FoneDog Screen Recorder FoneDog Screen Recorder
Special Offer Special Offer
Only Only
$4.49 $4.49
to get a ONE-month license to get a ONE-month license
Sale ends in xx days Sale ends in xx days
Buy Now
sale

How to Move Contacts from iPhone to iPhone Seamlessly?

By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: March 31, 2025

Upgrading to a new iPhone is always an exciting experience, but one common concern that often arises during this transition is how to move contacts from iPhone to iPhone. After all, your contacts are a vital part of your digital life, containing essential information about friends, family, colleagues, and more. Losing them is not an option.

Fortunately, transferring contacts from one iPhone to another has become a straightforward process, thanks to advancements in technology and the Apple ecosystem. In this guide, we'll explore several methods to help you seamlessly transfer your contacts without any hassle. Whether you're switching to the latest iPhone model or simply want to ensure your contacts are safe and sound on your new device, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of hassle-free contact migration.

Part 1. 5 Ways to Move Contacts from iPhone to iPhonePart 2. One-click to Move Contacts from iPhone to iPhonePart 3. Summary

Part 1. 5 Ways to Move Contacts from iPhone to iPhone

Method 01. Manual Method (Not Recommended)

How to move contacts from iPhone to iPhone? While there are more efficient ways to transfer contacts from one iPhone to another, we'll start with a manual method for the sake of completeness. Keep in mind that this method is not recommended due to its complexity and potential for errors. We strongly advise using the more straightforward methods outlined later in this guide for a smoother experience.

Step 1: Export Contacts from the Source iPhone

  1. Open the "Contacts" app on your old iPhone.
  2. Scroll through your contact list and select the contact you want to transfer.
  3. Tap on the contact's name to open their details.
  4. Scroll down and tap "Share Contact."
  5. Choose the sharing method (e.g., email or message) to send the contact's information to yourself.
  6. Repeat this process for each contact you want to transfer, sending them one by one to your email or message app.

Step 2: Import Contacts to the New iPhone

  1. Access your email or messages on your new iPhone.
  2. Locate the emails or messages containing the contacts you sent from your old iPhone.
  3. Open each message and tap on the contact's information.
  4. Tap "Create New Contact" or "Add to Existing Contact" to save the contact on your new device.
  5. Repeat this process for each contact you received.

This manual method can be time-consuming, error-prone, and impractical, especially if you have a large contact list. Fortunately, there are more convenient and efficient methods available to transfer contacts between iPhones. In the following sections, we will explore these methods to help you seamlessly move your contacts while avoiding the hassle of manual transfer.

Method 02. Using AirDrop

How to move contacts from iPhone to iPhone quickly? AirDrop is a convenient and wireless method for transferring contacts from one iPhone to another. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare Both iPhones

  1. Ensure that both iPhones have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
  2. Make sure that both iPhones are signed in to the same Apple ID.
  3. Turn on AirDrop on both devices. To do this, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen (on iPhone X or later) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhone 8 or earlier) to open the Control Center. Press and hold the network settings card in the top-left corner and tap "AirDrop." Select "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" based on your preference. Using "Contacts Only" restricts sharing to your contacts, while "Everyone" allows anyone nearby to send you files.

Step 2: Send Contacts from the Source iPhone

  1. Open the "Contacts" app on the source iPhone.
  2. Find the contact you want to transfer and tap on it.
  3. Tap on the share icon (usually represented by a square with an upward-pointing arrow).
  4. In the share sheet, you should see the option to AirDrop the contact. Tap it.
  5. A list of nearby devices will appear. Select the target iPhone to send the contact.

Send Contacts Using AirDrop

Step 3: Accept Contacts on the Target iPhone

  1. On the target iPhone, a notification will pop up, asking if you want to accept the incoming contact. Tap "Accept" to save the contact to your address book.
  2. Repeat the above steps for each contact you want to transfer.

This method is much more efficient than the manual method and is suitable for transferring a few contacts or a handful of them. However, it may not be practical for large contact lists, as each contact must be sent individually. For larger transfers, consider using iCloud or the Quick Start method, which we'll cover in the next sections of this guide.

Method 03. By Using iCloud Merge on Settings App

Using iCloud is a highly efficient and reliable method. It allows you to seamlessly sync your contacts between devices. Here's how to move contacts from iPhone to iPhone using iCloud:

Step 1: Ensure iCloud Sync is Enabled on Both iPhones

  1. On your source iPhone, go to "Settings."
  2. Scroll down and tap on your Apple ID (your name at the top).
  3. Tap "iCloud" and make sure the "Contacts" toggle is turned on. If it's off, turn it on and wait for the contacts to sync to iCloud.

Repeat these steps on your target iPhone to ensure that both devices are connected to the same iCloud account.

Step 2: Merge Contacts on the Target iPhone

  1. On your target iPhone, go to "Settings."
  2. Scroll down and tap on "Contacts."
  3. Under the "Accounts" section, tap "Default Account" and select "iCloud."
  4. You'll see a prompt asking if you want to "Merge" or "Cancel." Tap "Merge" to merge your device's contacts with those in your iCloud account.

This process will merge your contacts from the iCloud account into your iPhone's local address book, effectively transferring all contacts from the source iPhone to the target iPhone.

Using iCloud for contact transfer is particularly useful when you want to keep all your contacts in sync across multiple devices in the long term. It's a hassle-free method that doesn't require any manual intervention for each contact, making it suitable for users with large contact lists. Additionally, it ensures your contacts are always up to date on all your connected Apple devices.

Method 04. Using Mail or Message Apps

How to move contacts from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud? Another way to transfer contacts from one iPhone to another is by sending them through mail or messaging apps. This method is practical for transferring individual contacts or a small number of contacts. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Select and Share the Contacts

  1. Open the "Contacts" app on your source iPhone.
  2. Browse your contact list and tap on the contact you want to transfer.
  3. Tap on the contact's name to open their details.
  4. Scroll down and tap "Share Contact."

Step 2: Choose the Transfer Method

  1. In the share menu, you'll have options to send the contact via mail, message, or other sharing methods. Select your preferred option based on your needs.
  2. If you choose "Mail," a new email message will open with the contact's details attached. Send it to your own email address.

Step 3: Receive and Save the Contact on the Target iPhone

  1. On your target iPhone, open the email or message that you sent yourself with the contact attached.
  2. Tap on the attached contact.
  3. A pop-up will appear, giving you the option to "Create New Contact" or "Add to Existing Contact." Select the appropriate option.
  4. If you choose "Create New Contact," fill in any additional details and tap "Add" to save the contact.

Repeat these steps for each contact you want to transfer using the mail or messaging app. While this method works well for transferring a few contacts, it can become cumbersome for a large number of contacts.

Keep in mind that this method doesn't provide continuous synchronization like iCloud. Therefore, if you need to keep your contacts up to date across both devices in the long run, consider using iCloud or another cloud-based service for contact management.

Method 05. By Restoring iCloud Backup to New iPhone

Restoring an iCloud backup to a new iPhone is one of the most comprehensive ways to transfer contacts and other data. It essentially replicates your old iPhone's state, including contacts, on the new device. Here's how to do it:

Note: Before proceeding, ensure that you have a recent iCloud backup of your old iPhone. You can check this by going to "Settings" on your old iPhone, tapping your Apple ID, selecting "iCloud," then "Manage Storage," and finally "Backups." Choose your old device to confirm the backup date.

Step 1: Set Up Your New iPhone

Turn on your new iPhone and follow the initial setup steps until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen. On the "Apps & Data" screen, select "Restore from iCloud Backup." Sign in to your iCloud account with the Apple ID that you used on your old iPhone. Choose the most recent iCloud backup of your old iPhone from the list of available backups.

Step 2: Complete the Setup

The restoration process will begin, and your new iPhone will restart several times during this process. Once the restoration is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup of your new iPhone.

Step 3: Verify Contacts Transfer

After the setup is complete, open the "Contacts" app on your new iPhone and ensure that all your contacts have been transferred.

Restoring from an iCloud backup is a comprehensive method that not only transfers your contacts but also replicates all your apps, settings, and other data from your old iPhone to the new one. It's suitable for those who want to mirror their old device's entire content onto the new device. However, be aware that it may take some time, especially if you have a large amount of data to transfer. Additionally, your new iPhone must be running the same or a later version of iOS as your old one for this method to work.

Part 2. One-click to Move Contacts from iPhone to iPhone

How to move contacts from iPhone to iPhone in one-click? While there are several methods to transfer contacts between iPhones, using a dedicated tool can often simplify the process and provide additional features. One such tool is FoneDog Phone Transfer.

And aside from contacts, it can also help you in transferring other data from your smartphone devices such as music, messages, videos, and your contacts. In this section, we'll introduce some of the key features that make FoneDog Phone Transfer an excellent choice:

  1. Ease of Use:FoneDog Phone Transfer offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. You don't need advanced technical skills to use it effectively.
  2. Comprehensive Data Transfer:It supports the transfer of various data types, including contacts, photos, videos, messages, and more. This means you can transfer all your essential data from one iPhone to another with just a few clicks.
  3. Cross-Platform Transfer:FoneDog Phone Transfer is not limited to transferring data between iPhones only. You can also use it to move data between iPhones and Android devices, making it versatile for users with mixed device environments.
  4. Selective Data Transfer:You can choose specific data categories or individual items to transfer, allowing you to have control over what gets transferred to your new iPhone.
  5. No Data Loss:FoneDog Phone Transfer ensures that your data remains intact throughout the transfer process, minimizing the risk of data loss or corruption.
  6. Quick and Efficient:This tool is designed for speed and efficiency, allowing you to complete the transfer process in a fraction of the time it might take using manual methods.
  7. Privacy and Security:FoneDog Phone Transfer prioritizes the privacy and security of your data, ensuring that your sensitive information is handled securely during the transfer.

Phone Transfer Transfer files among iOS, Android and Windows PC. Transfer and backup text messages, contacts, photos, video, music on computer easily. Fully compatible with the latest iOS and Android. Free Download FoneDog Phone Transfer

How to Use FoneDog Phone Transfer to Transfer Contacts:

Using this best photo transfer app to move contacts from one iPhone to another is straightforward:

  1. Download and Install:Download and install FoneDog Phone Transfer on your computer. Launch the software.
  2. Connect iPhones:Connect both your source and target iPhones to your computer using USB cables.
  3. Select Data Types:Choose "Phone to Phone Transfer" and select the data types you want to transfer, including Contacts.
  4. Start Transfer:Click "Start Transfer" to begin the transfer process. FoneDog Phone Transfer will move your selected contacts from the source iPhone to the target iPhone.
  5. Complete the Transfer:Once the transfer is complete, you'll receive a notification, and your contacts will be on your new iPhone.

FoneDog Move Contacts

FoneDog Phone Transfer simplifies the process of transferring contacts and other data between iPhones, making it an excellent choice for those who value efficiency and ease of use. Additionally, its cross-platform compatibility and data selection options make it a versatile tool for managing data across different devices.

Part 3. Summary

Transferring contacts from one iPhone to another is a common task when upgrading to a new device or switching between devices. In this guide, we've explored various methods to help you seamlessly move your contacts while ensuring data integrity and privacy. Here's a summary of the methods discussed:

  • Manual Method (Not Recommended):This method involves exporting contacts individually and sending them via email or messaging apps. While it's not recommended for large contact lists, it can be used in a pinch.
  • Using AirDrop:AirDrop is a wireless method that allows you to send contacts directly from one iPhone to another. It's convenient for transferring a small number of contacts.
  • Using iCloud Merge via the Settings App:This method involves syncing your contacts with iCloud on both iPhones and merging them on the target device. It's efficient for transferring all your contacts and keeping them in sync across devices.
  • By Using Mail or Message Apps:You can send individual contacts or a few contacts via email or messaging apps. This method is practical for transferring a small number of contacts.
  • Restoring iCloud Backup to New iPhone:This comprehensive method replicates your old iPhone's state on the new device, including contacts and other data. It's suitable for those who want to mirror their old device's entire content.
  • FoneDog Phone Transfer (Recommended):FoneDog Phone Transfer is a dedicated tool that simplifies contact transfer between iPhones. It offers ease of use, supports various data types, allows for selective data transfer, and ensures data security. This tool is a great choice for those who value efficiency and data integrity.

In summary, the method you choose to transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone depends on your preferences and the number of contacts you need to transfer. While manual methods and AirDrop work well for a few contacts, methods like iCloud, restoring from a backup, and dedicated tools like FoneDog Phone Transfer are ideal for transferring larger contact lists and ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Leave a Comment

Comment

Comment ()
author image

Nathan E. Malpass

iPhone/Android Devices’ Maintenance Expert

Staying home, listening to music, writing tech articles

Many people asked me to repair their mobile phones so I have a lot of experience in mobile phone repair, and I know a lot about Android or Apple phones.

Phone Transfer logo

Phone Transfer

Transfer data from iPhone, Android, iOS, and Computer to Anywhere without any loss with FoneDog Phone Transfer. Such as photo, messages, contacts, music, etc.

Free Download

How Do You Like This Article?

Check icon/ Check icon

INTERESTINGDULL

Check icon/ Check icon

SIMPLEDIFFICULT

Thank you! Here' re your choices:

Rate This Article: Excellent

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (based on 73 ratings)

Phone Transfer logo

Phone Transfer

Transfer data from iPhone, Android, iOS, and Computer to Anywhere without any loss with FoneDog Phone Transfer. Such as photo, messages, contacts, music, etc.

Free Download

FoneDog uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Click here to learn more.