User profile for user: RCh61
RCh61 Author
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Sync two iPads

I have two iPads, a 5th generation iPad with wifi and cellular and a 3rd generation Air. I would like to make them identical by matching the apps from the older iPad onto the newer one to phase out the older iPad/hand it down or similar.

Both iPads operate under the same Apple ID and both are linked to iCloud under that Apple ID. Both are now running iOS 16.5. Both have Bluetooth operating. I have set them both up so that App Downloads and App Updates are on for any new apps.

I understand that the individual app page layouts would not be replicated, as they are based on manual choices on each iPad.

Other than using the App Library to find the apps on the older iPad and loading them individually onto the new one, is there a way to synchronize the contents between the two machines? Thanks very much!

iPad, iPadOS 16

Posted on Jun 11, 2023 1:37 PM

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User profile for user: sberman
sberman
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Posted on Jun 11, 2023 2:34 PM

RCh61 wrote:

I would like to make them identical by matching the apps from the older iPad onto the newer one to phase out the older iPad/hand it down or similar.

Be very careful.


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User profile for user: sberman
sberman
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Jun 11, 2023 2:34 PM in response to RCh61

RCh61 wrote:

I would like to make them identical by matching the apps from the older iPad onto the newer one to phase out the older iPad/hand it down or similar.

Be very careful.


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User profile for user: RCh61
RCh61 Author
User level: Level 1
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Jun 11, 2023 5:07 PM in response to sberman

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I agree that the devices don't sync in the strict sense. I was hoping for a process or Apple-based mechanism to match their contents, and leaving it to their common connection to iCloud to monitor any future changes. There may be no established way to do so, but I appreciate the links.

Indeed, in 'handing it down' it would be to someone with a unique Apple ID - that's very clear. Another option I'm considering would be to use it as a trade-in, for which your link is very helpful.

From what I've seen, the instructions for setting up a newer iPad are simply how to set up a newly purchased iPad, but I will look at your suggested link just in case it is one I have not seen before.

Unfortunately, having looked at Family Sharing it seems to work for situations involving two different Apple IDs, which is not the case here.

Much appreciated!

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User profile for user: sberman
sberman
User level: Level 10
269,847 points

Jun 11, 2023 5:32 PM in response to RCh61

RCh61 wrote:

Indeed, in 'handing it down' it would be to someone with a unique Apple ID - that's very clear. Another option I'm considering would be to use it as a trade-in, for which your link is very helpful.

These sentences suggest perhaps I wasn’t clear about one possible scenario.


”Handing it down” - even to a unique and different Apple ID - should absolutely first be preceded by the thorough iPad cleansing referenced in the article I linked above. The new Apple ID must either acquire possessions independently or use Family Sharing.

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Sync two iPads

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