Cannot update or transfer data from old iPad to new iPad due to iOS incompatibility

I successfully stepped through the required backup procedures to initialize new iPad, but both my old iPad and iPhone have newer iOS versions which seem to prevent the new iPad from accepting data transfer. Can I reset the new iPad?

iPad Pro (3rd generation)

Posted on Oct 8, 2023 11:46 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Oct 8, 2023 3:40 PM

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


You should note that you can only transfer or restore data to a target device that has the same or later version of iPadOS as the source. As such, if you have first updated your old iPad to a more recent version of iPadOS than the target, the transfer or restore process will fail.


If you need assistance, you can make an appointment for the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) here:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 8, 2023 3:40 PM in response to ChewieYP

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


You should note that you can only transfer or restore data to a target device that has the same or later version of iPadOS as the source. As such, if you have first updated your old iPad to a more recent version of iPadOS than the target, the transfer or restore process will fail.


If you need assistance, you can make an appointment for the Genius Bar of your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) here:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Cannot update or transfer data from old iPad to new iPad due to iOS incompatibility

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