What is the best method for switching iPhones?

Process for switching iPhones between two people, ensuring a smooth transition with no data loss or Apple ID conflicts.

Example:

Person A, using AID1 on iPhone 1

Person B, using AID2 on iPhone 2

✅ Prerequisites

1. Both iPhones must be fully charged.
2. Ensure both users know their Apple ID and password (including screen passcodes if needed for resets and activation lock).
3. Ensure both devices are running the latest iOS (optional but recommended for smoother restore).

🔁 Step-by-Step Process to Switch iPhones Between Two People

Back-Up Both iPhones

1. On iCloud:
   1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
2. OR using iTunes/Finder (Mac/PC):
   1. Connect each iPhone and create an encrypted backup (recommended to include Health and Keychain data).

✅ Label:

• Backup from Person A (iPhone 1) → "B1"
• Backup from Person B (iPhone 2) → "B2"

Remove SIM Cards or Handle eSIM

• Remove physical SIMs from both iPhones.
• If either phone uses eSIM:
  • Contact the carrier to remove or transfer the eSIM to the new device.
  • Some carriers allow this through their app or website using the new device’s IMEI.
  • Important: Do not erase the iPhone until the eSIM has been transferred successfully. This may take upto 24 hours.

Sign Out of Apple ID (Very Important)

• On both iPhones:
  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Scroll down > Sign Out.
  • Enter the Apple ID password to turn off Find My iPhone and remove Activation Lock.

🚨 If this step is skipped, the devices will remain locked to the previous user’s Apple ID.

Erase Both Devices

1. On both iPhones:
   1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
2. When prompted, do NOT choose to save data, especially:
   1. eSIM (Do not erase if the eSIM transfer process is completed else Contact your Carrier)
   2. Contacts
   3. Calendars
   4. Keychain
3. You want a clean erase to prepare the devices for new users.

Switch Devices Physically

• Give iPhone 2 to Person A
• Give iPhone 1 to Person B

Set Up iPhones with Previous Apple IDs

• Person A sets up iPhone 2 and signs in with their original Apple ID AID1 from iPhone 1.
• Person B sets up iPhone 1 and signs in with their original Apple ID AID2 from iPhone 2.

Restore from Backups

• During setup:
  • Person A (now on iPhone 2) restores from B1.
  • Person B (now on iPhone 1) restores from B2.
• Choose iCloud or iTunes backup depending on how the backup was made.

Reinsert SIMs / Activate eSIMs

• Insert the correct physical SIM into the new devices.
• If using eSIM, activate via carrier or transfer process.

Finish Setup & Verification

• Wait for apps and data to finish restoring.
• Double-check:
  • iMessage & FaceTime are activated with the correct phone number and Apple ID.
  • Photos, contacts, calendars, and messages have fully synced.
  • Apple Wallet, Watch pairings, and any 2FA logins are working.
  • Re-pair any Bluetooth devices like Apple Watch or AirPods as needed.

✅ Optional (But Useful)

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and ensure automatic backup is turned on.
2. Remove the old device from your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com under "Devices."
   1. Person A, using AID1 on iPhone 2: Remove iPhone 1
   2. Person B, using AID2 on iPhone 1: Remove iPhone 2

Start here: What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

"What is the best method for switching iPhones?: I have iPhone 15 pro max my husband has 16 promax we want to switch. How can fast &easy?"

-------

Transferring to a New Device:

You should each have our own Apple IDs.

1. Back up each iPhone to a computer.
2. Sign out of iCloud on each iPhone.
3. Factory Reset each iPhone.
4. Then, use Quick Start to perform a transfer to the pertaining iPhone.