iPhone 12 Pro Max Set up from backup or new phone?

[WNYX]

I've always used the iPhone to iPhone option ever since they introduced it. I chose that method for both of my parents' iPhones, too. I want everything to be exactly the same as it was on my previous phones, especially because of muscle memory. I also have a couple of apps that are "locked" into one device at a time, so it prevents me from having to call customer service and trying to get it straightened out.

 

[bevsb2]

I use iPhone to iPhone transfer. It's quick and easy and my new phone is exactly the same as the old one which is how I want it.

 

[JSBRG]

Always Clean Install.

Have an idea that if I restore in Finder where it downloads a new IPSW file, then it's the "right" way. Then I start in Settings, and go through each menu item. Pair the bluetooth devices I use with my iPhone, etc. Then I download my apps, and arrange them, I also go through each app, and log in, confirm various pop ups, etc .. Finally I turn it off, and turn it on charging. Then my iPhone is ready.

Never had any issues, either with battery or other glitches. It takes approx. 1 hour, but I also have no more than 20-25 apps.

 

[Peter K.]

I’ve done them all now.

5 to 6S Plus: iTunes Backup
6S Plus to X: iCloud Backup
X to 12 PM: iPhone to iPhone Transfer

The latest was definitely the least hassle; but your internet speed still comes into play, if that’s an issue.

P.S. - I’ve never had any problems with the new phones resulting from not setting up as new.

 

[Geert76]

with iPhone to iPhone transfer, does it take ALL (app) passwords over? Because that's why I usually use an encrypted iTunes backup. It takes all of my passwords over to my new iPhone

 

[alecgold]

Since transferring everything from the first iPhone the easiest way, I decided to start again and wipe the slate. So I started with a new clean device and installed every app by hand and every setting as well. It also gave me a chance to evaluate if I still needed every app and I have to say that I left out a lot of apps that I was never using. Luckily iCloud makes it easy to transfer things like contacts and data. But you still have to log on manually in a lot of apps which is a pain in the proverbial place.

 

[maka344]

with iPhone to iPhone transfer, does it take ALL (app) passwords over? Because that's why I usually use an encrypted iTunes backup. It takes all of my passwords over to my new iPhone

It does but it also does with a clean install because your passwords are in the cloud/Keychain.

 

[jsh8w]

I’ve always gone down the restore from backup route, tried both iTunes and iCloud. Never had any problems with either and the new phone has always been configured identically to the old one. 👍 It’s probably taken about 30 mins tops to get everything synced across.

 

[Banich2]

I used to restore from back up so I could keep my old text messages. But I’ve had problems before and had to go to the Genius Bar and they were, like, “Maybe the problem is in your back up...”. Now messages are synced with iCloud and the phone will automatically sort the apps into folders