Data Transfer Guide - Apple Devices
Introduction
This guide provides information and instructions to help you prepare for the transfer of data when enrolling your iPhone/iPad.
System Requirements
- Apple device with an iOS 15 or higher
- Reliable Internet connection (mobile data - 4G or Wi-Fi)
- Apple ID/iCloud account or Microsoft OneDrive
Action is required to ensure you retain access to any data you need prior to enrolling your device. This can take up to an hour to complete.
The table below summarises what data can or cannot be retained and steps you need to take.
Data | Can Transfer? | Steps to Take |
Contacts | Yes | When you sign into Outlook, your contacts will automatically download. Contacts can also be synchronised with iCloud |
SMS Messages | Yes | SMS and iMessage can be backed up with iCloud |
Apps | Yes | Any apps that you have purchased can be installed on your new phone. Login to your device with your Apple ID and you will be able to install any previously purchased apps without paying again. Any work apps that you have access to can similarly be re-installed. |
Personalisation | No | You will need to setup a new passcode, FaceID, App groups, wallpapers and alarm/clock settings on your device. |
Photos | Yes | Photos can be backed up to OneDrive, iCloud or transferred to a desktop/laptop. |
Contacts
Firstly, check to see where your contacts are saved. From your contacts screen, tap on Lists (or Groups). Your contacts should be grouped by accounts such as iCloud or other email accounts. If any contacts are listed on 'All iPhone' or 'iPhone', these are not yet backed up and action is required.
Backing Up Contacts using iCloud
1. From your homescreen, open the Settings app. | 2. Sign in to your Apple ID if you are not signed in. Otherwise tap on your Apple ID. | 3. When signing in for the first time, a prompt will appear to merge/sync your contacts from your phone to iCloud. Tap on 'Merge'.  |
4. Tap on 'iCloud' | 5. Check to ensure 'Contacts' is enabled. If it is not enalbed, tap on the toggle to enable. | (Optional) To confirm contacts are now syncing to iCloud, you can check your Contacts on the phone, tap on 'Lists'/'Groups'. |
To view any data that is synchronised to iCloud, you may view it in a browser by navigating to https://www.icloud.com/.
What to do if you're having issues with your iCloud storage?
If you do not have enough space in your iCloud to back up your contacts, please follow one of the steps within the Apple recommended guide on how to manage your iCloud storage. https://support.apple.com/en-us/108922#
Messages
SMS and iMessage can be synchronised with iCloud but it is not enabled by default. To backup and sync messages, follow the steps below:
1. Open Settings > Messages. Ensure 'iMessage' is enabled. | 2. From Settings > Apple ID, tap on 'iCloud' | 3. Tap on 'Show All' |
4. Tap on 'Messages in iCloud' | 5. Enable the option 'Use on this iPhone' / 'Sync this iPhone' | 6. Allow some time for your messages to Sync. The number of messages in iCloud should now appear. |
Photos
Photos can be backed up via one of 3 methods: Onedrive, iCloud or USB Transfer.
Option A) Backing Up Photos via OneDrive
| 1. Open the OneDrive app. If OneDrive is not installed, it can be downloaded from the Company Portal app or the App Store.  | 2. If prompted upon sign in tap on 'Ok', otherwise proceed to next step. | 3. If prompted, select 'Allow'. |
4. At the files screen, tap on the '+' icon to create a new folder. | 5. Tap on 'Create a folder'. | 6. Enter a folder name of your choice. For e.g. iOSPhotos and then tap on 'Create'. |
7. Your newly created folder will open, tap on '+' to upload photos. | 8. Tap on 'Upload'. | 9. Tap on 'Photos and Videos'. |
10. Tap on 'All Photos' or navigate to your individual folders. | 11. Select the images you want to transfer/upload and then tap on 'Done' once finalised. You may select multiple images at once. | 12. The upload process will start and may take some time to finish based on size of images. |
Option B) Backing Up Photos via iCloud
1. From your homescreen, tap on the Settings app | 2. Tap on your Name/Apple ID. Sign in if you are not signed in already. | 3. Tap on 'iCloud' |
4. Tap on 'Photos' | 5. Ensure 'Sync this iPhone' is enabled. |
Your photos are now backed up to iCloud.
Option C) Backing Up via USB Transfer
- Connect your Apple device to a Windows or Mac desktop/laptop using a USB cable.
- Unlock your Apple device
- Your Apple device will now show up as a drive labelled "Apple iPhone/iPad"
- Open the drive and navigate to Internal Storage > DCIM
- Your photos will show up in folders according to the date
- Copy photos to a local or cloud storage location