Can I transfer data from an old iPhone without service using my phone?
Asked by
MellowCedar42
My boyfriend recently got a new iPhone, but his old phone no longer has cellular service. Because of that, it cannot connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hotspot, so the usual transfer process has not worked. Could I sign in to his Apple ID on my iPhone and use it to transfer his data, or is there a safer method that keeps our messages and personal information separate?
Answers
We finally got it working by using Apple’s satellite connectivity option on the old phone. It let the phone connect well enough to complete the setup, even though it had no regular service or Wi-Fi.
Reply to this answer
I would avoid signing in to his Apple ID on your phone. His messages, photos, contacts, and other synced data could start appearing on your device, and separating everything afterward can be a huge hassle. A direct cable transfer between the two iPhones is safer if the phones support the right adapter.
Reply to this answer
Put the phones next to each other and try the built-in transfer again, but both devices need to be powered on and able to communicate. If the old phone cannot connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hotspot, that may prevent the wireless setup from working.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
MellowCedar42: That was the issue in the end—the old phone could not connect to Wi-Fi because it had no service. The satellite option worked surprisingly well, and the transfer completed.