Transferring to new device if the old one has a newer iOS version
Due to limitations in the way iOS is implemented, you can only restore a backup to a device if the target device has an iOS version that is the same or newer than the old device version. As even newly purchased devices can have an older version of iOS than your recently updated “old” device, this complicates the transfer process. This tip describes a reasonably easy way around this problem.
You usually find this out when setting up a new device when you reach the step to restore from a backup. What you do then is use the “back” label in the upper left to go to the screen that asks if you want to set up as New or restore a backup. When you get there:
- Choose “Set up as new”.
- Finish the setup steps.
SPECIAL CASE if you have a beta version on the old device:
- BETA ONLY: If your old device has a beta version, you must install the beta profile. Open Safari on the device and go to https://beta.apple.com and sign in.
- BETA ONLY: Tap iOS or iPad OS as appropriate.
- BETA ONLY: Tap Enroll your device and follow the instructions to download and install the beta profile.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program:
- Go to Settings/General/Software Update and update to the latest iOS version.
Now Either:
- Connect your phone to your computer and follow these instructions→ Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support
Or:
- Go to Settings/General/Reset - Erase All Content & Settings.
- Enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock if prompted.
- When that finishes, you should be back at the Hello screen, and you can now transfer content from an iCloud backup and complete the setup of the phone.
