DATA TRANSFER - to new iPhone 17 Pro Max

What is the most reliable simple way to transfer full data from an iphone 12 pro max to a new iphone 17 pro max without complications. Which procedure does Apple recommend? My iphone 12 is backed up to a Mac OS and icloud. Suggestion please.


Posted on Nov 28, 2025 10:04 PM

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5 replies

Dec 4, 2025 6:28 PM in response to Accumulate

Suggestions may result in confusion, since individual preferences come into play.


Personally, I prefer a wired connection to transfer data from a backup to a new phone by connecting the new phone to the Mac using a cable. Never had any issues or snags over the years doing it this way. But....that's me.


I can't really comment on other methods, since I have not used them. I stick with what I know works well for me.


If there might be a single "best" way to do this, I don't know what it is.





Dec 4, 2025 7:55 PM in response to Accumulate

Accumulate wrote:

Thank you - not confident to use 'Quick Start' .. taking a photo of the whirling whatever on the old phone is one step and a concern. I suspect the new iphone17 Pro Max Camera will have to be set-up to complete this step? I'm leaning to transfer data via cable from my Mac OS - the old phone is backed up to both Mac and cloud.

I wonder which transfer method Apple Executives really think is the best and the least stressful for a 75 year old. I don't need choices!

I have used QuickStart for the last several years to move my data to a new iPhone. It's quick. Reliable and extremely easy. I've never had any issue whatsoever.

Dec 4, 2025 5:54 PM in response to Rudegar

Thank you - not confident to use 'Quick Start' .. taking a photo of the whirling whatever on the old phone is one step and a concern. I suspect the new iphone17 Pro Max Camera will have to be set-up to complete this step? I'm leaning to transfer data via cable from my Mac OS - the old phone is backed up to both Mac and cloud.


I wonder which transfer method Apple Executives really think is the best and the least stressful for a 75 year old. I don't need choices!

Dec 4, 2025 6:56 PM in response to Accumulate

"DATA TRANSFER - to new iPhone 17 Pro Max: What is the most reliable simple way to transfer full data from an iphone 12 pro max to a new iphone 17 pro max without complications. Which procedure does Apple recommend? My iphone 12 is backed up to a Mac OS and icloud. Suggestion please."

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Transferring to a New iPhone:


Quick Start Stalling:

If you get stalled in the transfer, then know to restore your new iPhone to factory settings, and then perform this once more, using Quick StartUse Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Other than Quick Start:

A. Access Through iCloud:

Sign in to the same Apple Account on both devices. Then enable items (i.e. Photos) in iCloud on both iPhones. All pertaining items will be accessible between the two devices. As an example, here is how to go about this for Contacts:

On Both iPhones...

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: Your Name (Top Item)
  3. Tap: iCloud
  4. Tap: PHotos
  5. Enable: iCloud Photos
  6. Download your photos.

DATA TRANSFER - to new iPhone 17 Pro Max

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