The iPhone 16 is packed with advanced features like Apple Intelligence and a powerful Pro Camera system. However, even with such a high-tech device, you might be unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16 from your old iPhone.
There are several reasons for this to happen, but we’ll discuss them in this article with you.
Moreover, we’ll also go over 7 solutions based on these reasons to help you complete data transfer smoothly on your iPhone 16/15/14 and earlier version.
Fix | Description | Effectiveness | Limitations |
|
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 |
Check Internet Connection | WiFi must be stable with strong signals | Moderate | May not resolve if issue is unrelated to network connectivity. |
Turn on Bluetooth | Make certain Bluetooth is turned on | Moderate | Only applicable if using Quick Start for transfer. |
Place Both iPhones on Charger | Place both iPhones on charger during data transfer process. | Moderate | Doesn’t address other potential causes of transfer issues. |
Update iOS |
Install latest iOS updates on both iPhones to fix bugs or glitches. |
High |
Won’t fix issue if it’s not due to a |
Use iTunes |
Backup old iPhone to iTunes then restores backup on new iPhone. |
High |
Time-consuming and requires a computer. |
Restore iPhone |
Reset the new iPhone to factory settings if other methods fail or an iOS update is not possible. |
High |
Erases all data on new iPhone and requires re-setup. |
Part 1: Why Am I Unable to Complete Data Transfer iPhone 16/15/14?
If you’re unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16 Plus/Pro/Pro Max it could be due to following reasons:
- Your WiFi or Bluetooth connection is poor or unstable.
- Either your old iPhone or iPhone 16 is running on outdated iOS.
- If you’ve downloaded various apps on your new iPhone 16, there might be insufficient storage for new data.
- Your iPhone 16 battery is low.
- There could be bugs in your iPhone 16 as mostly happens with new devices.
Part 2: All-In-One Tool to Fix Unable to Complete Data Transfer iPhone 16/15/14
Tenorshare iCareFone is an all-in-one tool to fix “unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16/15/14 Plus/Pro/Pro Max” error. It can back up your files from your old iPhone, and then use a computer to transfer them to your new iPhone 16. The entire process takes only a few clicks and concludes in a short time.
Here are primary functions of iCareFone:
- High-Speed Transfer – It offers high-speed transfer of data between iOS devices and computers. You can export iPhone photos in any format to PC, import photos from PC to iPhone, transfer music without using iTunes, and manage playlists or delete songs easily.
- Secure and Private – It also allows you to create a virtual USB space for storing private data, viewable only through iCareFone.
- 1-Click to Transfer Photos, Contacts, Music, etc From iPhone to PC/Mac – It offers quick transfer of photos, contacts, music, videos, and messages between iOS devices in a single click.
- Comprehensive Backup & Restore – You can backup iPhone data to a PC, or external drive, or restore to a device, including WhatsApp chats. In addition, you can selectively backup 20+ data types like photos, contacts, messages, and more, preview and restore them without overwriting data.
- Support the Latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16/14/13/12 and Earlier Models – It’s fully compatible with latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 models, as well as earlier versions.
Here’s how to use iCareFone Transfer to fix incomplete data transfer issue on your old iPhone and new iPhone 16:
Step 1: Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone on your computer. Then, connect your old iPhone. Select “Backup & Restore” from main menu.
Step 2: Choose all data and click “Backup.” After backup, tap “View Backup Data.”
Step 3: Disconnect old iPhone and connect your new iPhone 16 to your computer. Wait for it to be detected by iCareFone.
Step 4: Then, select all data and click “Restore to Device.” All your data from your old iPhone will be transferred to your new one.
Part 3: More Fixes to Fix Unable to Complete Data Transfer iPhone 16/15/14
Here are 6 fixes if your new iPhone unable to complete data transfer. Start with basic solutions until you reach the most advanced ones:
Fix 1: Check the Internet Connection
Most times it’s a poor or unstable internet connection that might interrupt moving files between both iPhones. So, if you’re unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16 start by checking signal strength to ensure you’re within range of your router. If yes, restart your router. You can also switch to a WiFi network if you’re using cellular or vice versa or you could move to another WiFi network with stable and strong signals.
Also, put both iPhones close to each other and make certain no restrictions or firewalls are blocking your connection. Contact your internet service provider if needed. Finally, check for devices like cordless phones or microwaves that might be interfering with your signal, and move them away from the router.
Fix 2: Turn on Bluetooth
If you’re using “Quick Start” feature to transfer data wirelessly between iPhones, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth need to be on. Otherwise, your iPhone will be unable to complete data transfer on its 16th model version.” So, if Bluetooth isn’t enabled on both or either iPhone, turn it on. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Swipe down from top-right of your iPhone 16 screen to open “Control Center.”
Step 2: Tap Bluetooth icon to turn it on. Repeat this on your older iPhone.
Step 3: Then, head to “Settings” on your iPhone 16. Choose “Bluetooth” and select your other iPhone to connect for data transfer.
Fix 3: Place Both iPhones on Charger
Both your iPhones must be connected to a charger during data transfer process. This is because moving files takes a long time, consuming battery in process. If either of your iDevice is low on battery it could also cause an “unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16” error. Therefore, charge battery to full on both iPhones. Then, start transferring data, while keeping them plugged into their respective chargers during the process.
Fix 4: Update iOS
A bug or glitch in your iOS could be why you’re unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16. These issues often get fixed in updates, so check for any available iOS updates on both iPhones and install them. To do so:
Step 1: Head to “Settings” on your iPhone 16. Then, choose “General.”
Step 2: Tap “Software Update” and check newest iOS update available. Then, click “Download and Install” and follow on-screen instructions to install it.
Step 3: If you’re part of Apple’s Beta Software program, then choose available iOS Beta update and install it. Then, follow same steps to update iOS on your other iPhone as well.
Fix 5: Use iTunes to Transfer Data
In the event, that above methods are unable to complete data transfer on iPhone 16 Plus/Pro/Pro Max, use iTunes. However, this method is quite time-consuming as you’ll first have to backup your old iPhone data on iTunes, then restore it on your iPhone 16. To do so:
Step 1: Plug in your old iPhone to your computer. Then, open iTunes.
Step 2: Tap “iPhone” icon, and select “Back Up Now” to create a backup.
Step 3: Disconnect iPhone after the backup is finished. Then, plug in your new iPhone 16 to your computer.
Step 4: Open iTunes, click “iPhone” icon, and select “Restore Backup.” Wait for data transfer to complete automatically.
Fix 6: Factory Reset iPhone 16/15/14
If your new iPhone is still unable to complete data transfer on its 16th version, you can factory reset it. This method is also ideal if you’re unable to update its iOS. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Head to “Settings.” Then, choose “General.”
Step 2: Then, scroll down and click “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
Step 3: Next, tap “Erase All Content and Settings.” Hit “Continue.”
FAQs About Unable to Complete Data Transfer iPhone 16/15/14
1. Why is my iPhone 16 not transferring data?
Your iPhone 16 might not be transferring data, because Bluetooth might be off on either device. Outdated software, low battery, and unstable Wi-Fi connection can also cause this issue.
2. Why is my iPhone 16 not have enough data to transfer to my new phone?
If your iPhone 16 shows there’s not enough data to transfer, it could be due to insufficient storage or data corruption.
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 several factors. A large amount of data can slow down transfer process, making it seem stuck. Furthermore, an unstable or slow internet connection, minor software glitches, or system bugs might be causing the issue.
It’s Good to Chat
If you’re unable to complete data transfer iPhone 16 from your old iPhone, we’ve offered 7 easy fixes to resolve it. If these solutions don’t work, try an all-in-one iOS management and backup tool like Tenorshare iCareFone. It provides an easy way to backup and restore data in just a few clicks and you can also pick what file types to transfer.
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