how do i transfer apps from my old ipad to the new iPad?

Bought a new iPad and I want to get all the apps on my new one from the old one with out downloading each one. How do I do that?

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jun 22, 2025 6:37 PM

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Posted on Jun 22, 2025 6:50 PM

Hi PeggyAnderson,


I would suggest using Quick Start as it is seamless and easy to use.

To use Quick Start you will need both your new and old iPad and the data will be transferred wirelessly.


Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support - This link also has a video!


If you don't have both devices available check out the reply by Lawrence as that has a few more options.


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 22, 2025 6:50 PM in response to PeggyAnderson

Hi PeggyAnderson,


I would suggest using Quick Start as it is seamless and easy to use.

To use Quick Start you will need both your new and old iPad and the data will be transferred wirelessly.


Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support - This link also has a video!


If you don't have both devices available check out the reply by Lawrence as that has a few more options.


Jun 23, 2025 1:53 AM in response to PeggyAnderson

Apps cannot be directly transferred between devices. For Apps, the QuickStart transfer process (if used) creates a record of the Apps that are installed on the source iPad - and it is this record of installed Apps that is transferred to the target (new) device. For Apps that are still available for download from the App Store, the corresponding Apps are automatically downloaded and installed by the target device from the App Store.


You should note that all Apps will not necessarily continue to be available. Apps may have been removed or retired from the App Store by the respective App Developer. Some Apps may have been abandoned - and may not be compatible with the new device. Where a compatible App is not available, you’ll not be able to transfer/install the App.


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


For Apps, restoring a backup to an iPad is similar to QuickStart - in that a record of installed Apps is restored to the target; available Apps are automatically downloaded and installed to the device.

Jun 22, 2025 6:52 PM in response to PeggyAnderson

Short Answer: you don’t.

Long Answer: If you setup the new iPad using a backup of the old one or the Quick Migration option from the old one, all installed apps will be set to download automatically on the new iPad from the App Store, assuming they are still available in the App Store and are compatible with the new iPad.


If they are no longer available on the App Store or not compatible with the new iPad, they cannot be transferred.

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how do i transfer apps from my old ipad to the new iPad?

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