Transferring data from a broken iPhone to a new one without using iCloud might seem tricky, but it’s doable. Connect your new iPhone to a computer that has backed up your broken iPhone, and you can restore your data without hassle. This means you won’t need to rely on iCloud, which is great if you’re trying to avoid storage issues or connectivity problems.
Begin by setting up your new iPhone. You need to access the “Apps & Data” screen and choose “Restore from Mac or PC.” This option will allow you to use a backup from your computer. Connecting your new iPhone to the computer with the backup files will initiate the data transfer process.
You should feel confident knowing there are reliable methods to retrieve your information, even if your old iPhone is damaged. The steps are straightforward and can prevent the loss of valuable data. Following these guidelines will help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Before You Begin
First, determine the condition of your broken iPhone:
- Screen broken but still turns on: You can usually transfer data directly.
- Partially responsive (touch not working): You may need a computer.
- Completely dead (won’t power on): You’ll likely need a previous backup (via iTunes/Finder) or professional data recovery.
🧭 Option 1: Use Quick Start (if the old iPhone still turns on)
If your old iPhone still works enough to connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, Apple’s Quick Start feature is the easiest method — and it doesn’t require iCloud.
Steps:
- Turn on your new iPhone and place it near the old one.
- On the old iPhone, a Quick Start screen will appear → tap Continue.
- Scan the animation on the new iPhone using the old device’s camera.
- When prompted, choose Transfer from iPhone.
- Keep both iPhones close together and plugged in until the transfer completes.
✅ Pros: Fast, wireless, and transfers everything (apps, messages, photos, etc.).
⚠️ Cons: Requires both phones to be functional and have Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled.
💻 Option 2: Transfer Using iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
If your old iPhone’s screen is broken or iCloud is unavailable, you can use a USB cable and computer backup.
Steps:
- Connect your broken iPhone to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open iTunes (on Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later).
- If prompted, tap “Trust This Computer” on your iPhone (you may need to use Face ID or Touch ID if the screen still works).
- In iTunes/Finder, select your iPhone → click Back Up Now.
- Choose Encrypt local backup if you want to include Health and Keychain data.
- Once the backup finishes, disconnect the old iPhone.
- Connect your new iPhone → when prompted, choose Restore from Mac or PC.
- Select the most recent backup and wait for the transfer to complete.
✅ Pros: Works offline, no iCloud needed, full data transfer.
⚠️ Cons: Requires your old iPhone to power on and trust the computer.
(Source: AppGeeker – Transfer Data Between iPhones Without iCloud)
🧰 Option 3: Use a Third-Party Transfer Tool
If iTunes or Finder doesn’t recognize your broken iPhone, specialized software can help extract data directly.
Popular Tools:
Steps (Example: EaseUS MobiMover):
- Install EaseUS MobiMover on your PC or Mac.
- Connect both iPhones to your computer via USB.
- Launch the program → select Phone to Phone Transfer.
- Set the source as the broken iPhone and destination as the new one.
- Click Transfer to move your data.
✅ Pros: Works even with partially broken devices; supports selective transfer.
⚠️ Cons: May require a paid license for full features.
🧩 Option 4: Recover Data from a Backup (If the Old Phone Is Dead)
If your old iPhone doesn’t power on at all, check if you’ve ever backed it up to a computer before.
Steps:
- On your computer, open iTunes or Finder.
- Go to Preferences → Devices to see available backups.
- Set up your new iPhone → choose Restore from Mac or PC.
- Select the latest backup to restore all data.
✅ Pros: Works even if old iPhone is fully dead.
⚠️ Cons: Only works if a previous backup exists.
🧑🔧 Option 5: Professional Data Recovery (Last Resort)
If your old iPhone won’t turn on and you don’t have a backup, contact a data recovery service.
- Apple Authorized Service Providers can sometimes extract data if the logic board is intact.
- Specialist companies (like DriveSavers or iFixYouri) can recover data from damaged devices.
⚠️ Note: This can be expensive ($300–$1,000+), depending on the damage.
🧾 Summary Table
| Method | Works Without iCloud? | Requires Working iPhone? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | ✅ | ✅ | Screen cracked but functional |
| iTunes/Finder | ✅ | ✅ | Backup and restore via computer |
| Third-Party Tools | ✅ | ⚠️ Partially | Broken screen or unresponsive touch |
| Previous Backup | ✅ | ❌ | Dead iPhone with old backup |
| Data Recovery | ✅ | ❌ | Severe hardware damage |
✅ Final Tips
- Always back up your iPhone regularly (to computer or iCloud) to prevent data loss.
- If your iPhone screen is broken but still powers on, use an external keyboard or Lightning adapter to navigate.
- Avoid DIY repairs if the device is severely damaged — this can make recovery harder.
In short:
You can transfer data from a broken iPhone to a new one without iCloud using iTunes/Finder, Quick Start, or third-party transfer tools — depending on how damaged your old phone is.
For detailed walkthroughs, check:
- EaseUS: Transfer Data from Broken iPhone to New iPhone
- MobiKin: 4 Ways to Transfer Data from Broken iPhone
- AppGeeker: Transfer iPhone to iPhone Without iCloud
Key Takeaways
- Backup and restore using a computer
- Set up the new iPhone with the “Restore from Mac or PC” option
- Connect the new iPhone to the computer for data transfer
Preparing Your Devices and Data for Transfer
Before transferring data from a broken iPhone to a new one, it is essential to check the condition of the broken device, create a local backup using iTunes or Finder, and verify compatibility between the old and new iPhones.
Assessing the Condition of Your Broken iPhone
First, check the physical state of your broken iPhone. Is the screen cracked but the phone can turn on? If the phone powers up, you might still be able to access data. If the iPhone cannot turn on, assess if you need professional help for data recovery.
Next, see if the device can connect to a computer. Even if the screen does not work, the device might still be recognized by iTunes or Finder. This can allow for backing up the data. Any visible damage might require a visit to an iPhone repair shop for assessment.
Creating a Local iTunes or Finder Backup
To back up your data locally, use iTunes on a Windows PC or macOS Mojave or earlier, or Finder on macOS Catalina or later. Connect the broken iPhone to the computer. Open iTunes or Finder and select your device.
From here, choose to create a local backup. Select the option to create an encrypted backup if you want to secure your data. This includes saving passwords and health data. Click on “Back Up Now” and wait for the process to complete. This backup will be used to transfer data to the new iPhone.
Ensuring Compatibility Between iPhones
Ensure your new iPhone is running the same iOS version or later as the broken one. This will help avoid compatibility issues. Update your new device to the latest iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Check the storage capacity too. The new iPhone should have enough space to accommodate the data from the broken device. If your old device had iOS 11, iOS 15, or any latest version, the transition will be smoother with the increased support for recent iOS features on your new iPhone.
Having these steps in mind, you can prepare your devices and your data for a smooth transfer.
