How to transfer data from one iPad to another

So you got a new iPad® and can't wait to use it. But you probably want to transfer your apps, photos, videos, and contacts from your old tablet to your new one. There are several easy ways to do this.

At Asurion, we help people with their tech every day. From connecting your iPad to Wi-Fi to learning the best keyboard shortcuts for your iPad, we'll show you how to get more out of the devices you rely on most. Here's how to transfer data from iPad to iPad.

Transfer data from one iPad to another using Quick Start

If your current tablet still works and you have iOS® 11 or later, the easiest way to transfer data from your old iPad to your new iPad is with the Quick Start feature. During the transfer process, Quick Start will take over both devices for several minutes up to two hours, depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi network. Here's what to do:

1. Make sure your current iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and that Bluetooth® is on.
2. Turn on your new iPad, and place it next to your current iPad.
3. Connect your new device to Wi-Fi or your device's mobile network.
4. Choose which Apple® ID you'd like to transfer data from, then press Continue. If you have more than one Apple ID, you can transfer that data later.
5. When animation appears on your new iPad (it will look like a circle of swirling blue particles), use the camera viewfinder on your previous device to capture it. If your current device's camera doesn't work, tap Authenticate Manually.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to confirm your setup. If those instructions disappear, restart both devices and return to step 1.
7. Enter the passcode for your current iPad.
8. Set up Face ID® or Touch ID® on your new device, if you want to use these features.
9. When you see the message “Transfer Data from [Device]," tap Continue to transfer data from your current iPad to your new iPad.
10. Keep your devices next to each other and connected to power until the transfer is finished.

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Transfer your iPad data with iCloud backup

If your old iPad won't turn on or if you don't want to wait for your data to sync, try using iCloud®. This will only work if you've already backed up your iPad data.

Here's how to transfer an old backup to your new iPad:

1. Turn on your new iPad.
2. Select your language and country.
3. Choose Set Up Manually.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi.
5. Enter your current iPad's passcode.
6. Set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device, if you want to use these features.
7. From the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from iCloud backup.
8. Sign in to iCloud using your Apple ID and password.
9. Choose a compatible backup. Typically, you'll choose the most recent backup, but you can choose an older one if you want.
10. Finish the setup process.
11. Make sure to keep your device plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during the download.

Transfer iPad data with Finder or iTunes

You can easily transfer data to your new device using Finder® or iTunes® if you've backed up the data from your current iPad to your computer. If you need help doing so, check out our guide on how to sync your iPad to your computer.

Here's how to transfer data to your new iPad:

1. Turn on your new iPad.
2. Select your language and country.
3. Choose Set Up Manually.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi.
5. Enter your current iPad's passcode.
6. Set up Face ID or Touch ID on your new device, if you want to use these features.
7. From the Apps & Data screen, choose Restore from Mac® or PC.
8. Connect your new iPad to your computer with a USB cable or a Lightning cable.
9. Open iTunes on your PC (here's what to do if iTunes isn't recognizing your iPad), or if you have a Mac running macOS® Catalina (10.15) or later, open Finder.
10. When you see a message that says, “Do you trust this computer?" Choose Trust.
11. Select Restore Backup. Choose a backup and wait for it to download.