Transfer from an iCloud backup without having to purchase more space

Learn how to transfer from an iCloud backup without having to purchase more space.

If you get a new iPhone or iPad, the easiest approach to moving your data is often the Quick Start device-to-device transfer. But if that doesn’t work, or if you have to give up one device before receiving the other, iCloud Backup is a good alternative. It is usually what I use as it get’s my new iPhone or iPad up and running more quickly. This is because it will pull the apps and other data while you are using your new device. This works great if you have enough iCloud storage space, which many people with the free 5 GB plan do not. The good news is for devices running iOS 15 or iPadOS 15, Apple just introduced the option to create a temporary iCloud backup that’s larger than the available space. 

Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset Device > Get Started to create the backup. You have 21 days (plus another 21 if necessary) to restore that backup, and it sticks around for another 7 days after you restore.