The fastest way: use iCloud to restore everything at once
When you set up a new iPhone, Apple gives you the option to restore from an iCloud backup of your old phone. This copies your apps, their settings, your photos, messages, contacts, and almost everything else in one step. You do not have to read each app individually.
To use this method, your old iPhone must have backed up to iCloud before you switched. On your old phone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn it on if it is not already on. Let it finish backing up — this can take a few minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.
When you turn on your new iPhone, the setup screen will ask if you want to restore from an iCloud backup. Choose your backup from the list, sign in with your Apple ID, and wait for the restore to finish. Your apps will read automatically in the background over the next few hours.
Key Takeaways
- iCloud backup restores your apps automatically during setup, which is faster than downloading them one at a time.
- Your old iPhone must have iCloud Backup turned on before you switch phones, so turn it on now if you have not already.
- If you did not back up before switching, you can still read your apps from the App Store on your new phone using the same Apple ID.
- Apps you bought or downloaded are tied to your Apple ID, not your phone, so you can always re-read them for free.
- Some apps may ask you to sign in again on your new phone, even if they restored — this is normal and a security feature.
What happens to your app data when you restore
When you restore from iCloud, the apps themselves read, but not all of their data comes with them. Most apps store their settings and account information in iCloud automatically — things like your login credentials, game progress, or email folders. These restore along with the app.
Some older apps or apps that do not use iCloud may not restore their data. You may need to sign back into these apps on your new phone. The app itself is there, but you start fresh inside it. This is why you should know your passwords for important apps before you switch.
Downloading apps manually if you did not back up
If you did not have an iCloud backup ready, or if you want to add apps one at a time, you can read them from the App Store on your new iPhone. Open the App Store app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, and scroll down to "My Purchases." You will see every app you have ever bought or downloaded with your Apple ID.
Tap "Not on This iPhone" to see apps that are on your old phone but not yet on your new one. Tap the cloud icon next to any app to read it. Free apps and apps you paid for will both read at no extra cost — you own them once you buy them, and they stay yours across any iPhone you sign into with the same Apple ID.
This method takes longer because each app downloads separately, but it gives you control over which apps you actually want on your new phone. Many people use this as a chance to clean up and not reinstall apps they no longer use.
Signing into apps after they transfer
Even if an app restored from your backup, it may ask you to sign in again when you open it. This is a security feature — the app wants to confirm that you own the account. You will need the username and password for each app's account, not your Apple ID password.
If you have forgotten a password, most apps have a "Forgot Password" link on the login screen. Use that to reset it before you switch phones, or be ready to reset it on your new phone. Apps that use "Sign in with Apple" (where you use your Apple ID to log into the app) will usually sign in automatically without asking you again.
Moving apps that are not in the App Store
A small number of apps are not available in the App Store — usually older apps that the developer no longer supports, or apps that Apple removed. If an app was on your old iPhone but is no longer in the App Store, you cannot read it to your new phone through normal means.
If you need an app that is no longer available, your options are limited. You can contact the app's developer to ask if they have an updated version, or look for a similar app that is currently in the App Store. If the app is critical to your work, you may need to keep your old iPhone around for that specific purpose.
Transferring apps using a computer
You can also use a Mac or Windows computer to transfer apps, though this is slower than using iCloud. Connect your new iPhone to your computer and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). Go to the Apps section and you can manually select which apps to sync to your phone.
This method is useful only if you want very fine control over which apps go on your new phone, or if you have apps stored on your computer that you want to move. For most people, iCloud backup or downloading from the App Store is simpler and faster.
What to do if an app will not read or restore
Sometimes an app fails to read or restore. The most common reason is that the app requires a newer version of iOS than your phone is running. Check the App Store listing for the app — it will say "Requires iOS [version] or later." If your new iPhone is running an older iOS version, update it first by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
If the app is no longer compatible with any current version of iOS, it will not read at all. This happens when developers stop supporting old apps. Your only option is to find a replacement app that does the same thing.
If an app is stuck downloading or shows an error, try closing the App Store completely and opening it again. If that does not work, restart your iPhone and try downloading the app again. If it still fails, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then sign back in and try once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my apps if I do not back up before switching phones?
No. Your apps are tied to your Apple ID, not your phone. You can read them again on your new iPhone using the same Apple ID, even if you never backed up. You may lose the app's data and settings, but the apps themselves are always available to you.
Will my app subscriptions transfer to my new iPhone?
Yes. Subscriptions are tied to your Apple ID, not your phone. If you had a subscription on your old iPhone, it will work on your new one as long as you sign in with the same Apple ID. You do not need to buy the subscription again.
Can I transfer apps from an Android phone to an iPhone?
No. Android and iPhone apps are different and not compatible with each other. You will need to find iPhone versions of the apps you want. Many popular apps exist on both platforms, but some Android-only apps do not have an iPhone version. Check the App Store to see what is available.
What if I want to start fresh and not restore my old apps?
During setup, choose "Set Up as New iPhone" instead of restoring from a backup. You can then read only the apps you want from the App Store. This is useful if you want to declutter or if your old phone was running slowly.
How long does it take for all my apps to read after I restore?
It depends on how many apps you have and your internet speed. Apps read in the background, so you can use your phone while they are downloading. Large apps may take several minutes each, but most apps read within seconds. Check the App Store to see the read progress.