Why Is iPhone 16/15 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer? Easy Solutions
Jerry Cook- Updated on 2024-09-24 to iPhone 11
Jerry CookI just got my iPhone 16 and it's stuck on Preparing to Transfer for over an hour. Anyone know how long should preparing to transfer take on iPhone 16? I've tried restarting, but still no luck. Any advice?
For the users who have switched to a new iPhone, the first thing that concerns them is how to transfer data from old iOS to the new phone. Fortunately, Apple introduced a new feature - Quick Start that helps users to set up their new iDevice quickly using content from their old device. However, many users recently reported about iPhone 16/15 stuck on preparing to transfer issue that occurs while using Quick Start to transfer content from the previous iOS to a new iPhone 16/15.
If you have encountered transferring data to new iPhone stuck, then you have come to the right place. Here, we have come up with all plausible solutions to help you fix iPhone 16/15 transfer stuck on getting things ready.
- Part 1: Why Is iPhone 16/15 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer
- Part 2: Common Fixes to iPhone 16/15 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer
- Part 3: Best Fix to iPhone 16/15 Transfer Stuck on Getting Things Ready
- Part 4: Alternative Ways to Transfer Old iPhone to New iPhone 16/15
Part 1: Why Is iPhone 16/15 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer
How Long Should Preparing to Transfer Take iPhone 16/15
When transferring data to your new iPhone 16/15, many users wonder, how long does an iPhone 16/15 transfer take? The duration can vary significantly based on several factors, including the amount of data being transferred and the method used.
Generally, for smaller data sizes of 1 GB or less, the transfer may take around 5 to 15 minutes. For medium-sized data (1-5 GB), expect approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Larger data transfers (5-50 GB) can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, while very large data sets (50+ GB) might require several hours to complete.
Why Is iPhone 16/15 Stuck on Preparing to Sync
- Outdated iOS Versions: If your old iPhone is running an older version of iOS, it may not be compatible with the latest features of the new iPhone. Both devices should be updated to the latest iOS version to ensure smooth data transfer.
- Wi-Fi Connection Issues: The two iPhones must be connected to the same strong Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks or if the connection is weak, the transfer process can stall. A stable and fast Wi-Fi connection is crucial for successful data migration.
- Distance Between Devices: Keeping the two iPhones too far apart can lead to connectivity problems. It's recommended to keep them within 5 to 15 feet of each other during the transfer process to maintain a strong connection.
- Software Glitches: Minor bugs in the iOS can also cause the transfer to hang. Restarting both devices or resetting network settings may help resolve these issues.
- Large Data Size: If you are transferring a large amount of data, such as photos, videos, or apps, it may take longer than expected. The transfer process can appear stuck if it is processing a significant amount of information.
Also Read: why does transferring data to new iphone 16/15 take so long
Part 2: Common Fixes to iPhone 16/15 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer
There are certain things you need to ensure to avoid iPhone 15/iPhone 16/15 Quick Start stuck on preparing to transfer problem, which includes:
1. Make Sure Both iPhones Run Same iOS or Newer iOS 18
When facing iPhone transfer taking forever, the first thing you should make sure that both devices - previous one and the new one are running same iOS or latest iOS 18. Quick Start provides the feature of using iPhone migration only if both iDevices are using iOS 13.1 or newer. Below is how you can ensure both of your iPhones run the required iOS version.
- On both iPhones, go to “Settings”.
- Open “General”>” Software Update”.
If updates are available, then download & install right away.
2. Both iPhones Are Connected to The Same Wifi Network
Transferring content from a previous iOS device to the new one using Quick Start requires both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi connection. Besides that, make sure to use a strong internet connection as you need to ensure that connection never disconnects during the transfer process.
So, on both iPhones, go to "Settings" > "Wi-Fi" and ensure that both devices are connected to the same and reliable Wi-Fi network.
3. Keep Devices Near Each Other
Transferring data wirelessly using Quick Start requires you to keep your previous iOS device near your new iPhone throughout the transfer process. Otherwise, you could probably encounter iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer problem.
4. Reset Network Settings
Even if ensuring all the above things don't help you fix the problem, it's time to reset network settings. The problem could be due to some unknown network issues. In such scenarios, simply resetting network settings comes quite in handy.
- On both iPhones, go to "Settings".
- Open "General" > "Reset".
Tap "Reset Network Settings".
Once resetting the network settings, connect both your devices to the same Wi-Fi connection. And try transferring content from your previous iOS device to the new iPhone 15/16 using Quick Start and see if the problem goes now.
Part 3: Best Fix to iPhone 16/15 Transfer Stuck on Getting Things Ready
If you find yourself in this new iPhone 16/15 stuck on preparing to transfer predicament, consider using a powerful tool like UltFone iOS Data Manager. This comprehensive software offers a reliable alternative to the built-in transfer process, allowing you to easily backup and restore your data without the hassle of getting stuck. With its intuitive interface and advanced features, UltFone can help you seamlessly transition to your new iPhone 16/15 in no time.
Below is the simple guide on how to use UltFone iOS Data Manager to transfer content from old iPhone to new iPhone 16/15 without much hassle.
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Step 1 Download, and install the UltFone iOS Data Manager software on your computer. Connect your old iPhone to the computer and choose “Backup & Restore>Device Backup & Restore”.
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Step 2Now, select the file types you would like to backup and click the “Backup” button to let the software starts the backup process.
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Step 3Once the process is completed, you can check the backup data. To transfer the backup to the computer, click on “Export to Computer” and select the location you would like to save the file.
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Step 4 Unplug your old iPhone and connect your new iPhone 16/15 to the computer. From the software’s main window, select “Backup & Restore” to view or restore previous backup files.
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Step 5 Now, the software will show all backup files present on your computer and select a recent backup file, click “View” and select the data you would like to restore. Finally, click the “Restore to Device” button.
In a while, your selected backup file will be restored to your new iPhone 16/15.
Part 4: Alternative Ways to Transfer Old iPhone to New iPhone 16/15
If nothing above helps you to fix iPhone Quick Start stuck on preparing to transfer issue, then no worries!! You can always turn to Quick Start alternative ways to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone 15/16.
Method 1: Transfer Old iPhone to New iPhone using iTunes
Transfer content from iPhone to iPhone is a common and old practice. Therefore, if you would like to use iTunes to transfer data from a previous iOS device to the new iPhone 15/16, then you can do it with the following steps.
- First of all, backup your old iOS device with iTunes. So, go to “iTunes> Connect your old device to the PC or Mac”.
Click on “Device icon> Summary> This Computer under Backups Section> Back Up Now”.
- Connect your new iPhone to the same computer you have used for backing up your old iOS device.
- Open iTunes and click the device icon.
Choose “Restore Backup” and then, select a recent backup file.
You may need to enter a password in case of encrypted backup. Wait for the process to complete and after then, complete the remaining setup steps on your new iPhone 16/15.
Method 2: Transfer Old iPhone to New iPhone using iCloud
For the users who would like to transfer data from the old iPhone to the new iPhone without a computer, iCloud is the recommended way. But, the method requires you to use a strong Wi-Fi connection. Nevertheless, below is the process of how to do so.
Step 1: First of all, create a backup of your old iOS device if you haven’t created one.
- On iPhones running iOS 10 or newer - Go to “Settings> Apple ID’s profile> iCloud> iCloud Backup> Back Up Now”.
On iPhones running iOS 9 or older - Go to “Settings> iCloud> Backup> Enable iCloud Backup> Back Up Now”.
Step 2: If you have already set up your new iPhone, then go to “Settings”>” General”>” Reset”>Erase All Content and Settings”>” Erase iPhone”. Now, set up your new iPhone again.
Step 3: When you reach the App & Data screen, choose “Restore from iCloud” and select the recent backup file you created.
The Bottom Line
As you can now see that there is no need to worry if you encounter the iPhone 16/15 stuck on preparing to transfer problem. There are effective fixes to get you back on track. If these steps don't work, consider using UltFone iOS Data Manager, the professoinal iOS tool to transfer data to new iPhone 16/15 easily and quickly. Try its free backup & restore feature and get everything from the previous iOS device to a new iPhone in no time and ready to use.
- One click to backup iPhone to computer for free.
- Selectively restore backup to iPhone/iPad.
- Transfer files on iPhone/iPad/iPod to/from computer freely without limitation
- One click to export photos to computer