Transferring your data—photos, contacts, emails, and more—from your old iPhone to your new one is simpler than ever. If you've recently upgraded, Quick Start makes it easy to transfer everything from your old device. But what happens if you find yourself stuck on the "Preparing to Transfer" screen? Frustrating, right? Fortunately, you're not alone. Don't let this scare you, though. In this guide, we'll walk you through several effective solutions to fix the iPhone stuck on Preparing to Transfer issue. Let's check the details.

• Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer?
• Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer [Video Demo]
• Part 3. How to Fix Transferring Data to New iPhone Stuck
  • Solution 1. Keep Devices Near Each Other
  • Solution 2. Restart Your iPhone
  • Solution 3. Connect to the Same WiFi Network
  • Solution 4. Check for iOS Updates
  • Solution 5. Delete Unwanted Data and Files
  • Solution 6. Reset Network Settings
  • Solution 7. Perform a Hard Reset
  • Solution 8. Use an iOS System Repair Tool
• Part 4. Extra Tip: How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone
  • Method 1. Transfer Data to a New iPhone with Quick Start
  • Method 2. Transfer Data to a New iPhone with iTunes/Finder
  • Method 3. Transfer Data to a New iPhone with iCloud
• Part 5. FAQs about iPhone Preparing to Transfer
• Part 6. Conclusion

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Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer?

The "Preparing to Transfer" screen is part of Apple's process for transferring data between iPhones, whether you're setting up a new device or just moving data. This stage should only take a few minutes, but if it's taking much longer, something might be wrong. Typically, the issue of iPhone stuck on Preparing to Transfer arises when transferring data during a new iPhone setup, especially if the devices are using Quick Start or iCloud. It can also happen during a manual transfer using iTunes or Finder. Many users can't figure out the reasons, thus unable to fix the issue in time. In fact, the iPhone transfer stuck issue can result from the reasons below.

Reason 1. Poor or Different WiFi Connection

A weak WiFi signal or mismatched networks between devices can prevent a successful transfer using Quick Start or iCloud wirelessly.

Reason 2. Some Unknown Software Glitches

Software glitches on either device can cause the transfer process to hang, leading to the preparing stuck during Quick Start or iCloud transfer.

Reason 3. Outdated iOS System on Two Devices

If your devices run different iOS versions, the transfer might stall. New iPhones typically come with the latest iOS version, so keep both updated.

Reason 4. Too Far Distance Between Two Devices

If the two iPhones are too far apart, the transfer will fail. Ensure both devices are close together and powered on during the process.

Reason 5. Insufficient Storage or Hardware Issues

Insufficient storage on the new iPhone can halt the transfer. Additionally, hardware problems like faulty components could also cause the process to fail.

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Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer [Video Demo]

After understanding the common reasons why your iPhone might be stuck on the "Preparing to Transfer" screen, it's time to dive into practical solutions. In this section, we've prepared a video demo that walks you through step-by-step fixes for this frustrating issue. Whether you're dealing with a software glitch or a connectivity problem, this demo will help you troubleshoot and resolve it quickly. Let's take a look at this video.

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Part 3. How to Fix Transferring Data to New iPhone Stuck

If you prefer a text guide instead of the video demo, in this part, we'll outline the detailed steps from the video, along with additional solutions that may help resolve the issue. By following these methods, you can quickly fix the new iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer. Once resolved, you can proceed with using Quick Start, iTunes, or iCloud to complete your transfer. Let's go through the steps you need to take to get your iPhone working again.

Solution 1. Keep Devices Near Each Other

To use Quick Start for wireless transferring, your two iPhones should be in close proximity to each other. When the distance between devices are too far, then the iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer. So, bring your current iPhone near this iPhone and keep them plugged into power until the data migration process is complete.

Solution 2. Restart Your iPhone

Often, a simple restart can fix the problem. If you have the issue of iPhone stuck on Preparing to Transfer while transferring data from an old iPhone to a new one, you can just restart your iPhone to fix the issue. Hold down the power button and swipe to turn off your iPhone. After a few seconds, turn it back on and try the transfer again.

Solution 3. Connect to the Same WiFi Network

Make sure that your current device is connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is on. To use Quick Start for wireless transferring, your devices should be under the same WiFi network. When both devices are connected to a different WiFi network, then there will happen the issue that the iPhone keeps saying preparing to transfer. Here's how to.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap WiFi.

Step 2. Check whether both devices are using the same WiFi network.

Solution 4. Check for iOS Updates

Quick Start uses your iPhone to automatically set up a new device. When setting up a new device, you can transfer data from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone seamlessly and wirelessly. If you use Quick Start, make sure that your devices are updated to the same iOS version. Therefore, you can go to check the version of iOS on your devices.

Step 1. Head to Settings > General and tap Software Update.

Step 2. Under Software Update, find whether there is a new update on your iPhone.

Step 3. Select an update and tap Download and Install, then tap Install Now.

Solution 5. Delete Unwanted Data and Files

It will take a long time to complete the transfer of your data from a previous iPhone to a new iPhone, especially when there is a large amount of data to be transferred. iPhone stuck on transferring data is inevitable. In this case, you can delete some unused data and files on your old iPhone. Or you can choose to move your data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone via iCloud or iTunes. Before transferring data, you can make a backup of your previous device as there is a temporary iCloud storage.

Solution 6. Reset Network Settings

Another method to fix this issue is to reset network settings on your iPhone. Sometimes, the original settings of network on your iPhone cannot be adjusted by simply reconnecting a WiFi network. In case, you can choose to reset network settings, which can completely solve the iPhone transferring data stuck issue caused by the network. Here's how to.

Step 1. Locate Settings on your iPhone, then tap General > Reset or Transfer iPhone.

Step 2. Tap Reset and select Reset Network Settings.

Step 3. Enter your iPhone unlock passcode and tap Reset to reset network settings.

Solution 7. Perform a Hard Reset

Unlike a soft reset, a hard reset can sometimes clear up persistent issues. For iPhones with Face ID, press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. For iPhone with Touch ID, press and hold the power button and the Home button at the same time, then release them when the Apple logo appears.

Solution 8. Use an iOS System Repair Tool

An alternative to all of the above solutions is to use an iOS repair tool. When there is a software glitch related to your device, you can use MagFone iOS System Recovery to resolve the issue. As an extraordinary repair tool, MagFone iOS System Recovery can fix a number of iOS and iPadOS issues without data loss. If your iPhone setup stuck on preparing to transfer, you can follow the four steps below to use MagFone and fix this problem in no time.

Step 1 Connect iPhone to Computer and Run MagFone

Start by connecting between your iPhone and computer through a USB cable, then open MagFone iOS System Recovery. To fix an iOS issue, you can select iOS System Repair on the main interface of the software, then click the Start button and choose the Standard Repair mode.

Step 2 Go to Put iPhone into Recovery Mode or DFU Mode

After selecting the Standard Repair mode, follow the onscreen instructions to get your iPhone into recovery mode. If it fails to boot your device into recovery mode, click the link at the bottom of the screen, then you can put your device into DFU mode.

Step 3 Download and Verify the Firmware Package for iPhone

When your device is in recovery mode, you can check the device information shown on the screen. Here you can manually correct the wrong information and select the version of the firmware. Then you can click the Download button to download the firmware package.

Step 4 Start to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

Now you can click the Start Standard Repair button to unzip and verify the firmware package. Then MagFone iOS System Recovery will start fix the iPhone to iPhone transfer stuck on iPhone preparing to transfer. When the process is complete, click the Finish button.

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Part 4. Extra Tip: How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone

Apple allows you to set up your new iOS device from a backup of your previous iPhone. There are several official methods available for iPhone users to transfer data from old one to new one. In addition to using Quick Start, you can use iTunes or iCloud to transfer your data if you have a backup of your current device. Now follow the steps below to transfer data from old iPhone to new one.

Method 1. Transfer Data to a New iPhone with Quick Start

The quick and easy method you can try is to use Quick Start. With Quick Start, you can wirelessly transfer data to a new iPhone from your current device. Now start to transfer data to your new iPhone with the following steps by using Quick Start.

Step 1. On your current iPhone, connect to a WiFi network and turn on Bluetooth.

Step 2. Turn on your new iPhone and place it near your current device.

Step 3. Get started to set up your new device by following the onscreen instructions.

Step 4. On the Apps & Data screen, choose From Another iPhone.

Step 5. Keep your devices near each other and wait for the transfer to complete.

Method 2. Transfer Data to a New iPhone with iTunes/Finder

If wireless methods aren't working, you can use iTunes or Finder to transfer your personal data and purchased content to your new device from a backup that you made. After making a backup of your old iPhone, then you can use iTunes or Finder to transfer and follow the steps below.

Step 1. Turn on your new iPhone and follow the steps until you see the Apps & Data screen.

Step 2. On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from Mac or PC.

Step 3. Connect your device to the computer that you used to back up your previous device.

Step 4. Launch iTunes or a Finder window on the computer and select your device.

Step 5. Select Restore Backup and choose a backup. Keep your device connected to the computer until the rest of the setup steps on your device.

Method 3. Transfer Data to a New iPhone with iCloud

If you have turned on iCloud, all the settings and data on your iPhone will be automatically synced to iCloud. Then when you set up your new iPhone, you can choose to transfer your iCloud backup to your new device. Here's how to transfer data to your new iPhone by using iCloud.

Step 1. Power on your new iPhone and follow the steps until you see the WiFi screen.

Step 2. Select a WiFi network to join and continue to follow the steps.

Step 3. On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.

Step 4. Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password, then choose a backup.

Step 5. Stay connected and wait for the restore process to finish, then complete the rest of the onscreen setup steps.

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Part 5. FAQs about iPhone Preparing to Transfer

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Part 6. Conclusion

Easy right? After reading the whole article, you can solve the iPhone data transfer stuck on preparing to transfer issue. To quickly solve the issue, you can use MagFone iOS System Recovery. And when the issue is fixed successfully, you can make use of iTunes or iCloud to transfer data from your previous iPhone to a new one.