What to do before changing your iPhone model, data transfer, and timing for changing your SIM card

Saving money and convenient tipsSolving problemsSwitching and changing models
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When upgrading to a new iPhone yourself, transferring apps and data is easy as long as you follow the steps. Why not try upgrading your phone by referring to the methods and steps introduced here?

 

Table of contents

What to do before upgrading your iPhone

A woman opening a smartphone and PC

Before changing your phone model, there are a few things you need to prepare. If you try to transfer your data without preparing these things, you may run into problems later, so be sure to complete them.

Backing up your data

Changing your phone model requires you to perform operations that you normally wouldn't perform, such as transferring data and replacing the SIM card, which can lead to the risk of losing data if you make a mistake.

Of the data transfer methods described below, the methods using iTunes and iCloud require you to back up your data. However, even if you use other methods, it's a good idea to back up your data just in case something goes wrong.

Check your Apple ID and password

You need your Apple ID and password to restore backup data on your iPhone, purchase apps, etc. However, if you've been using the same model for a long time, you may have forgotten your Apple ID or password.

To check your Apple ID, go to "Settings" on your iPhone, tap "Account Name," and it will be displayed under your name. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it.

① "Settings" on your iPhone

② Tap "Account name"

③ Reset your password

In addition to your Apple ID, be sure to also write down the passcode you enter when waking your device from sleep mode, etc.

Turn off Find My iPhone

If you are thinking of trading in your old iPhone after upgrading your phone, make sure to turn off the "Find My iPhone" feature. If you reset your phone with the "Find My iPhone" feature turned on, the device will automatically be locked and will become unusable.

① "Settings" on your iPhone

② Tap "Account name"

③Tap "Search"

④ Turn off "Find My iPhone"

To turn off the feature, go to Settings on your iPhone or sign in to iCloud on your computer.

App transfer settings

When transferring data from an iPhone, not all data can be transferred. While the apps themselves can be transferred, there are some apps whose data cannot be transferred.
Typical apps that require data transfer include LINE, Suica, Google Account, two-factor authentication apps, and Apple Watch. For example, LINE's notification sound settings cannot be automatically transferred. For these apps, you will need to set up the transfer for each app in advance.

"Quick Start" is convenient for transferring data from iPhone

There are four ways to transfer data from your iPhone: iTunes, iCloud, Data Transfer App, and Quick Start. The one we recommend the most is Quick Start, which we will introduce below. Quick Start has the following advantages:

  • No backup needed
  • No cable connection required
  • No computer required
  • Data from old iPhone won't disappear

I will now explain in detail how to do this.

Quick Start Preparation

To get started with Quick Start, you need to do three things:

  • iOS updates
  • charging
  • Turn on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.

I will explain these in order.

First, make sure you update your iOS to the latest version before changing your device. To use Quick Start, you need iOS 12.4 or later.

Also, since Quick Start can take several hours from start to finish, make sure both your old and new devices are fully charged. We recommend that you also charge them while you work.

By the way, you can shorten the time it takes to complete the process by reducing the amount of data on your old device. This can be done by deleting unnecessary apps and storing photos and videos on iCloud.

Once the device is fully charged, turn on Bluetooth on your old device and connect it to the internet via Wi-Fi or a wired connection. While it is possible to use a Bluetooth-only connection, we do not recommend it as the transfer may take a long time or be interrupted.

How to do a quick start

The quick start procedure is as follows:

  1. 1. Turn on both your old and new iPhones
  2. 2. Swipe the "Hello" screen on your new device to reach the language selection screen. The "Set up your new iPhone" screen will appear on your old device. Tap "Continue."
  3. 3. An animation will appear on the new device, so scan it with the camera on your old device.
  4. 4. Enter the passcode of your old device on your new device and set up Face ID or Touch ID.
  5. 5. When "Transfer Data" appears on the new device, tap "Transfer from iPhone."
  6. 6. Wait until the transfer is complete

Here are some points to note when working with this product.

Do not complete the initial setup of your new device in step 1. Details are explained next.

4. You can set up Face ID or Touch ID later.

Once the transfer is complete, the new device will automatically restart and the old device will display "Transfer complete."

Quick Start Notes

Here are a few points to note about Quick Start. First, Quick Start can only be used between iPhones running iOS 12.4 or later. Please note that it cannot be used if your previous smartphone is an older iPhone or Android.

Next, if you complete the initial setup of your new iPhone before starting Quick Start, you will not be able to use Quick Start. If you have already completed the initial setup, you will need to reset your device or transfer your data using another method described below.

\You can change your device online/

How to transfer data to iPhone without Quick Start

If you can't use Quick Start, you can use iTunes, iCloud, or your carrier's data transfer app.

We will explain each method and points to note.

iTunes

You will need a computer to transfer data using iTunes.

First, back up the data on your old iPhone. Follow these steps:

  1. 1. Launch iTunes on your computer
  2. 2. Connect your old device to your computer with a USB cable
  3. 3. The iPhone icon will appear under the iTunes menu bar. Click it.
  4. 4. Click "Back up now"
  5. 5. Wait for the backup to complete

Here are the steps to restore your data to your new iPhone:

  1. 1. Launch iTunes on your computer
  2. 2. Go to "Edit" -> "Preferences" -> "Devices" -> check "Don't automatically sync iPods, iPhones, and iPads"
  3. 3. Connect the new device to your computer with a USB cable.
  4. 4. The iPhone icon will appear under the iTunes menu bar. Click it.
  5. 5. Click "Restore Backup"
  6. 6. Select the backup you want to restore and click "Restore."
  7. 7. Wait for the restore to complete

iCloud

Data transfer using iCloud is done in the same way as with iTunes: you back up your old iPhone and then restore it to your new iPhone. First, we'll explain the backup procedure.

  1. 1. On your old device, tap "Settings" → "General"
  2. 2. Scroll down and tap "Transfer or Reset iPhone"
  3. 3. Start "Preparing for your new iPhone"
  4. 4. Wait for the backup to complete

After step 3, if you see "iCloud Backup is off," turn it on.

Also, if you don't have enough iCloud storage space (the amount of data you can store in iCloud), you'll see a message telling you that you can use additional iCloud storage for free. Tap "Continue." This is a service that allows you to temporarily use free storage even if you don't have enough iCloud storage space when changing your device.

Next, we will explain how to restore data to a new device.

  • 1. Turn on your new device
  • 2. Configure various settings such as language and keyboard, then select "Restore from iCloud Backup"
  • 3. Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in to iCloud.
  • 4. Select the backup you want to restore
  • 5. Wait for the restore to complete

Carrier data migration app

Next, we will explain the data transfer apps provided by each major carrier. This method can also be used when switching from an Android to an iPhone. Each carrier has the following apps:

  • docomo→ docomo Data Copy
  • au → Data storage
  • Softbank → Easy Data Copy

Each carrier's data transfer app has its own set of data that can be transferred, so it's important to check in advance.

Also, if you are switching from Android to iPhone, it is a good idea to use the "Move to iOS" app as well.

When to change your iPhone's SIM card

The SIM card contains subscriber information and is necessary for making calls and communicating via 4G, 5G, etc. When changing smartphone models, including iPhones, you will need to replace the SIM card.

However, recently, an increasing number of models are equipped with eSIMs, which have a built-in SIM card and do not require replacement. From here, we will explain when to replace the SIM card.

Switch before and after data migration

Currently, there are three types of SIM cards, each with a different size: miniSIM, microSIM, and nanoSIM. The most common is the nanoSIM, and this is the card that has been used since the iPhone 5, released in 2012.

Although data transfer uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it does not involve communication via the SIM card. Therefore, you can change the SIM card either before or after the data transfer.

How to change the SIM card

To change the SIM card, follow the steps below:

  1. 1. Turn off both the old and new devices.
  2. 2. Remove the SIM card from your old device
  3. 3. Insert the removed SIM card into the new device.
  4. 4. Turn on both the old and new devices

Be careful not to touch the metal part of the removed SIM card. It is also vulnerable to static electricity, so be careful. Also, be careful about the orientation of the card when inserting it. Forcing it in can cause damage.

For eSIM

iPhones starting with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR use eSIM, which does not require the insertion or removal of a physical card.

In the case of eSIM, your carrier will issue you a QR code for setting up the eSIM, and you can use it by scanning the QR code. Using povo2.0 's eSIM quick transfer service will make changing your phone even easier. See the end of this article for details.

With povo2.0, you can upgrade your phone at a great price

If you are upgrading to an iPhone, we recommend using povo2.0 (*1). When using povo2.0, you can also purchase the device from au Online Shop.

By using the "Smartphone Tokusuru Program / Smartphone Tokusuru Bonus," you can purchase a device at a lower price and avoid installment fees. The "Smartphone Tokusuru Program" allows you to pay for your smartphone in installments, and if you trade in your device in the 25th month, you won't have to pay the final installment (*2). If you upgrade your model at au Online Shop every two years, you can get a great deal on a smartphone.

In addition, with the "Smartphone Tokusuru Bonus," if you pay with an au PAY Card for payments made under the Smartphone Tokusuru Program, up to 3% of the total installment payment amount will be returned in Ponta points. (*3) If you use the Smartphone Tokusuru Program, we recommend using it in conjunction with the Smartphone Tokusuru Bonus.

For more information about the Smartphone Special Program and bonuses, please refer to this page.

Additionally, if you're using iOS 16 or later, you can use eSIM Quick Transfer. As mentioned earlier, setting up an eSIM usually requires issuing a QR code. However, with eSIM Quick Transfer, you can easily download the eSIM from the iPhone settings menu, making it easier than ever to switch devices.

Reference: "eSIM Quick Transfer (Reissue eSIM from iPhone Settings)"

\3 easy steps with the app/

  • *1: As this is an online-only plan, all procedures and support will be handled online. Please contact us via the povo2.0 app or official website.
  • *2: You must meet the conditions for device collection and appraisal when joining this program. If the specified conditions are not met, such as if the device is broken or damaged (e.g., unable to be charged), you may be required to pay up to 22,000 yen (tax-exempt) to receive the benefit, or you may not be able to receive the benefit.
  • *3: If the applicable conditions are met, Ponta points will be refunded in up to 23 installments, starting from the month after the month following the installment payment request. The monthly points refunded will be equivalent to the amount divided into 23 installments, with the refund rate applied to the total installment payment amount.
  • *The names of products and services mentioned in this article are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.
  • Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The iPhone trademark is used under license from Aiphone Co., Ltd.
  • TM and (C) 2022 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Android and Google are trademarks of Google LLC.
  • "Docomo" is a registered trademark of NTT docomo, Inc.
  • "au" is a registered trademark of KDDI Corporation.
  • SoftBank and the SoftBank name are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Corporation in Japan and other countries.
  • "Wi-Fi" is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
  • "Bluetooth®" is a trademark or registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. USA.