[Solved] Fix New iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer: 11 Methods

Are you experiencing the data transfer preparing stuck issue on your iPhone while transferring data? Well, you are not alone. Many other iPhone users also reported getting stuck in the Preparing to Transfer phase. The pleasing news is that you should be able to solve the issue easily. Keep reading this article to learn more about this issue and how to solve it.

Why Does New iPhone Keep Saying Preparing to Transfer?

Here are some of the usual reasons behind the data transfer stuck issue on iPhones:

• Weak or unstable Wifi: The Quick Start feature relies on a strong, stable connection. Poor Wi-Fi can make the setup hang or lag.
• Too much data: If you're transferring a large amount of content, especially high-resolution photos or apps, the process may take a while—or appear frozen.
• iOS compatibility issues: Both devices should be running the latest version of iOS. If one is outdated, the transfer might not start correctly.
• Software glitches: Temporary system bugs or background processes can cause the transfer to get stuck.
• Low storage space on new device: If your new iPhone doesn’t have enough available space, the transfer won’t proceed.

Easy Solutions to Fix iPhone Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

Here are the fixes that you can try to get rid of the stuck on preparing to transfer.

Keep Devices Close to Each Other

Transferring data wirelessly using the Quick Start will require both devices to be in close range for a smoother transfer. If both of the devices are not close, consider bringing them closer.

Connect the 2 iPhones to the Same Network

Both the new iPhone and the older one need to be connected under the same wireless network. Also, the Wi-Fi connection needs to be stable enough so that they never disconnect during the transfer.

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure both devices are connected under the same network.

Ensure the 2 Devices Running on iOS 17 or Above

Ensure both iPhone devices are running in the iOS 17 or above version. You can check this from Settings > General > About. There you will find the software version.

Repeat the process to check the version on the other iPhone.

Ensure Enough Storage on iPhone

It's obvious that you will require enough storage to transfer the data on the newer iPhone. So, how do you check the available storage capacity?

To do so, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You will see a bar, and the grey area on the bar indicates the available amount of free space. If there is insufficient storage, consider removing unneeded files from the device.

Restart Your Device

Sometimes a simple restart may help you eliminate the stuck transfer issue. Especially if the nuisance is driven by a system error or software glitch, restarting the device should solve it. The process of restarting will vary depending on the model of your iPhone.

For iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 (Face ID models):

• Press and hold the Side button along with either the Volume Up or Volume Down button.
• Keep holding until the “slide to power off” option appears on your screen.
• Slide to power off the device.

Once it’s turned off completely, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo, indicating the device is restarting.

For iPhone 6, 7, 8, and iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd Generation):

• Press and hold the Side button (located on the right side of the phone).
• Wait until the power off slider appears, then swipe it to turn off the device.
• After the screen goes black, press and hold the Side button again until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone SE (1st Generation), iPhone 5s, and earlier models:

• Press and hold the Top button (located at the top edge of the phone).
• Once the slider appears, swipe it to shut down the phone.
• After a few moments, press and hold the Top button again to turn the phone back on when you see the Apple logo.

Disable the Low Power Mode

The low power mode on your iPhone is designed to reduce battery usage. Although it increases the battery life, it can also reduce the device's performance. If you have the mode turned on, consider turning it off. Here is how:

• Browse the Settings app and go to Battery.
• Find the Low Power Mode and turn off its toggle switch.

Reset Network Settings

Sometimes the data transfer error on the new iPhone can occur because of a network error. In this case, resetting the network settings might help. Make sure to do this cautiously, as it will remove all the network-related settings. Here is how to do so:

• Browse Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• On the new page, tap "Reset Network Settings".
• Enter your passcode to confirm and proceed to reset.

Check the Bugs on iPhone System

The iPhone stuck on transfer can occur because of bugs on your device. Unfortunately, these system bugs can also cause a lot of other issues. Thankfully, you can use a third-party tool like FoneGeek iOS System Recovery to restore your device and get rid of them.

The FoneGeek iOS System Recovery program is an easy-to-use and efficient tool that enables you to solve various iOS-related issues quickly. Moreover, you can safely fix these issues on the iPhone without losing any data.

Let’s see how to utilize the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery to get rid of the transferring stuck issue:

Step 1. Install and launch FoneGeek iOS System Recovery on your PC. Then attach the mobile to the PC through USB or lightning cable. Finally, tap "Standard Mode" on FoneGeek's homepage.

Step 2. Once the devices are linked, the program will detect your iPhone's problem. After that, tap on the Next button on your iPhone if needed.

Step 3. Now you will see the iPhone model as well as the available iOS firmware versions. Select the preferred firmware and tap "Download".

Step 4. The download will begin within a while. Once completed, press "Fix Now" to begin solving the issue with your iPhone. After a while, the iPhone will restart and return to its normal state.

Using Alternative Ways to Transfer iPhone Data

You can also use these alternative ways to transfer the data on your iPhone.

iTunes or Finder Backup & Restore

Using iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on newer Macs), you can create a complete backup of your old iPhone and restore it to your new one. This method is especially effective for users with large data sets or limited Wi-Fi access.

iCloud Wireless Transfer

iCloud offers a hassle-free, wireless method of migrating your iPhone data. With enough iCloud storage and a stable internet connection, you can restore everything from messages and photos to app data and settings during initial setup.

Third-Party iPhone Transfer Tools

For more flexibility, third-party applications like FoneGeek provides advanced features such as selective data transfer, one-click migration, and system repair. These tools are ideal for users who want more control over what gets moved.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to transfer data to iPhone 16 or 15?

The duration depends on the data size, connection speed, and method used. A wireless Quick Start transfer typically takes 15–45 minutes, while wired transfers or restoring from iCloud/iTunes backups can vary from 10 minutes to over an hour.

Q2. Will I lose my apps or settings when moving to iPhone 16 from iPhone 15?

No, if done correctly using Quick Start, iTunes, or iCloud, your apps, settings, messages, and photos will be transferred intact. Ensure a recent backup is available and your Apple ID is the same on both devices.

Q3. What should I do if my iPhone 16 doesn’t recognize the old device during transfer?

Check that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices, they’re placed nearby, and both are running compatible iOS versions. If detection fails, restart both phones or use an alternate method like iCloud backup.

Conclusion

We hope you will find the information in this write-up beneficial to solving iPhone stuck on preparing to transfer window. Especially, you can use the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery program tool to solve it quickly as well as the other issues with your iPhone. Best of luck!