Quick start data sync
Quick question - I just bought a new iPad pro, when I hit quick start on setup, holding my old iPad pro near it, does that sync my apps and data, or do I have to plug them both in?
iPad Pro, iPadOS 16
Question marked as
QuickStart is not explicitly intended to “synchronise” a new device with another. It’s purpose is to transfer (actually copy) existing data/files/photos and compatible settings from the source to target device - this being particularly useful when replacing an older device with new.
Post-setup synchronisation, between devices that are signed-in with the same AppleID, uses the Apple iCloud service:
iCloud User Guide - Apple Support
Quick Start & Transfer
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
