How to Use Quick Start to Transfer Data to a New iPad
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- iPadOS 18.4 - iPad Pro M4
- You will need
- Two iPads with Bluetooth enabled, stable Wi-Fi connection
Step by step
Power on and place devices together
Ensure both iPads are charged and have Bluetooth turned on. Place your current iPad next to your new, uninitialized iPad to trigger the proximity sensor.
Note: If your new iPad is already set up, you must erase it via Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings before Quick Start appears.Confirm the Apple ID
A prompt will appear on your current iPad asking if you want to set up your new device with your Apple ID. Verify the correct Apple ID is displayed and tap Continue.
Scan the animation
A blue animation will appear on the new iPad screen. Use your current iPad’s camera to center the animation within the viewfinder on your screen. If you cannot use the camera, tap Authenticate Manually and follow the prompts.
Set up security features
Enter your current device passcode on the new iPad when prompted. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID for the new hardware.
Initiate the data transfer
Select Transfer directly from iPad to begin the migration. Keep both devices close to each other and connected to power until the progress bar on the new device completes.
Note: Transfer time depends on your network speed and the amount of data being moved.Complete the installation
Once the progress bar finishes, the new iPad will restart. Follow the remaining setup steps on the screen to finalize app restoration and iCloud sync settings.