iPhone 16 Stuck On Preparing To Transfer? 7 Easy Fixes

The recently released iPhone 16 comes packed with an A18 chip, improved cameras with Camera Control, an Action button for quick access to features, and much more. But even with all this innovation, like any device it can run into mishaps.

One common issue is “iPhone 16 stuck on preparing to transfer” which most users are facing when transferring data from their old iPhones. However, worry not. In this article, we’ll look at why your iPhone 16 might be stuck on “Preparing to Transfer” and share 7 easy solutions to fix this issue.

Fix	Description	Effectiveness	Limitations
Tenorshare iCareFone	Transfer data between iDevices, and computer and iDevices, download apps not available in a country, selectively backup and restore data on various devices without iTunes.	High	Need a computer, free version only restores 10 files.
Check Internet Connection	Requires a reliable and strong network, and both devices must remain close together.	High	May not resolve if issue is unrelated to network connectivity.
Force Restart Both iPhones	Force restart both iPhones to clear any glitches or background issues that might interrupt the transfer.	Moderate	May not resolve deeper system-level problems or major iOS issues causing transfer to stall.
Reset Network Settings	Reset network settings to refresh network configurations and improve connection stability.	Moderate	You may lose saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, and it doesn’t address non-network-related issues.
Update iOS	Update iOS on both iPhones to the latest version to ensure compatibility and smooth data transfer.	Moderate	Requires sufficient storage space and time for updates, and may not work if other hardware or network issues persist.
Use iTunes	Backup old iPhone to iTunes then restores backup on new iPhone 16.	High	Time-consuming, requires a computer, and may not be ideal if you prefer a wireless transfer.
Use iCloud	Reset the new iPhone 16 to factory settings if other methods fail or an iOS update is not possible.	High	Erases all data on new iPhone, time consuming and requires re-setup.

Part 1: Why Is My iPhone 16 Stuck on Preparing Update?

When you transfer data from iPhone to iPhone and it gets stuck on preparing to transfer, it could be because of following reasons:

Your WiFi signal is poor or unstable.
Both your iPhones have more than 15 feet of distance between each other.
Either or both of your iPhones have an outdated iOS.
Software bugs or glitches could also interfere with transfer process.
Transferring large files like photos or apps may take time, making your iPhone 16 seem stuck.

Part 2: All-in-one Solution to Fix iPhone 16 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

Tenorshare iCareFone offers an all-in-one solution to fix iPhone 16 stuck on preparing to transfer. “But how so,” you may ask. Firstly, the tool can help you transfer data from your old iPhone to a new one without setting up your iPhone or using iTunes/iCloud. Secondly, you can choose which files to transfer.

Quickly transfer data between iPhones and computers, export/import photos, and manage music without iTunes.
Create a private virtual USB for secure data storage.
1-click to transfer photos, contacts, music, and more between iPhone and PC/Mac.
Download apps not available in your region.
Convert Apple Music to MP3/FLAC and manage duplicate photos.
Backup iPhone data to PC/external drive, restore selectively and manage WhatsApp chats.
Compatible with iOS 18 and iPhone 16/14/13/12, plus older models.

Follow steps below to use Tenorshare iCareFone to transfer data from your old iPhone to your new iPhone 16 if you’re having trouble migrating:

Step 1: Download and install iCareFone on your computer, then connect your old iPhone to same PC and execute this tool.

Step 2: Select “Backup & Restore” and choose all data, then click “Backup.” After backup, tap “View Backup Data.”

Step 3: Then, disconnect old iPhone, and connect your new iPhone 16 to same computer. Wait for iCareFone to detect it.

Step 4: Select all data. Click “Restore to Device” to transfer everything to your new iPhone 16.

Video Guide on Fix iPhone 16 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

Part 3: More Tips to Fix iPhone 16 Stuck on Preparing to Transfer

If you don’t mind manually fixing ‘new iPhone 16 stuck on preparing to transfer’ then here are some more tips. But the success of these methods depends on your situation. They can fix minor glitches but not major problems in your iPhone software.

Fix 1: Check the Internet Connection

If you’re using “Quick Start” to transfer, both iPhones must be connected to same Wi-Fi network and connection must be strong and stable. Otherwise, your iPhone 16 will stuck at preparing to transfer. You can switch from WiFi to cellular data and vice versa or shift to another WiFi connection based on your needs. Also, make certain to keep both iPhones close to each other during transfer to avoid connection issues and prevent process from getting stuck. To confirm whether both iDevices are on same network head to “Settings” and then, check “Wi-Fi” on them.

Fix 2: Force Restart Both iPhones

Restart both iPhones the normal way. If you’re unable to do so, force restart either iPhone or both of them. This will clear any minor glitches and refresh background apps & processes that might be causing “iPhone 16 stuck at preparing to transfer” problem. To force restart both iPhones follow steps below:

Step 1: Press and release “Volume Up” button. Then, do same with “Volume Down” button.

Step 2: Next, press and hold “Side” button and keep holding it until screen turns black and Apple logo appears. Then, release it.

Fix 3: Reset Network Settings

Network settings can affect data transfer between iPhone 16 and your older iPhone. Issues like incorrect configurations, interference from other networks, or network congestion can slow down or disrupt the process.

This might cause “iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Pro/iPhone 16 Pro Max stuck on preparing to transfer” problem. But resetting network settings can give both iPhones a fresh start, thus, removing conflicts and improving connection stability. Here’s how to reset network settings on both iPhones:

Step 1: Head to “Settings.” Then, choose “General.”

Step 2: Pick “Reset.” Then, tap “Reset Network Settings.”

Fix 4: Update iOS on Both iPhones

An outdated iOS on either or both iDevices can also cause your files like photos on 16 to stuck on preparing to import from iPhone. This is because outdated iOS lacks security and bug fixes that are required for an iPhone to run smoothly. Moreover, if you’re using “Quick Start” to transfer, both your iPhones must be updated to same iOS. Here’s how to update iOS on both iDevices:

Step 1: Head to “Settings.” Then, choose “General.”

Step 2: Tap “Sowftare Update.” If there’s an update available it will be displayed.

Step 3: Choose update and click “Download and Install.” Then, hit “Update Now.”

Fix 5: Use iTunes to Transfer Data

If your iPhone 16 is stuck on preparing to transfer but there’s no issue in your network connection or iOS, you can use iTunes to move data. But this method is quite time-consuming as it requires you to create a backup of your old iPhone on iCloud and then restore it on your new iPhone 16. You must also have a computer at hand with latest version of iTunes installed. Check out instructions below to use iTunes to move data:

Step 1: Open “iTunes” on your computer. Then, plug in your old iPhone into same PC. Choose it from “Device”.

Step 2: Then, tap “Summary.” Pick “This Computer” beneath “Backups.” Click “Back Up Now.”

Step 3: Connect your new iPhone 16 to same computer. Open iTunes, and choose it from “Device” icon.

Step 4: Select “Restore Backup.” Then, pick a recent backup file and restore it on your iPhone 16.

Fix 6: Use iCloud to Transfer Data

iCloud offers a wireless way in case your iPhone 16 transfer is stuck on preparing to transfer and you don’t want to use a computer. However, you’ll have to create a backup of your iPhone on iTunes. Then, restore it on your new iPhone 16. Also, you’ll have to erase your iPhone 16 if it’s already set up, and then, set it up again to restore from iCloud. Here are steps to transfer data using iCloud:

Step 1: If your old iPhone is running on iOS 10 or above, create a backup by heading to “Settings.”

Step 2: Then, choose “Apple ID.” Tap “iCloud,” then, click “iCloud Backup.” Choose “Back Up Now.”

Step 3: To create a backup on iOS 9 or older head to “Settings.” After this, select “iCloud. Then, click “Backup.

Step 4: Following that, pick “Enable iCloud Backup and “Back Up Now.” If your new iPhone 16 is already set up head to “Settings.”

Step 5: Open “General.” Tap “Reset.’ Then, pick “Erase All Content and Settings.” Tap “Erase iPhone.”

Step 6: Set up your iPhone again. On “App & Data,” choose “Restore from iCloud” and select your recent backup.

FAQs about Unable to Complete Data Transfer iPhone 16

1. How long does preparing to transfer take on iPhone 16?

The “preparing to transfer” time depends on data size and method used. For instance:

1 GB or less – 5 to 15 minutes.
1-5 GB – 15 to 30 minutes.
5-50 GB – 30 minutes to 2 hours.
50+ GB – Several hours.

2. Why is my iPhone 16 not enough data to transfer to my new phone?

If your iPhone 16 shows “not enough data to transfer,” it means there’s not enough storage on it. You can check available storage in settings and delete unnecessary items if needed.

3. Why is my iPhone stuck on estimating time remaining when transferring data?

If your iPhone gets stuck on “estimating time remaining,” it could be due to large data size, a weak internet connection, or minor software glitches. So, restart both iDevices, check your connection, and try again.

It’s Good to Chat

If your iPhone 16 is stuck on preparing to transfer, it could be due to issues like poor internet, outdated iOS, or software bugs. While restarting or resetting network settings might help, in the event they don’t, using Tenorshare iCareFone is a better option. It allows you to restore data selectively without iTunes/iCloud and doesn’t need you to set up your iPhone 16.