Apple controls app installation and access to protected app data. Some apps redownload from the App Store, while their data may return from iCloud, a backup, or the app’s own account. Banking and authenticator apps often need manual setup.

4. Can I transfer everything without iCloud?

You can use Quick Start’s direct transfer or a computer-based backup and restore. Third-party tools can also move supported data without regular iCloud storage, but their data coverage varies.

5. Will an iPhone transfer app erase the target phone?

It depends on the mode. Selective file import often adds content, while full-device transfer or backup restore may replace existing data. Read the confirmation screen and create a backup of the target iPhone before continuing.

Summary 

The right method depends on what you mean by “transfer”:

• For a new iPhone that still shows Hello, use Quick Start first.
• For selected files and a local Windows copy, use AOMEI FoneBackup.
• For broader Windows or Mac control, compare iMazing and EaseUS MobiMover.
• For iPhone-and-Android migration, consider MobileTrans.
• For wireless photos and videos, choose PhotoSync.

AOMEI FoneBackup is a practical next step when you want to preview selected content, keep a local backup, or move supported files through a Windows PC.