Unable to transfer data directly from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17

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Level 1

11 points

Unable to transfer data directly from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17

So I have an iPhone 12. I just got a 17. I have the phones close together - can't get them any closer and the iPhone 17 sporadically recognizes the 12. Looks like I was finally able to set it up - somewhat. It asked me if I want to transfer apps and data. It gives me NO option to transfer from the iPhone 12 - just the backup from iCloud. I sign in to both my Apple and iCloud accounts for the third time. When I click on transfer from iCloud, it says "no data available. How can I resolve this. I would like to transfer directly from my iPhone 12.

iPhone 12, iOS 26

Posted on Jul 31, 2026 8:24 PM

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Answer 1

MrHoffman

Level 10

158,633 points

Jul 31, 2026 8:30 PM in response to 1CM2

Is the iPhone 17 running the same or newer iOS than the iPhone 12? If the destination iPhone is running an older iOS, the transfer won’t work.

If local Wi-Fi is at all wonky, there can be issues with the transfer.

A cable might work here, as an alternative: Use a wired connection to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Aug 1, 2026 3:44 AM in response to 1CM2

Specifically, what iOS version is each device using?

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Answer 3

1CM2 Author

Level 1

11 points

Jul 31, 2026 10:06 PM in response to MrHoffman

Thanks. I used a lightning to usbc cable to connect the phones. All that seemed to be happening was that the 17 was charging the 12. I then noticed that the photos are on the 17. I have no idea how they got there. Other data - Music, Files are not there. This was a breeze transferring Android to iOS. I've always found Apple to be overly convoluted and backward compared to android, ** I want nothing to do with google

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Answer 4

1CM2 Author

Level 1

11 points

Aug 1, 2026 12:20 AM in response to 1CM2

Wow! I really can't believe how protracted they made a simple thing like this. Every single suggestion to deal with this leaves out steps - and is just not congruent with what's actually on the phone. I really appreciate the suggestions here, but this is really turning into a nightmare.

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Answer 5

MrHoffman

Level 10

158,633 points

Aug 1, 2026 9:49 AM in response to 1CM2

Is the iPhone 17 also reset? If you’re encountering local (or iCloud Photos photos via an Apple Account log in), the iPhone 17 would seem to have been populated.

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