How to Transfer Data from an Old iPad to a New iPad

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
iPadOS 18.4 - iPad Pro M4
You will need
Old iPad, New iPad, Wi-Fi connection, Both devices charged to 50% or more

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Enable Bluetooth on both devices

    Place your old iPad and new iPad side-by-side. Ensure Bluetooth is toggled on for both devices by accessing Settings > Bluetooth.

    Note: Ensure your old iPad is running the latest available iPadOS version for maximum compatibility.
  2. 30 sec

    Power on the new iPad

    Turn on your new iPad and place it near the old device. A Quick Start screen will automatically appear on the old iPad offering to set up your new device with your Apple ID.

  3. 30 sec

    Scan the animation

    Once the animation appears on the new iPad, use the camera on the old iPad to scan it. If the camera is unavailable, select Authenticate Manually and follow the on-screen prompts.

  4. 1 min

    Enter your passcode

    When prompted, enter the current passcode from your old iPad onto the new iPad. Follow the remaining on-screen prompts to set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new device.

  5. 5-10 min

    Begin the data migration

    Select Transfer from iPad to begin moving your data wirelessly. Keep both devices close to each other and connected to power until the transfer bar completes.

    Note: Estimated time varies based on the amount of data being transferred.
  6. 1 min

    Complete the setup

    Once the progress bar finishes, follow the final steps on the new iPad to finish settings configuration. Your apps and photos will download in the background once the system is active.

    Note: Check the App Store for remaining updates after the initial migration.