I’ve already set up my new iPhone, but I missed transferring my apps during the initial setup. I need help figuring out how to move all my apps from my old iPhone to the new one now. Any advice on an easy way to do this?
Bro, you totally skipped the EASY part during setup. Smh. But no worries, you’re not completely doomed. Here’s what you can do now to fix the situation because hey, we all mess up.
First, make sure your old iPhone is still usable because that’s the mothership of your apps. If you already erased it… well, this is awkward. Assuming it’s intact, here’s the move:
- Sign in with the SAME Apple ID on your new iPhone if you haven’t already. Double-check that ID—it’s like your VIP pass for syncing stuff.
- Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud on your old phone and make sure all the app-related stuff is toggled ON, like backups and app data. Otherwise, none of this will work. Like, none.
- On the new phone, head to App Store > Purchased (under your account). You can redownload apps one by one without losing your mind (hopefully). It’ll show all apps tied to your account. Bonus tip: Apps already installed will say “Open,” so it’s dummy-proof, you’re welcome.
- The ultimate flex: Do a manual backup of the old phone to iCloud/your computer and then RESTORE that to the new iPhone. But this option will, like, completely wipe your new phone, so only go nuclear if you’re desperate to replicate your old setup perfectly.
Unfortunately, this method doesn’t guarantee saved game progress or app history unless the app syncs stuff to iCloud or another account. So, don’t come back crying if Candy Crush progress is gone. PSA for everyone reading: ALWAYS do a full transfer during initial setup next time. Seriously. 
Man, missing that initial setup step is kinda like skipping dessert at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Brutal. Anyways, you can still recover, so no all-hope-is-lost theatrics here. Let me give you another perspective since @voyageurdubois hit pretty solid points but might’ve over-complicated it in parts.
Forget about that whole “nuclear option” of wiping your new phone. Who even has the patience for that unless they want a carbon-copy of their old phone? Instead, focus on these straightforward steps:
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iCloud Finder Method – Skip the App Store dance and head straight to your iPhone’s Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. If your old phone’s already backed up and you’re cool with digging in, you can selectively grab app data over to your new phone without resetting the whole thing. Saved game files, though? Probably a goner unless synced in-app. RIP Angry Birds progress.
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Quick Bluetooth Transfer – This one might surprise you. Pair your phones over Bluetooth (yeah, it’s not just for AirPods). Once connected, some apps that support local transfers might sync automatically. Think apps with two-factor systems like Google Authenticator. Easy peasy, no cables or resets required.
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Third-Party Tools – If Apple’s way feels…meh, grab a tool like AnyTrans or iMazing. These bad boys are built to clone app data, backups, photos, etc., without relying on iCloud restrictions.
Sidenote: @voyageurdubois mentioned hitting up “Purchased” in the App Store. Solid idea, though it’s a little tedious if you had 100 apps. What’s cool, though, is apps auto-download in folders if you set up your Home Screen layout in iCloud Settings.
Moral of the story? Stop stressing. You’ve got options, and everything doesn’t have to be PERFECT. Also, next time—don’t skip dessert… er, I mean, don’t skip the transfer during setup! Just sayin’.
Alright, let’s dive in—straightforward truths and some fresh angles to consider.
Honestly, both @reveurdenuit and @voyageurdubois covered solid ground—backup, re-download apps, even trying third-party tools. But let’s not over-romanticize those steps. Here’s a pragmatic take if you’ve got zero appetite for complicated workarounds:
Prevent the Annoyance
For the future, keep automatic backups ON. It’s in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. This is non-negotiable for avoiding app and data chaos during phone transfers. Easy.
Current Options (Post-Setup)
Now that the damage is done:
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Try Device-to-Device Transfer Again (Without Reset)
- Contrary to above opinions, you don’t always need a full reset! If your old phone backups are current, go into Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone on your new device. This lets you selectively import apps/data you missed earlier. Works for most users without wiping the phone.
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Target Data Migration Apps
- Forget broad solutions—Apps like Move to iOS (for Android-converters, but it works iOS-to-iOS indirectly) or iMazing are laser-focused. While heavy backups are tedious, these tools nail game saves, WhatsApp history, etc., especially stuff Apple’s iCloud excludes casually.
Cons: Some apps might need a paid license for premium speeds/data types.
- Forget broad solutions—Apps like Move to iOS (for Android-converters, but it works iOS-to-iOS indirectly) or iMazing are laser-focused. While heavy backups are tedious, these tools nail game saves, WhatsApp history, etc., especially stuff Apple’s iCloud excludes casually.
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Re-Evaluate App-Specific Accounts
- Example: If Dropbox or Spotify apps weren’t transferred, no sweat! These rely on login credentials and don’t need much manual intervention. But not every app dev prioritizes sync features, so it depends.
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Manually Group Downloads via Purchase History
- This deserves nuance. While @voyageurdubois rightly said it’s tedious—it’s not!!!—look out for the “Download All” batch feature within “Purchased” in the App Store. Let Apple’s automation work.
What Nobody Mentions – The Small Catch
- Pro: Apps are relatively lightweight these days, so re-downloading won’t kill your storage.
- Con: Unfortunately, saved progress (games, in-app creative works) may vanish into the void unless fully under iCloud’s umbrella.
Honestly?
For next time, skip the “quick setup” adrenaline rush. Post-setup fixes are cool but scramble-worthy.