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Move data from old iPad without without changing setup of new iPad

I have an old iPad Air 2 that I want to give to my son, but I need to transfer information, data, some apps, photos, etc. to my new iPad Pro 2021 12.9. I have been using my new one and don’t want to change the settings, lose data, etc. can anyone help to do this? I would really appreciate any assistance. Thank you.

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 14

Posted on May 23, 2022 10:19 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 23, 2022 10:27 AM

Native transfer methods are all or nothing - so you’ll either need to accept that the transfer from the old iPad will replace everything - or accept some pain in manually moving files, data and photos from one to the other.


You might consider manually saving anything that’s from your new iPad elsewhere - and then use available transfer methods to move the bulk from old to new, then copy the new data back across from wherever it was saved. Either way, you’ll need to establish the sequence that offers least pain.


Don’t forget, you have iCloud and/or iTunes/Finder on your PC or Mac computer to help with moving or backing-up data.


These support pages should get you started with setup of your new iPad - and the methods of transferring your data from old to new iPad:

Set up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

Transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support


If the donor iPad, from which you are transferring your data precedes iOS12.4, QuickStart will not be available.


“Transfer” is rather a misnomer. In reality, your data and setup is merely cloned to the new device. Nothing is moved or removed from the original device.


An alternative is to restore either an iCloud or iTunes backup to the new device:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


When you are ready, the best procedure for preparing you old device for disposal or reuse can be found here:

What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 23, 2022 10:27 AM in response to Mjrloe

Native transfer methods are all or nothing - so you’ll either need to accept that the transfer from the old iPad will replace everything - or accept some pain in manually moving files, data and photos from one to the other.


You might consider manually saving anything that’s from your new iPad elsewhere - and then use available transfer methods to move the bulk from old to new, then copy the new data back across from wherever it was saved. Either way, you’ll need to establish the sequence that offers least pain.


Don’t forget, you have iCloud and/or iTunes/Finder on your PC or Mac computer to help with moving or backing-up data.


These support pages should get you started with setup of your new iPad - and the methods of transferring your data from old to new iPad:

Set up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

Transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support


If the donor iPad, from which you are transferring your data precedes iOS12.4, QuickStart will not be available.


“Transfer” is rather a misnomer. In reality, your data and setup is merely cloned to the new device. Nothing is moved or removed from the original device.


An alternative is to restore either an iCloud or iTunes backup to the new device:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


When you are ready, the best procedure for preparing you old device for disposal or reuse can be found here:

What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support



Move data from old iPad without without changing setup of new iPad

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