Transfering Data to a new phone takes a few hours why?

Restoring your iPhone from an iCloud backup:

• Time Required: The time it takes to restore your iPhone from an iCloud backup depends on several factors, including:
  • Amount of Data: The larger your iCloud backup, the longer the restoration process will take.
  • Internet Connection Speed: A faster internet connection will result in a quicker restoration.

Restoring your iPhone from an iTunes/Finder backup:

• Time Required: The time it takes to restore your iPhone from an iTunes or Finder backup depends on:
  • Amount of Data: The larger your backup, the longer the restoration will take.
  • Computer Speed: A faster computer will generally result in a quicker restoration.
  • Cable Quality: Using a high-quality MFi-certified cable can help ensure a stable connection and faster transfer speeds.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure Stable Connection: Whether you're restoring from iCloud or iTunes/Finder, make sure you have a stable internet connection or a reliable USB connection to your computer.
• Patience is Key: Restoration processes can take time, especially for larger backups. Be patient and avoid interrupting the process.

By understanding these factors and following these tips, you can restore your iPhone more efficiently.

I’m with the first guy- definitely depends on internet speed.

1. What is your connection speed? (I personally have 1Gb download.)
2. Can you physically plug the device into the router with an Ethernet cord? This usually speeds data transfer up.
3. How much data do you have? This includes automatic backups, caches, etc. Personally, I pay for the 200Gb plan in iCloud +, but all the data I have totals to 24Gb. Almost all in the cloud.

This may help --> 3 Ways to transfer data from an old iPhone to a New iPhone… - Apple Community