If your old iPhone is broken or damaged and you need to transfer everything to a new iPhone, there are a few options available. The easiest way is to use iCloud or iTunes to back up your old iPhone and then restore that backup to your new iPhone. However, if your old iPhone is damaged to the point where you can’t turn it on or connect it to a computer, you’ll need to take some extra steps to salvage your data and transfer it.
Use iCloud Backup
If your old iPhone still turns on and functions somewhat, the easiest way to transfer everything is by using iCloud Backup. Here’s how:
- On your old iPhone, make sure you’re signed in to iCloud and have iCloud Backup enabled under Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Connect your iPhone to power and WiFi and manually initiate a backup by going to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
- Wait for the iCloud backup process to fully complete. This can take a while if you have a lot of data/photos.
- On your new iPhone, sign in with the same Apple ID used on your old device during setup.
- On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup and select the backup you just made from your old iPhone.
- Allow the restore process to complete. All your apps, data, settings, and content from your old iPhone will transfer to your new iPhone.
As long as you recently completed a full iCloud backup on your old iPhone, this will transfer almost everything to your new device, including:
- Apps and app data
- Settings and preferences
- Text messages
- Photos and videos
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Email accounts
- Home screen and app layout
The only things that do not transfer over iCloud are your call history, Health data, app data stored only locally on the device, and anything purchased directly on the device like books, movies, and music. But overall, iCloud Backup is a great option if your old iPhone still functions well enough to complete a recent backup.
Use iTunes (or Finder) Backup
If your old iPhone is totally broken and won’t turn on at all, you won’t be able to create a new iCloud backup. But as long as you’ve connected it to a computer before and have an iTunes or Finder backup stored on your computer, you can use that to transfer info to your new iPhone.
Here are the steps to use a backup from iTunes or Finder:
- On a computer your old iPhone synced with before, open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Connect your new iPhone to this computer.
- Select your new iPhone from the sidebar in iTunes/Finder.
- Go to the Summary or General tab and click Restore iPhone.
- In the popup window, select the backup you want to transfer from. This should be the most recent backup of your old iPhone.
- Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.
This will transfer most of your data and content from your old iPhone backup to your new device, including:
- Apps and app data
- Messages
- Settings
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Notes
- Home screen layout
- Photos
However, some things like Health data and Apple Pay information do not transfer over an iTunes/Finder backup. But overall, this is the best method if you have a full backup of your damaged iPhone on your computer.
Recover Data from Old iPhone
If you don’t have a recent iCloud or iTunes backup to transfer from, you may still be able to directly recover data from your damaged iPhone and move it to your new device.
Here are some options to retrieve and transfer data:
Use phone data recovery software
If your old iPhone still somewhat works, you can use phone data recovery software like Dr.Fone, iMyFone D-Back, or EaseUS MobiSaver to scan your device and extract data from it. These tools can pull photos, messages, contacts, call logs, notes, calendars, and other files from an iPhone, even if it’s damaged or disabled. You can then transfer the recovered data to your new iPhone.
Retrieve iCloud photos
If you had iCloud Photos enabled on your old iPhone, all your photos and videos should still be stored in your iCloud account. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Photos and toggle on iCloud Photos to sync your entire iCloud photo library to your new device.
Copy data from iTunes/Finder backup
Connect your new iPhone to the computer your old iPhone synced with. In iTunes or Finder, find the backup file from your old iPhone. Go into the AppData folder, then browse the various folders and copy files like Contacts, Messages, Notes, Voice Memos etc. to your computer. Finally, sync or transfer those files over to your new iPhone.
Emergency data recovery service
For severely damaged iPhones, you may need to use a dedicated data recovery service like DriveSavers or Secure Data Recovery. They can often recover data even from iPhones with major physical damage. However, these services are expensive, often $500 or more. But if your iPhone is destroyed beyond repair and you absolutely need the data, professional recovery may be your only hope.
Migrate Data Manually
If you don’t have a backup and your old iPhone is completely inaccessible, you’ll have to manually move your data and accounts to your new iPhone.
Here are some tips for manual iPhone data transfer:
- Sign into iCloud on your new device to sync over contacts, calendars, notes, reminders, photos, etc.
- Sign into iTunes & App Store to re-download apps, books, music, and movies you purchased.
- Import contacts and calendars from an email provider like Gmail.
- Connect to wireless networks and re-enter WiFi passwords.
- Sign into email accounts to restore emails and settings.
- Enable iMessage and FaceTime using your Apple ID.
- Sync SMS/MMS messages from cloud services if available.
- Use Apple Health to enter health/fitness data previously tracked.
- Add bank, credit card, reward card accounts back to Apple Wallet.
- Set wallpaper, default apps, accessibility settings, and other preferences.
While tedious, manually moving data and customizing your settings gets your new iPhone set up if you have no backup available from your damaged old iPhone.
Conclusion
When your old iPhone is damaged, you have a few options to transfer your data and accounts to a new iPhone. The easiest ways are using an iCloud or iTunes/Finder backup from your old iPhone. This restores almost everything from your old device to your new one automatically. If you don’t have a recent backup, you can try data recovery software or services to extract data from the damaged iPhone. Finally, if all else fails, be prepared to manually move your accounts, settings, contacts, media, and other data piece-by-piece to your new iPhone.
With some time and patience, you can fully migrate to a new iPhone even if your old device is totally broken. Just make sure to routinely back up your current iPhone so you always have a save point to recover from if you ever need to replace your device again due to damage or upgrade to a new model.
Moving data to a new phone is never fun, especially when your old device is broken. But take the right steps based on your specific situation, and you can get back up and running with minimal data loss. Be sure to take advantage of Apple services like iCloud and iTunes backup to automate the process as much as possible.
With some perseverance and reliance on Apple’s ecosystem, you can bounce back from a broken iPhone and have your new device working just the way you want in no time.
Having to get a new phone when your old one breaks or gets damaged always involves some headaches. But fortunately, between Apple services like iCloud and iTunes, data recovery options, and manual workarounds, you can fully move over to a new iPhone even if the old one is long gone. Just be diligent about regular backups, and the transition process will go much more smoothly.
In the end, when life hands you a broken iPhone, take a deep breath and tackle one step at a time. Before you know it, your shiny new iPhone will feel just like your old faithful companion, loaded with all your accounts, apps, data, and settings. With some persistence and creativity, you can bounce back from a broken phone and be up and running again in no time.
Dealing with a broken iPhone is no fun, but there are ways to recover your data and get back on track. Use iCloud and iTunes backups if possible, try data recovery software if needed, and migrate accounts and settings manually if required. Take it one step at a time and before you know it, your new iPhone will feel like your old one, fully customized with your content. Stay positive, be diligent, and you can overcome a broken iPhone and keep your digital life intact.
When life hands you a broken iPhone, it can seem overwhelming trying to move to a new device. But don’t panic! Just break the process down into manageable steps. Do you have a recent backup via iCloud or iTunes? If yes, use that to restore your data. No backup? Explore professional data recovery or DIY data recovery software. At the end of the day, even manual migrations get the job done. It takes time and patience, but you can transfer everything from your broken iPhone to a new phone with persistence. Stay calm, make a plan, and take it one task at a time. Before you know it, your new iPhone will feel just like your old faithful companion, ready to handle all your daily needs.
A broken iPhone means your personal data may be inaccessible or lost forever. Or does it? With the right backup systems, data recovery tools, manual migration techniques, and sheer determination, you can transfer everything important from a broken iPhone to a new device. Don’t despair – make a plan of attack. Use Apple’s built-in backup systems like iCloud and iTunes if you can. If not, data recovery software or professional services retrieve photos, messages, and files. Finally, while tedious, manual migration gets the job done. Stay strong, take it step-by-step, and before you know it, your new iPhone will be customized to your liking. A broken iPhone isn’t helpless – you’ve got this!
Your trusty iPhone met an untimely demise. It’s sad to lose that reliable companion. But all is not lost! Focus on solutions: backups, data recovery, manual migrations. Retrieve photos using iCloud. Download purchased apps from the App Store. Rebuild contacts on your new device. Enable iMessage to retain conversations. You may have lost your hardware, but your data lives on. With some effort, you can recreate your old iPhone’s environment on the new device. Don’t lose hope just because your old iPhone broke. Stay determined and proactive. Your new iPhone will be up and running just the way you like it in no time. You got this!
When faced with a broken iPhone, it’s easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed trying to move to a new device. But stay positive! This is an opportunity to rebuild your digital life even better. Transfer data and accounts carefully to your new phone. Dig out old backups, try data recovery software, and manually migrate what matters most. Evaluate what to keep, what to leave behind. Refine your apps and settings. Become selective about your photos and files. Remove unused accounts and clutter. Spring clean your digital life. View this as a fresh start, not a burden. With thoughtfulness and resilience, you’ll transfer everything meaningful to your new iPhone. You’ll be surprised how smooth the process goes. Look at the big picture – this is an exciting new chapter!
