Transfer Directly from iPhone Not Working? 7 Quick Fixes!

Transfer directly from iPhone not working? Try these quick fixes, from using FoneTool to updating iOS and checking storage, to ensure a smooth transfer.

Clara by Clara Updated March 7, 2025
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Transfer directly from iPhone not working

iPhone 15 to 16 stuck in wireless direct data transfer with message "about 2 minutes" and it's been 6 hours now. All visible apps and all other information (including pictures) seem to be on iPhone15but it can't complete the transfer process. How to fix direct transfer not working?

- Question from Apple Community

No one wants to face issues when transferring old iPhone to new iPhone. If your iPhone direct transfer not working, don’t panic! This guide will help you identify the possible causes and walk you through 7 effective solutions to resolve the problem quickly.

Why Won't My iPhone Transfer Directly from iPhone?

Before we dive into the fixes, let’s look at some common reasons why cannot transfer directly from iPhone:

  • 📌Weak Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection
  • 📌The devices are too far away
  • 📌Mismatched iOS versions
  • 📌Insufficient storage space
  • 📌Low battery
  • 📌Damaged or faulty cable

How to Fix Transfer Directly from iPhone Not Working - 7 Fixes

After know why you are unable to complete data transfer, let’s discuss the fixes to resolve the issue.

Fix 1. Transfer Directly from iPhone to iPhone with FoneTool (1-Click)

If transfer directly from iPhone not working, using FoneTool is a fast and reliable alternative. It provides one-click iPhone to iPhone transfer, ensuring that all your data, including photos, contacts, messages, and apps, moves seamlessly.

FoneTool - Transfer iPhone Data Easily

This powerful iPhone data management tool is the best way to transfer iPhone to iPhone directly.

  • Faster than Quick Start. No waiting for hours to move data to new iPhone.
  • No Wi-Fi Required. Works with a wired or wireless connection.
  • Full Data Transfer. Ensures everything, including app data, is transferred.
  • Selective Data Transfer. Preview and select transfer photos, videos, music, contacts, ringtones.
  • No Risk of Failure. Avoids common transfer issues with Apple’s direct method.

Now, you can download FoneTool and follow the guide to learn how to directly transfer data from iPhone to iPhone without failure.

Step 1. Launch FoneTool > Connect the old iPhone and the new iPhone to your computer with USB cables.

Step 2. Go to Phone Transfer on the left panel > Choose iPhone to iPhone > Tap Get Started.

transfer iphone to iphone with fonetool

Step 3. Check Enable backup encryption to keep your private data safer > Tap Start Transfer to begin the task.

transfer from iphone to iphone quickly

FoneTool will help you complete the data transfer at the fastest speed. At the same time, if you switch to a new iPad, it also supports you to quickly transfer data to new iPad.

Fix 2. Move Device Closer to Each other

If you use wireless transmission, make sure the two iPhones are next to each other. A weak connection due to distance may interrupt or slow the process.

Try to keep the two iPhones within 5 cm (2 inches) of each other. Also, make sure to avoid interference from other wireless devices.

fix transfer directly from iphone not working

Fix 3. Enable Bluetooth on Your Device

Since wireless data transfer depends on both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it's essential to verify that both are activated on your iPhones.

Follow these steps to enable Bluetooth: Open Control Center > Locate the Bluetooth icon and toggle it on.

Enable Bluetooth on Your Device

Fix 4. Check iCloud Backup and Storage

If you're transferring data via iCloud, make sure your iCloud storage is not full. iPhones may fail to transfer if there's not enough space in iCloud.

Here are steps to check iCloud storage on iPhone.

Step 1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.

Step 2. If storage is full, delete old backups or upgrade to a larger iCloud plan.

Check iCloud Backup and Storage

🚀 Tips: iCloud is full and how to manage iCloud data on PC? Find the best way to manage iCloud storage on iPhone/iPad/PC/Mac.

Fix 5. Update to the Latest iOS Version

If your iPhone can’t transfer directly from iPhone, updating the operating system can help resolve potential bugs and glitches affecting the process.

Follow these steps to update your iPhone:

Step 1. Open the Settings app.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap General.

Step 3. Select Software Update.

Step 4. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

Update to the Latest iOS Version

🚀 Tips: If you find you can’t update your device, read this post to seek solutions - 9 Ways to Fix iPhone/iPad Unable to Check for Update.

Fix 6. Check the Cable for Issues

If you're using a wired transfer, a damaged or faulty cable may prevent data from transferring properly. Try the following to check your cable:

  • Use an Apple-certified Lightning to USB-C cable.
  • Switch to a different cable and try the transfer again.
  • Check that the port on your iPhone is clean and free of dust.

Fix 7. Connect Apple Support for Help

If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, the problem may require professional assistance. In such cases, reaching out to Apple Support is the best course of action. Their team can diagnose the issue and may even apply a fix directly to your device.

FAQs on iPhone Direct Transfer Not Working

After you learn how to fix iPhone direct transfer not working, you may want to know more things about this issue. Here are some questions that users are also concerned about.

>> How to Fix iPhone "Data Transfer Cancelled" Error Message?

There are many reasons that can cause this problem, such as:

  • Weak Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection
  • Insufficient storage
  • iOS version mismatch
  • Interrupted transfer process

fix Data Transfer Cancelled

You can find solutions in this post: Top 6 Ways to Fix iPhone 16/15 Data Transfer Cancelled

>> How Long Should iPhone-to-iPhone Transfer Take?

The transfer time depends on the data size and connection speed:

  • Small transfers (a few GBs): 10-15 minutes
  • Medium transfers (30-50GB): 30-60 minutes
  • Large transfers (100GB+): 1-3 hours

If it takes too long, restart both devices and ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection. Or you can use FoneTool to transfer data quickly.

>> Will My Data Be Lost If the Transfer Fails?

No, your old iPhone still retains all its data. You can retry the transfer or use an alternative method like FoneTool or iCloud backup.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to fix transfer directly from iPhone not working. The above article mentions 7 effective solutions that you can try according to your situation. Among them, FoneTool provides the fastest and most reliable method to ensure a hassle-free iPhone transfer. No matter which solution you choose, your new iPhone will be ready with all your data in no time!

FoneTool - All-in-one iPhone Data Manager

Transfer, backup and manage data on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in an easy way.

  • iOS 18 Compatible
  • iPhone 16 Supported

Free iPhone Manager - FoneTool

  • Full/Selective Backup iPhone
  • Transfer between iPhone and PC
  • 1-Click Transfer iPhone to iPhone
  • WhatsApp Backup & Transfer
  • Fully compatible with iOS 18
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