By Lena / Last update December 30, 2022

After getting a new iPhone like the newest iPhone 14/13/12, most users would like to move some old iPhone data to the new one. The messages carry various conversions with family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues. I know those conversions mean a lot to you, so here in this guide, I’ll tell you four methods to transfer messages to new iPhone.

- If you want to transfer all messages wirelessly, turn on the Messages sync in iCloud to make it.
- If you want to transfer all or selected text messages & iMessages, FoneTool is the best choice.
- If you'd like to transfer messages as well as other data, you can restore iPhone from iTunes/iCloud backup.

Keep reading to learn more.

Method 1. Transfer Messages to New iPhone with iCloud Backup

Taking the assistance of iCloud is a common way to transfer data to a new iPhone. You can first make a backup for your iPhone and then restore it on your new iPhone. All messages as well as other data like contacts, settings will also be transferred to your new iPhone. However, the restoration will erase all existing content on your new iPhone.

Also, you should know that it may take a long time to complete the whole process, depending on the quality of your network connection and the size of your files. And the backup may fail if you do not have enough iCloud storage space.

1. Connect your old iPhone and new iPhone to the power source and Wi-Fi network.

2. On your old iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Turn on iCloud Backup > Tap Back Up Now and wait for the backup to be finished.

Backup Messages Icloud

3. On your new iPhone: If you have not set it up, you should choose Restore from iCloud Backup to make it. If you have set up your new iPhone, you should go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to reset your iPhone > Set up your iPhone again until you see the Apps & Data screen and then choose Restore from iCloud Backup > Select the right backup to restore from.

iCloud is a good way to transfer messages to iPhone. But iCloud backup has some disadvantages like,
►iCloud backup doesn't support selective transferring messages. You have to backup and restore all iPhone data to new iPhone.
►if you have completed the setup process on the new iPhone, you would need to erase the iPhone content to restore iCloud backup.
►iCloud only has 5GB of free storage space for you. If you iCloud storage is full, you will need to buy more space.
Sometimes, iCloud may fail to transfer data. Some found when backup and restore with iCloud, the messages didn't transfer to new iPhones.

Method 2. Transfer Messages to New iPhone with FoneTool (After Setup)

If you want to selectively migrate messages to your new iPhone, or you have complete the setup process on iPhone and don't want to erase data. FoneTool is the best choice. It is a powerful iPhone backup and transfer tool. It enables users to easily only transfer needed messages to another iPhone after setup.

Just two steps to complete the transfer:
① Backup messages on old iPhone to computer
② Restore the backup files to new iPhone

Main advantages of FoneTool:
• This tool uses an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• You can preview your messages before transferring. And you can transfer all or selected messages to your new iPhone.
• There is no need to reset your new iPhone and it will not erase any existing data on the device.
• FoneTool support most iPhone models from iPhone 4 to the latest iPhone 14/13/12/11 and would be perfectly compatible with the latest iOS 16/15.

Now download, install and launch the tool on your computer and follow the steps below to transfer text messages/iMessages to new iPhone.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Tip: FoneTool also supports directly transferring everything from old iPhone to new iPhone.

How to Transfer Messages to New iPhone 14/13/12 after setup

1. Launch FoneTool> Connect your old iPhone to computer via USB cable.

2. Click Slective Backup option > Choose Messages icon to select the iMessages or text messages you want to transfer > Click OK to confirm.

Select Messages

3. Click Backup Storage Path > Click Start Backup button to start backing up your messages.

Backup Messages

4. Then connect your new iPhone to computer > Go to the Backup History > Click the 3-dot icon, and click Restore to Device option, and then your messages would be transferred to the target iPhone.

Restore To Device

Method 3. Transfer Messages to New iPhone via iCloud Message Sync

Since iOS 11.4, Apple has introduced iCloud syncing for Messages. Once you have turned on the feature, all your messages will be stored in the cloud and synced between all your devices that using the same Apple account. Unlike the iCloud backup, this way is to sync text messages to new iPhone without backup. But please note that synchronization may delete some existing text messages and also, you only have 5 GB of free storage space.

Before getting started, please make sure your iPhone has connected with a stable Wi-Fi network.

1. Go to Settings > Tap [your name] > iCloud.

2. Scroll down to find Messages > Toggle it on.

Messages Sync

3. Do the same as above on the new iPhone and wait for the syncing.

Method 4. Transfer Text Messages to New iPhone Using iTunes

iTunes is the default tool for iPhone backup and restore. Although it indeed can help you transfer text messages to new iPhone, it’s not a recommended way. Your new iPhone content will be erased firstly and then replaced with all the data as well as settings from your old iPhone. It’s a time-consuming method.

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer.

2. Connect your old iPhone to computer and run iTunes.

3. Click the Device tab > Select backup to This Computer > Click Back Up Now. Wait for the backup to be finished.

Backup Using iTunes

4. Disconnect the old iPhone and plug in your new iPhone.

5. If you have not set up your new iPhone, select Restore from iTunes Backup at the App & Data screen. If you have set up your iPhone, you can click Restore Backup… at the Summary page on iTunes. Then choose the backup that contains the messages you want to transfer.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to transfer messages to new iPhone 14/13/12/11. iCloud and iTunes are the traditional ways to sync data to new iPhone, however, there are many annoying limitations. If you prefer the easiest way to make it, then FoneTool is your best choice. It can help you only transfer old needed iMessages/SMS to new iPhone without any data loss.

Besides messages, it also supports transferring contacts, music, photos, videos, etc. to new iPhone. It can also help you backup important data for your new iPhone. download FoneTool and discover more.

FoneTool Runs Perfectly on

iOS Versions
  • iOS 16/15/14/13/12/11 and former
  • iPadOS 16/15/14/13/12/11 and former
iOS Devices
  • iPhone 14/14 Pro (Max), 13/13 mini/Pro (Max), iPhone 12/12 mini/Pro (Max), iPhone 11/11 Pro (Max)
  • iPhone X/XR/XS/XS Max, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6/6s/6s Plus
  • iPhone SE (1st, 2nd, 3rd generations)
  • iPod touch 1/2/3/4/5/6/7
  • All models of iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad Pro and iPad