Before we start
Have you ever lost your iPhone? Might not be a pleasure. After you buy a new iPhone you’ll need to transfer all data and even all your contacts. How to do that using 1 tool? AltTunes is your friend. So let’s uncover it!
Table of Contents
How transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone with AltTunes
Step 1. Install AltTunes to your PC
AltTunes is a desktop companion app for your iPhone, becoming your essential device manager for backup purposes. In addition to facilitating backups, it offers versatile file transfer capabilities for various data types, including images, music, videos, contacts, text messages, and more.
The app is available for free download and usage during the free trial period. Feel free to give it a try!
Step 2. Plugin your external hard drive & iPhone
Tap ‘Trust this computer’ on your device if your iPhone isn’t synced with your machine.
Step 3. Launch AltTunes & notice your device
Upon initial connection to AltTunes, it will prompt you to back up your device. The best part is that you can choose your external hard drive as the preferred backup location!
Step 4. Choose ‘Contacts’ from the left sidebar
If this is the first time you run iMazing, it might require you to back up all your files.
Step 5. Select contacts you want to transfer
To do this, use the shortcut: Ctrl +A on Windows. Finally, hit ‘Export’.
How to transfer contacts with iCloud Sync
Using iCloud® Sync to transfer contacts to your new iPhone is simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Connect both phones to Wi-Fi.
2. Make sure you're signed in to the same Apple ID on both devices.
3. On both iPhones, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud, then tap the switch next to Contacts.
4. Wait for a message about merging contacts, then tap Merge.
How to transfer contacts with iCloud Backup
If iCloud Sync didn't work, or you don't have your old iPhone, you can transfer contacts from your iCloud account to your new iPhone. If you don't already have a backup in iCloud, you'll need to create one—here's how:
1. Connect your iPhone to your Wi-Fi network, then open Settings and tap [your name].
2. Tap iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
Stay connected to your Wi-Fi network until the process completes. To make sure the backup finished, tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. The time of the last successful backup should appear.
To transfer your contacts to your new phone from a backup:
1. Make sure your old iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings, then tap [your name] > iCloud.
3. Make sure the switch next to Contacts is turned on.
4. Select iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
5. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the setup steps.
6. Once you reach the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud backup.
7. Sign in with your Apple ID®, and select the backup you just made on your old iPhone.
8. Wait for your data to transfer from your old iPhone to your new one.
9. Finish the rest of the setup steps.
How to transfer contacts with AirDrop
AirDrop is amazingly convenient when it comes to transferring photos, videos – even contacts. There is just 1 caveat. You can only share contacts one by one. Transferring multiple contacts is a no-go.
1. Swipe up on your device and enable AirDrop. Repeat for the other iPhone.
2. Make sure Wi-Fi Connection is turned on for each device.
3. Head over to the Contacts app. Tap on the contact in question and hit ‘Share’.
4. Choose ‘AirDrop’ and select your new iPhone from the list that appears.
5. You will see notification pop up on your target iPhone. Click ‘Accept’.
That’s it. The new contact will show up in the Contacts app. But how do you AirDrop all your contacts? The answer is simple – you don’t. For this, it’s better to use iMazing or iCloud.
How to transfer contacts with a SIM Card
Yes and no :) It’s a little more complicated. Let’s break down how this works in iPhones here.
Let’s say you are switching from an Android smartphone to the iPhone. Probably, your existing card holds your contacts. In this case, simply insert your SIM into the iPhone & follow the exact instructions below:
1. Go to the Settings app > Contacts.
2. Select ‘Import SIM contacts’
3. Wait till the procedure is complete. Head to the Contacts app. Check if all contacts are available.
iPhone lets you import existing contacts from SIM, but this doesn’t work in reverse. It doesn’t write any info inside your SIM. So if you are switching from an iPhone to a new iPhone, replacing SIM will not work.
So why does Apple refuse to store data in SIM? There’s a simple reasoning behind this. Using iCloud & iTunes backups is more convenient. It also contradicts Apple’s philosophy. Removable objects like SIM cards or SD cards aren’t reliable in Apple’s eyes. They can be easily lost or damaged. So why risk it?
FAQ
What is AltTunes, and how can it help in transferring contacts between iPhones?
AltTunes is a desktop companion app designed for iPhone users. It serves as an essential device manager for backup purposes and facilitates versatile file transfer, including contacts, images, music, videos, and more. To transfer contacts, follow these steps:
1. Install AltTunes on your PC.
2. Connect your external hard drive and iPhone.
3. Launch AltTunes and select your device.
4. Choose 'Contacts' from the left sidebar.
5. Select the contacts you want to transfer and hit 'Export.'
Can I use iCloud Sync to transfer contacts between two iPhones, and what are the steps?
Yes, you can use iCloud Sync to transfer contacts. Follow these steps:
1. Connect both iPhones to Wi-Fi.
2. Sign in to the same Apple ID on both devices.
3. Open Settings > [your name] > iCloud on both iPhones.
4. Toggle the switch next to Contacts.
5. Wait for the message about merging contacts and tap Merge.
Is AirDrop a suitable method for transferring contacts between iPhones, and how does it work?
AirDrop is convenient for transferring individual contacts. Follow these steps:
1. Enable AirDrop on both iPhones.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi Connection for each device.
3. In the Contacts app, tap on the contact, select 'Share,' and choose 'AirDrop.'
4. Select your new iPhone from the list and click 'Accept.'
Note: AirDrop is suitable for individual contacts, but for multiple contacts, it's recommended to use iMazing or iCloud.
Josh Brown
CEO at Softorino
Windows.
Windows
