# Quick Start To A New iPhone: How It Works

URL: https://byshahid.com/blog/quick-start-to-a-new-iphone/
App: Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322)
Author: Muhammad Shahid
Updated: 2026-11-04

> Set up a replacement iPhone directly from the one in your hand. Quick Start uses your current iPhone to configure the new one. Make sure the old phone is on Wi-Fi with Bluetooth on, power up the new one and hold them close, then follow the prompts.

- **What it does:** Set up a replacement iPhone directly from the one in your hand.
- **Published for:** any iPhone
- **Type:** iOS setting

Set up a replacement iPhone directly from the one in your hand. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.

I build **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier**, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, [get Secret Codes on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322).

## What is Quick Start To A New iPhone?

Quick Start uses your current iPhone to configure the new one. Make sure the old phone is on Wi-Fi with Bluetooth on, power up the new one and hold them close, then follow the prompts. You will be asked to activate cellular service during setup, and to set up Face ID or Touch ID.

You then pick how the data moves. Downloading from iCloud lets you start using the new iPhone almost immediately while content arrives in the background. Transferring directly device to device is faster overall but occupies both phones until it is finished. There is also a wired option using a cable.

Keep both devices near each other and on power until it completes. If the setup prompt disappears from the old phone, restart both. Quick Start also offers to move an eSIM across, which is covered separately.

## How do I do it?

- On the current iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth.
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it next to the old one.
- Follow the prompts, activate cellular service, then set up Face ID or Touch ID.
- Choose to download from iCloud or transfer directly, and leave both on power until it finishes.

## Which carriers does this apply to?

| Published for | any iPhone |

| Type | iOS setting |

| Good to know | Requires the old device on iOS 11 or later. Not available if the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. |

_Screenshot: The Secret Codes detail screen shows the steps, the carriers and an Open in Phone button._

## Related iphone phone and message settings

- [Low Power Mode And What It Turns Off](/blog/low-power-mode-and-what-it-turns-off-iphone/)
- [Back Up To iCloud Before A Carrier Swap](/blog/back-up-to-icloud-before-a-carrier-swap-iphone/)
- [Location Services For System Services](/blog/location-services-for-system-services-iphone/)
- [Significant Locations And Routes](/blog/significant-locations-and-routes-iphone/)
- [App Privacy Report](/blog/app-privacy-report-iphone/)
- [Sound Recognition](/blog/sound-recognition-iphone/)

See all [iphone phone and message settings](/blog/iphone-codes/phone-settings/) or [every category of iPhone codes](/blog/iphone-codes/).

## How Secret Codes helps

Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line.

**Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier** is free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322

## FAQ

### What is Quick Start To A New iPhone on iPhone?

Set up a replacement iPhone directly from the one in your hand. Quick Start uses your current iPhone to configure the new one. Make sure the old phone is on Wi-Fi with Bluetooth on, power up the new one and hold them close, then follow the prompts.

### What else should I know about Quick Start To A New iPhone?

You will be asked to activate cellular service during setup, and to set up Face ID or Touch ID. You then pick how the data moves. Downloading from iCloud lets you start using the new iPhone almost immediately while content arrives in the background.

### What are the steps for Quick Start To A New iPhone?

1. On the current iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi and turn on Bluetooth. 2. Turn on the new iPhone and place it next to the old one. 3. Follow the prompts, activate cellular service, then set up Face ID or Touch ID. 4. Choose to download from iCloud or transfer directly, and leave both on power until it finishes.

### Where do I find Quick Start To A New iPhone?

In the Settings app on your iPhone.

### Is there a dial code for Quick Start To A New iPhone?

No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.

### Which carriers does Quick Start To A New iPhone work on?

It is published for any iPhone. Requires the old device on iOS 11 or later. Not available if the new device is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business.

### Does Quick Start To A New iPhone work on Android phones too?

These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.

### Will Quick Start To A New iPhone work outside the US?

The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.

### What if Quick Start To A New iPhone does not work on my iPhone?

Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.

### What is related to Quick Start To A New iPhone?

Low Power Mode And What It Turns Off. The battery saver quietly changes 5G, background refresh and email fetch.

### What else is in this category?

Back Up To iCloud Before A Carrier Swap. Take a fresh backup on demand before you change carriers or phones.

### Can I find Quick Start To A New iPhone in an app?

Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.

## Sources

- [Apple Support: iPhone User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios)

