When an iPhone gets stuck on “Preparing to Transfer”, the setup process can feel endless. This issue often appears during Quick Start, iPhone-to-iPhone migration, or an iCloud restore, especially when the devices are moving a large amount of data or dealing with unstable network conditions. The good news is that most transfer delays can be fixed with a few practical checks before more drastic steps are needed.
TLDR: An iPhone transfer usually gets stuck on Preparing to Transfer because of weak Wi Fi, low battery, outdated iOS, limited storage, or Apple server delays. The safest first steps are to keep both iPhones charging, update iOS, restart both devices, and use a strong Wi Fi connection. If Quick Start remains slow, an iCloud restore, Finder backup, or direct cable transfer may be a better option.
Why iPhone to iPhone Transfer Gets Stuck on Preparing to Transfer
The Preparing to Transfer screen appears before the actual migration begins. During this stage, the iPhones are checking software compatibility, estimating data size, preparing apps, connecting to Apple services, and building a secure link between the two devices. If anything interrupts that process, the setup may appear frozen.
Common causes include slow Wi Fi, Bluetooth connection problems, low battery, too much data, iOS version mismatch, insufficient storage on the new iPhone, or temporary Apple server congestion. In many cases, the iPhone is not truly frozen; it is simply taking longer than expected. However, if the screen remains unchanged for more than an hour, troubleshooting is recommended.
How Long Should Preparing to Transfer Take?
For a small amount of data, the preparation stage may take only a few minutes. For a phone with hundreds of gigabytes of photos, videos, messages, and app data, it may take much longer. A normal transfer setup can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the device model, iOS version, storage size, and network quality.
If both devices are old, nearly full, or connected to a weak router, the process may remain on the same screen for an extended period. A transfer that has made no visible progress after 60 to 90 minutes may be considered stuck, especially if either iPhone becomes unresponsive or disconnects.
First Checks Before Restarting the Transfer
Before canceling the migration, the user should confirm a few basic conditions. Both iPhones should be placed close together, connected to power, and kept on the same stable Wi Fi network. The devices should not be locked, moved far apart, or used heavily during the process.
- Keep both iPhones charging: Low battery can pause or slow the transfer.
- Use a strong Wi Fi network: Public, hotel, or crowded networks may cause delays.
- Keep Bluetooth enabled: Quick Start depends on Bluetooth for device discovery.
- Disable VPN temporarily: Some VPN profiles interfere with Apple setup services.
- Check storage: The new iPhone must have enough free space for the transferred data.
Restart Both iPhones and Try Again
If the transfer remains stuck, a simple restart often clears the problem. The user can power off both iPhones, wait about 30 seconds, and turn them back on. After restarting, the setup process can be attempted again from the beginning.
For newer iPhones, the device can be powered off by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears. For older models with a Home button, holding the side or top button usually brings up the slider. Restarting refreshes temporary system processes and may fix a stalled migration session.
Update iOS on Both Devices
An iOS version mismatch is a frequent reason for slow migration. If the old iPhone is running a newer iOS version than the new iPhone, the transfer may not proceed correctly until the new device updates. During setup, the new iPhone may prompt for an update before migration begins.
If possible, the new iPhone should be set up temporarily without transferring data, updated through Settings > General > Software Update, then erased and prepared again for migration. This may sound inconvenient, but it often resolves stubborn Quick Start problems.
To erase the new device after updating, the user can go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. The iPhone can then restart at the Hello screen, ready for another transfer attempt.
Free Up Space on the Old and New iPhone
Storage problems can also cause an iPhone transfer to hang. The new iPhone must have enough capacity for the content being transferred. If the old phone has 240 GB of used storage and the new phone has 256 GB total capacity, there may not be enough space after system files are included.
The user can review storage on the old device under Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Large video files, downloaded movies, offline music, old message attachments, and unused apps can be removed before trying again. If iCloud Photos is enabled, the user may choose Optimize iPhone Storage to reduce local photo storage, although syncing may take time.
Use a Cable for Direct iPhone Migration
Wireless migration is convenient, but it is not always the fastest or most stable method. A wired connection can be more reliable for large transfers. Depending on the iPhone models, the user may need a USB C cable, Lightning to USB cable, or a compatible adapter.
Direct cable migration reduces dependence on Wi Fi and can prevent interruptions caused by network congestion. However, both devices still need sufficient battery power and compatible iOS versions. If Wi Fi migration repeatedly fails, a cable based transfer is one of the best alternatives.
Fix Slow iCloud Restore Issues
Some users choose Restore from iCloud Backup instead of direct iPhone transfer. This method can also appear slow, especially when restoring photos, app data, messages, and settings. An iCloud restore has two stages: the first restores essential settings so the iPhone becomes usable, and the second continues downloading apps, photos, and data in the background.
If an iCloud restore is slow, the device should remain connected to power and Wi Fi for several hours. Large photo libraries and message histories may continue syncing overnight. The user can check progress in Settings, where a message may show that restore is still in progress.
To improve iCloud restore speed, the user should connect to a fast private Wi Fi network, avoid Low Power Mode, and keep the iPhone plugged in. Pausing large app downloads or avoiding heavy streaming during restore may also help.
Check Apple System Status
Apple services occasionally experience outages or delays. If iCloud Backup, Apple ID, iCloud Photos, or App Store services are having problems, both direct setup and iCloud restore can slow down. The user can check Apple’s System Status page from another device to confirm whether Apple services are operating normally.
If there is a known outage, the best solution is usually patience. Restarting the transfer repeatedly during a server issue may waste time and create additional setup problems.
Reset Network Settings
If Wi Fi keeps dropping or the iPhone cannot maintain a stable connection, resetting network settings may help. This removes saved Wi Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings, and cellular network preferences, but it does not erase personal data.
On the old iPhone, the user can go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. After the reset, the device must reconnect to Wi Fi. This step is especially useful when the iPhone has old VPN profiles, corrupted Wi Fi settings, or repeated connection failures.
Use Finder or iTunes as a Reliable Backup Method
If Quick Start and iCloud restore both fail, a computer backup may be the most dependable option. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, Finder can create a full local backup. On Windows or older macOS versions, iTunes can perform the same function.
An encrypted backup is recommended because it preserves more data, including saved passwords, Health data, and Wi Fi settings. After backing up the old iPhone to the computer, the user can connect the new iPhone and restore from that backup. This method can be faster than iCloud for large data sets because it does not rely on internet download speed.
When to Erase the New iPhone and Start Over
If the transfer failed halfway or the new iPhone is stuck in an incomplete setup state, erasing it and starting again may be necessary. This is safe as long as the old iPhone still contains the original data or a current backup exists.
The user can erase the new iPhone from settings if it is accessible. If it is not accessible, recovery mode may be required. Before erasing anything, the user should confirm that the old iPhone still works and that important data is backed up to iCloud or a computer.
Tips to Prevent Transfer Problems
- Update the old iPhone before upgrading: A current iOS version reduces compatibility issues.
- Create a fresh backup: iCloud or computer backups provide a safety net.
- Charge both devices fully: Transfers are more stable when battery is not a concern.
- Use private Wi Fi: Home or office networks are better than public hotspots.
- Allow enough time: Large migrations should be started when the user does not need either phone immediately.
FAQ
Why is the iPhone stuck on Preparing to Transfer?
It is usually caused by weak Wi Fi, low battery, outdated iOS, limited storage, Bluetooth issues, or Apple server delays. Large amounts of data can also make the preparation stage take much longer.
Is it safe to cancel an iPhone transfer?
Canceling is usually safe if the old iPhone still has all original data. The new iPhone may need to be erased before another transfer attempt, but the old device should remain unchanged.
Can iPhone migration work without Wi Fi?
Quick Start generally requires Wi Fi and Bluetooth, but a direct cable connection can reduce reliance on wireless transfer. iCloud restore requires Wi Fi to download backup data.
Why is iCloud restore taking so long?
iCloud restore speed depends on backup size, internet speed, Apple server status, and the amount of photos, videos, apps, and messages being restored. Some data may continue downloading in the background for hours.
What is the fastest way to transfer data to a new iPhone?
For many users, direct iPhone migration with a cable or an encrypted Finder or iTunes backup is faster than iCloud. For smaller backups, iCloud restore may be convenient and simple.
Should the old iPhone be erased after transfer?
The old iPhone should only be erased after the new iPhone has been checked carefully. Contacts, photos, messages, apps, and important accounts should be confirmed before the old device is reset.