Lancemann27
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How to merge sms from iPhone 5 to iPhone 6

I want to merge my old text messages to my new iPhone 6. I have started using my new 6 which has a number of text messages I want to keep but now I want to transfer old sms from my iPhone 5 (backed up to iTunes 1 hour ago). I know I can restore the 6 from the 5 backup but will this overwrite the new content on the 6?

 

I also see many ways to save the old messages to PC but very little on moving them to the new phone, and again will this overwrite new messages?

 

I'm using Windows 7,the latest iTunes and iOS 7 on the 5.

iPhone 6, iOS 8

Posted on Sep 27, 2014 4:22 PM

by ChrisJ4203,Solvedanswer
ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203
Level 9 (59,779 points)
iPhone
A:

This is not an option. The only way to get old text to the device is to restore a backup, which will delete all current data on your device. You cannot do incremental backups or pick and choose what connect to move. You can save text messages with a 3rd party program for the computer, but you do not have access to the file system to be able to write them back to the phone.

Posted on Sep 27, 2014 4:31 PM

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Lancemann27

Q: How to merge sms from iPhone 5 to iPhone 6

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  • Helpful answers

  • by ChrisJ4203,Solvedanswer

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Sep 27, 2014 4:31 PM in response to Lancemann27
    Level 9 (59,779 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 27, 2014 4:31 PM in response to Lancemann27

    This is not an option. The only way to get old text to the device is to restore a backup, which will delete all current data on your device. You cannot do incremental backups or pick and choose what connect to move. You can save text messages with a 3rd party program for the computer, but you do not have access to the file system to be able to write them back to the phone.

  • by Lancemann27,

    Lancemann27 Lancemann27 Oct 5, 2014 9:37 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 5, 2014 9:37 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Thanks ChrisJ4203. I was afraid of that But your answer just confirmed it.

    Cheers!

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Oct 6, 2014 7:38 AM in response to Lancemann27
    Level 9 (59,779 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 6, 2014 7:38 AM in response to Lancemann27

    You're welcome.

  • by Hosistarus,

    Hosistarus Hosistarus Dec 30, 2014 8:40 PM in response to Lancemann27
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2014 8:40 PM in response to Lancemann27

    I upgraded from an iPhone 4S to iPhone 6 Plus, I don't like to run iTunes, and iCloud backup is not so reliable, I think. Then I searched on the Internet, and some articles told me that I can directly transfer data from Phone to iPhone with some tools.

    I doubt it first, then I gave a shot on one of them for the free trial. I follow the steps to transfer about 200 sms from my 4S to 6 Plus, and it works!

    Got this from here: http://www.cultofmac.com/296711/transfer-data-new-iphone-6-imazing/

    Hope this helps!

  • by EmmaNoah,

    EmmaNoah EmmaNoah Jan 21, 2016 12:13 AM in response to Hosistarus
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 21, 2016 12:13 AM in response to Hosistarus

    Hosistarus wrote:

     

    I upgraded from an iPhone 4S to iPhone 6 Plus, I don't like to run iTunes, and iCloud backup is not so reliable, I think. Then I searched on the Internet, and some articles told me that I can directly transfer data from Phone to iPhone with some tools.

    I doubt it first, then I gave a shot on one of them for the free trial. I follow the steps to transfer about 200 sms from my 4S to 6 Plus, and it works!

    Got this from here: http://www.cultofmac.com/296711/transfer-data-new-iphone-6-imazing/

    Hope this helps!

    Nope, iCloud is the only thing reliable on transferring SMS from old iPhone to new iPhone.

    See these steps:

    1. Enable iCloud backup on your old iPhone. Tap "Settings," and "iCloud," followed by "Storage & Backup." Tap the slider next to iCloud Backup to the "On" position to enable iCloud backup. Tap "OK" on the pop-up window informing you that your iPhone will use iCloud and not iTunes for backups.

    2. Tap "Back Up Now" and wait for your old iPhone to back up to iCloud.

    3. Turn off your old iPhone after the back up to iCloud is complete.

    4. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the activation steps. Ensure you have access to a Wi-Fi connection, which is required for activating your new phone.

    5. Select "Restore from iCloud Backup" during the Setup Assistant procedure on your new iPhone.

    6. Enter any passwords for accounts if you are prompted during setup to do so.

    7. Tap "Settings," "iCloud" and then "Storage & Backup" to check the progress of the restore from your old iPhone backup on iCloud.

    8. Tap the "Messages" icon on the home screen after the backup is restored and your old iPhone text message history should be restored on your new iPhone.

  • by Chris CA,

    Chris CA Chris CA Jan 21, 2016 8:10 AM in response to EmmaNoah
    Level 9 (79,660 points)
    iTunes
    Jan 21, 2016 8:10 AM in response to EmmaNoah

    EmmaNoah wrote:

     

    Hosistarus wrote:

     

    I upgraded from an iPhone 4S to iPhone 6 Plus, I don't like to run iTunes, and iCloud backup is not so reliable, I think. Then I searched on the Internet, and some articles told me that I can directly transfer data from Phone to iPhone with some tools.

    I doubt it first, then I gave a shot on one of them for the free trial. I follow the steps to transfer about 200 sms from my 4S to 6 Plus, and it works!

    Got this from here: http://www.cultofmac.com/296711/transfer-data-new-iphone-6-imazing/

    Hope this helps!

    Nope, iCloud is the only thing reliable on transferring SMS from old iPhone to new iPhone.

     

    iTunes and computer work fine.

    See this -> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201269