There are 2 main ways to move to a new iphone, using iCloud or using iTunes.
Your phones need to be running similar versions of iOS to backup and restore your data. Not sure if that applies to the iCloud method.
iCloud
iCloud will require a decent internet connection to be viable and you might need to upgrade your iCloud account from the standard 5GB free account.
Essentially your data is moved from your old phone to the cloud and then back to your new phone.
- PRO’s: great because you have a cloud backup at all times
- CON’s: you most likely need a paid iCloud account, connection speeds are critical
How to make an iCloud backup of your iphone
- Connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or other fast connection
- Go to Settings>[your name]>iCloud>iCloud Backup. Using iOS 10.2 or earlier, you’ll need to go to Settings>iCloud>Backup and check that iCloud Backup is ON.
- Tap Back Up Now
- Stay connected to your Wi-Fi until the backup is finished
How to restore your iCloud backup to your new iphone
- Transfer your SIM to your new phone and turn on your phone. A “Hello” screen should appear. [If you’ve already set up your new device, you’ll need to erase it to use these steps.]
- Follow the prompts until you see the Wi-Fi screen, now log in to your Wi-Fi network
- Follow the prompts until you see the Apps & Data screen, then tap Restore from iCloud Backup>Next
- Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password
- When asked, choose a backup. Make sure it’s the correct one by checking the date and size of each. [You might need to update to a newer version of iOS]
- If you purchased content using multiple Apple IDs, you’ll have to sign in to each. Can’t remember the passwords, skip this step by tapping “Don’t have an Apple ID or forgot it.”
- Stay connected until the restore process is finished. Complete the rest of the onscreen setup steps.
iTunes
For the iTunes method, your PC and iTunes act as the intermediary storage for your data. You’ll need login details to the old phone and your AppleID account details.
- Make sure iTunes is on your computer
- Plug in your old phone with sim card in it and backup from within iTunes
- Now transfer the SIM card to your new phone and turn it on, it will prompt you with steps
- Your backup will be restored to your new phone and you are good to go
Health & Activity data will not be backup up, if you don’t encrypt your iTunes backup. Make absolutely certain to save your passowrd someplace safe, there is no way to recover the password if you lose it.
Making use of iCloud
For South African conditions, you can make the most of iCloud by letting your phone sync the most important data to the cloud. Remember if you want to keep your Photo’s safe you will most likely need additional space or to do regular backups to iTunes.