To transfer data from iPad to iPad, the simplest method is Apple’s Quick Start: turn on the new iPad, place it next to the old one, and follow the prompts to transfer directly or from iCloud. Alternatives are restoring an iCloud backup, restoring a computer backup made in Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes, or using AirDrop for individual files.
Key Takeaways
- Quick Start moves data during setup; both iPads need iPadOS 13 or later with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
- iCloud and computer backups move everything but are restored during setup, so a set-up iPad must be erased first.
- Apple gives 5GB of free iCloud storage; larger backups need iCloud+ or a computer backup.
- Macs on macOS Catalina or later use Finder, Windows PCs use the Apple Devices app, and iTunes covers older systems.
- AirDrop sends individual photos and files to someone else’s iPad without erasing anything.
There are two common reasons to move data between iPads: setting up a new iPad with everything from the old one, or sending a few photos or files to someone else’s iPad. Apple’s own tools handle both, and a few third-party programs add selective transfers.
How to Transfer Data From an Old iPad to a New iPad
There are four main ways to move data from one iPad to another: Quick Start, a third-party transfer app, an iCloud backup, and a computer backup.
Way 1: Transfer Data from iPad to iPad via Quick Start
To help people transfer old iPad to new iPad quickly, Apple provides a tool called “Quick Start”. Quick Start sets up the new iPad using the settings and data of the old one. According to Apple, both devices need iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 or later, the old device needs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and you can either download apps and data from iCloud in the background or transfer them directly from the old device.
- If the new iPad is already set up, erase it first. On current iPadOS versions the path is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings; older versions listed it as Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings (this erases everything on the new iPad and restarts it).
- Turn on new iPad > Select your location and language.
- Place the new iPad near the old iPad > The Quick Start screen will appear on old iPad screen > Tap Continue.
- An animation will appear on the new iPad > Hold the old iPad over the new iPad, then center the animation in the camera viewfinder.
- Enter the passcode on the new iPad if asked.
- Continue the setup process until the Transfer Your Data screen appears.
- Choose the option to transfer directly from the old device (the button names the old device, for example Transfer from iPad). Keep both iPads close together and plugged in until the transfer finishes.
Way 2: Transfer Data from iPad to iPad via AOMEI MBackupper (Now FoneTool)
For a selective transfer of photos, videos, songs, contacts and messages from one iPad to another, one option is a third-party program such as AOMEI MBackupper. AOMEI MBackupper, which its developer renamed FoneTool in version 2.0.0 (September 2022), is a Windows-based iOS data backup & transfer program that copies data between two iOS devices or between a device and a computer.
The program lets you preview and select the data to transfer. The original instructions describe a restore that does not require erasing the target iPad, which can suit two iPads signed in to different Apple Accounts. Menu names may differ in current FoneTool versions, so check the developer’s current documentation.
How to use AOMEI MBackupper (FoneTool)
- Download, install and launch AOMEI MBackupper > Connect source iPad to computer via USB cable.
- Click Custom Backup.
- Click the icon to choose the files you want to transfer and click OK to confirm.
- Choose the storage path > Click Start Backup to start backing up your data.
- Unplug source iPad and connect target iPad to computer.
- Go to the Backup Management screen > Click the Restore option > Confirm the data that will be transferred to iPad > Finally click Start Restore.
Way 3: Transfer Data from iPad to iPad via iCloud
iCloud Backup works when the Apple Account has enough iCloud storage for the backup. Apple gives 5GB of free iCloud storage, and paid iCloud+ plans range from 50GB to 12TB (as of October 2026). First back up the old iPad to iCloud and then restore that backup on new iPad.
- Connect both iPads to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Sign in to the new iPad with the same Apple Account that made the backup.
- Make sure there is enough iCloud storage. If there is not, Apple prompts you to buy more before the backup can finish.
Backup old iPad:
Go to Settings app > Tap your account > Tap iCloud > Tap iCloud Backup > Tap Back Up Now to create a backup package.
Restore backup on new iPad:
If the new iPad is already set up, erase it first > Set up iPad until the App & Data screen > Choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
Way 4: Transfer Data from iPad to iPad via a Computer (Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes)
A computer backup copies everything from the old iPad, including data and settings, and restores it to the new one. On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later the backup is made in Finder; on macOS Mojave or earlier it is made in iTunes; on Windows Apple recommends the Apple Devices app, with iTunes as the fallback. Because the whole device is backed up and restored, the process can take a long time.
Backup old iPad:
- Open Finder (Mac), the Apple Devices app (Windows) or iTunes (older Mac, or Windows without Apple Devices).
- Connect the old iPad with a cable and tap Trust on the iPad if asked > Click the Device tab.
- Go to Summary > Select This Computer > Click Back Up Now button.
Restore backup on new iPad:
- After the backup is complete, unplug old iPad and plug in new iPad.
- Go to Summary > Click Restore Backup button > Select the backup you created before > Finally click Restore to start.
Final Words
The best way to transfer data from iPad to iPad depends on whether the new iPad is already set up and whether both iPads use the same Apple Account.
If the new iPad has not been set up yet, Quick Start during setup is the simplest route.
If erasing the new iPad is acceptable, an iCloud backup or a computer backup (Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes) moves all of the old iPad’s data to it.
If you don’t want to erase the new iPad, a selective-transfer program such as AOMEI MBackupper (now FoneTool), or AirDrop for individual files, avoids a full restore.
Which iPad Transfer Method Should You Use?
Each method of transferring data from iPad to iPad suits a different situation. The table compares them using the requirements Apple and the software developer describe.
| Method | Best for | Erases the new iPad? | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | Setting up a brand-new iPad | Runs during setup (erase first if already set up) | Both iPads on iPadOS 13 or later, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on |
| iCloud Backup | Moving everything without a computer | Yes, the restore happens during setup | Enough iCloud storage (5GB free), Wi-Fi, same Apple Account |
| Computer backup | Large backups, or limited iCloud storage | Yes, Restore Backup replaces the iPad’s content | Mac with Finder or iTunes, or Windows PC with Apple Devices or iTunes, plus a cable |
| Third-party app (FoneTool) | Selective transfers between different Apple Accounts | Not according to the original instructions | A Windows PC and a cable |
| AirDrop | Sending a few photos or files to someone else’s iPad | No | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, devices close together |
How Do You Send Photos to a Friend’s iPad With AirDrop?
AirDrop is Apple’s built-in way to send individual photos, videos and files to a nearby iPhone or iPad without a backup or a computer. According to Apple, both devices need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on, must be close together, and should have Personal Hotspot turned off.
- Open Photos or Files on your iPad and select the items to send.
- Tap the Share button, then tap AirDrop.
- Choose the other person’s device from the list.
- If you are not in each other’s contacts, the receiver can set AirDrop to Everyone for 10 Minutes in Control Center. That setting switches back on its own after 10 minutes.
AirDrop has three receiving settings: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes.
How to Back Up an iPad Before Any Transfer
A fresh backup protects your data if a transfer is interrupted. Apple lists these steps for an iCloud backup:
- Connect the iPad to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now and stay connected until it finishes.
With Back Up This iPad turned on, the iPad also backs up automatically when it is connected to power and Wi-Fi with the screen locked. The date and time of the last backup appear under the Back Up Now button.
For a computer backup, Apple offers an Encrypt local backup option in Finder, the Apple Devices app and iTunes. An encrypted backup is required to save Health and Activity data, and Apple warns that the backup cannot be recovered without its password. For broader backup habits, see this guide on why backing up and recovering data in the cloud matters.
Common Mistakes When Transferring Data Between iPads
- Skipping the update: Apple advises updating both devices to the latest software version before Quick Start.
- Running out of iCloud storage: a backup larger than the free 5GB needs a paid iCloud+ plan or a computer backup instead.
- Moving the iPads apart: during a direct Quick Start transfer, both devices must stay near each other and powered until the migration finishes.
- Restoring to a set-up iPad: iCloud restores happen during setup, so an iPad that is already set up must be erased first.
- Forgetting the encryption password: an encrypted computer backup cannot be restored without it.
If you are passing the old iPad on afterwards, Apple recommends signing out of your Apple Account in Settings before choosing Erase All Content and Settings; Find My and Activation Lock then turn off. The checklist of things to check before buying a used iPhone covers the buyer’s side of the same process. If you only need to move contacts between accounts, see how to transfer contacts from one Apple ID to a new Apple ID, and for a fresh setup, browse these iPhone and iPad apps for college students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to transfer data from an old iPad to a new iPad?
Quick Start is usually the simplest way to transfer data from an old iPad to a new one. You place the two iPads next to each other during setup and choose either to transfer directly from the old iPad or to download apps and data from iCloud in the background.
Can I transfer data to an iPad that is already set up?
Quick Start and iCloud restores run during setup, so an iPad that is already set up must be erased first through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings. To avoid erasing it, send individual files with AirDrop or use a selective-transfer program.
How much iCloud storage do I need to back up an iPad?
The backup needs as much iCloud storage as the iPad’s backed-up data takes up. Apple provides 5GB free, and paid iCloud+ plans offer 50GB, 200GB, 2TB, 6TB or 12TB as of October 2026. If the backup is too large, a computer backup in Finder, the Apple Devices app or iTunes needs no iCloud storage.
Do both iPads need the same Apple Account?
Restoring an iCloud backup requires signing in with the Apple Account that made the backup. AirDrop works between different accounts, and the original instructions for AOMEI MBackupper (now FoneTool) describe it as suitable for iPads on different accounts.
Is iTunes still used to back up an iPad?
iTunes is still used on macOS Mojave or earlier, and on Windows PCs without the Apple Devices app. Macs running macOS Catalina or later back up an iPad in Finder, and Apple points Windows users to the Apple Devices app.
