Concerns moving from an iPhone 6S to an iPhone 14

I don't use iCloud. My 6S is backed up using iTunes 12.8.3. I am hoping to be able to transfer (restore) data from the backup. My biggest concern is that my 6S could get deactivated during the restore.


  1. Is there any way to prevent switching service to the new iPhone until I have all downloaded?
  2. What happens if I am unable to transfer data with iTunes (have read all documentation but unclear).
  3. other than iTunes, is there any other way to transfer data (my S6 is too old for some of the more recent methods, I am hoping iTunes works!).

Thank you

iPhone 14

Posted on Jul 2, 2024 2:05 PM

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Posted on Jul 2, 2024 2:17 PM

You don't say anything about your computer's macOS. My concern would be if your iTunes is too old to interface with an iPhone 14.


The service won't transfer. That's a separate thing you do in conjunction with your carrier (I don't remember if an iPhone 14 is eSIM-only or still takes old SIMS). Read this article about how to transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support --> Use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone


You may need/want to use iCloud for just this. See Use iCloud to transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If you're worried about storage, see:

Get temporary iCloud storage when you buy a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Your various options for transferring data: Transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



8 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 2, 2024 2:17 PM in response to generic1015

You don't say anything about your computer's macOS. My concern would be if your iTunes is too old to interface with an iPhone 14.


The service won't transfer. That's a separate thing you do in conjunction with your carrier (I don't remember if an iPhone 14 is eSIM-only or still takes old SIMS). Read this article about how to transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support --> Use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone


You may need/want to use iCloud for just this. See Use iCloud to transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If you're worried about storage, see:

Get temporary iCloud storage when you buy a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Your various options for transferring data: Transfer data from your previous iOS or iPadOS device to your new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support



Jul 2, 2024 2:17 PM in response to generic1015

Any particular reason why you chose not to use iCloud? Would you make an exception to just backup your iPhone to iCloud and restore it to the new phone this one time? It would make the process a lot simpler.


However, if you insist on using iTunes, then there shouldn't be any doubt as to why the restoring process won't work. Just make sure you're running the latest version of iTunes.


Typically, service providers requires IMEI numbers in order to activate cellular service to said device. Even if you transfer all the apps, data, photos, etc to the iPhone 14 now, you won't be able to make calls using cellular service. Sure, you can send iMessages and use Factime to make audio and video calls, but that's only possible because those are internet services accessible through your Apple ID.


If you encounter issues transferring data to the iPhone 14, just restore the iPhone 14 and try again. If the problem persists with iTunes, then your best bet is to transfer the data through iCloud.


Apple makes the restoring process really easy if you allow it to work the way it's intended... through iCloud. You could take it to your service provider and have them transfer your stuff for you as well. However, there are horror stories out there where they've completely botched the process and claimed no accountability.


Good luck with your process, cheers!

Jul 2, 2024 2:24 PM in response to Limnos

Yes this is a Mac I use for backups, about to replace it.

Thank you for addressing the service transfer. I have been reading the info in the first link you posted, and it almost seems like the service is activated first, good to know it is not. Does not make sense to force service activation if you're just transferring data between two devices and not using the service.


Jul 4, 2024 4:25 PM in response to generic1015

After all considerations, I am going the iCloud route. New related question, maybe can keep in this thread and not start a new one.


One statement I noticed in posts regarding how long the backup take, was whether it was safe to leave the iPhone 6 plugged in for that long (up to 2 days in some cases). QUESTION: Is it indeed ok to leave the phone plugged. I can see some slow progress, but I usually do not leave any phones plugged in overnight. Hopefully it won't run that long.


From reviewing other entries, it seems that it is normal for this first backup to take significant time. My upload internet speed is only 10 at the time (OK with internet speed for all needs, but this is taking longer). Other reasons are because it is an older S6 device it does take longer. The time to complete keeps going up. Suspect once family turns on the TV it will slow down even more.

Jul 6, 2024 1:55 PM in response to generic1015

Thanks to everyone who responded. New phone is up and perfectly set up. Was able to bypass activation until verification that all items were restored. Nice process; all except photos were restored first so it was possible to check the setup, photos downloaded later. Took significantly less time than backup, so hardware was definitely a factor in the slow backup.

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Concerns moving from an iPhone 6S to an iPhone 14

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