Get temporary iCloud storage when you buy a new iPhone or iPad

When you buy a new iPhone or iPad, you can get temporary iCloud storage to transfer data from your current device to your new one. Learn if you’re eligible, how to create a temporary backup, and how long your temporary backup is available.

To get temporary iCloud storage, here's what you need


How to create a temporary backup of your current iPhone or iPad

  1. Go to Settings > General.
  2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset [Device].
  3. Under "Prepare for New [Device]," tap Get Started.
    iPhone showing the Prepare for New iPhone screen
  4. If you see "iCloud Backup is Turned Off," tap Turn On Backup to Transfer.
  5. If you don't have enough iCloud storage, you'll see a message that says you're eligible to get free extra iCloud storage. Tap Continue.
    If you don't see this message, then you have enough iCloud storage to back up your iPhone or iPad to iCloud.
  6. Wait for the backup to complete.

How much time you have to restore your temporary backup

You have 21 days to restore your temporary backup to your new iPhone or iPad before your temporary iCloud storage expires and your backup is permanently deleted.

Do not erase your current iPhone or iPad until you restore your temporary backup to your new device.

If your new iPhone or iPad doesn’t arrive within 21 days, you can get an additional 21 days to restore your temporary backup before it’s deleted. On your current iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap Keep My Backup Longer.

To request additional time to restore your temporary backup before it's deleted, contact Apple Support.


How to restore your new iPhone or iPad from your temporary backup

  1. Turn on your new iPhone or iPad and follow the onscreen steps to begin setup.
  2. On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
  3. Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password.
  4. Choose your most recent iCloud backup.
  5. Wait for the restore to complete.

What happens to your temporary iCloud storage after you restore your backup

After you restore your temporary backup to your new iPhone or iPad, your temporary backup is available for 7 days before it's permanently deleted.

If you want to keep using iCloud to back up your device, you can upgrade to iCloud+.

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