How to Fix ‘Data Transfer Cancelled’ on iPhone 16/15: Quick Troubleshooting Guide


Having trouble with data transfer on your iPhone 16 or 15? Here’s how to fix the ‘Data Transfer Cancelled’ error and smoothly migrate data to your new device.


What is the ‘Data Transfer Cancelled’ Error on iPhone?

Setting up a new iPhone, especially with the much-anticipated iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models, is an exciting process. These new iPhones bring powerful features, sleek designs, and improved performance, all of which you can’t wait to start using. However, this excitement can quickly turn into frustration when the “Data Transfer Cancelled” error interrupts the migration process.

How to Fix Data Transfer Cancelled on iPhone

This error typically occurs when you’re transferring data from your old iPhone to your new device. The transfer stops unexpectedly, causing your data migration to fail, which is a major setback for anyone eager to set up their new phone with all their apps, contacts, photos, and other data.

While this issue is frustrating, it is certainly solvable. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the potential causes of this error, and provide step-by-step solutions to help you transfer your data seamlessly to your new iPhone. Whether you’re using Quick Start, Move to iOS, or iCloud Backup, this troubleshooting guide will ensure your data is successfully moved to your new device, without unnecessary delays.


Why Does iPhone Data Transfer Get Cancelled?

There are several reasons why the “Data Transfer Cancelled” issue might occur during the process of migrating data from an old iPhone to a new one. Let’s explore each possible cause in more detail.

iOS 18 Bugs and Compatibility Issues

The iPhone 16 and 15 are equipped with iOS 18, Apple’s latest operating system. While this OS brings impressive new features and improvements, any new system can come with its fair share of bugs. These bugs can cause compatibility issues, especially when migrating data from older devices that run different versions of iOS. When this happens, users may encounter unexpected errors like the “Data Transfer Cancelled” message.

It’s not uncommon for iOS updates to introduce small glitches that need to be fixed in subsequent releases. Therefore, if you’re running into issues, the first thing you should check is whether a new iOS update is available. Apple frequently releases patches and bug fixes to address these types of problems.

Unstable Network or Wi-Fi Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for a smooth data transfer. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi to connect both iPhones or leveraging iCloud Backup, an unstable network connection is one of the most common reasons why the transfer process gets interrupted. This is particularly common when you’re transferring a large amount of data, such as apps, videos, or high-resolution photos.

Poor Wi-Fi signals can lead to data corruption, network timeouts, or disconnections, which cause the data transfer process to fail. Make sure both devices are connected to a strong, stable network, and if possible, try switching to a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for better performance.

Insufficient Storage Space

When you transfer data to your new iPhone, the device needs to have enough available storage to accommodate all of your data. If the new iPhone has insufficient storage space, it will automatically cancel the transfer. This issue is particularly common if you’re transferring large amounts of data or if your new device is a lower storage model (e.g., 64GB or 128GB).

Before starting the transfer, check the available storage on the new iPhone by navigating to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If the storage is almost full, you may need to clear out unnecessary files, apps, or media from your device before proceeding with the transfer.

Battery and Power Issues

Both devices involved in the data transfer need to be sufficiently charged. If the battery level of either device is too low during the transfer, the process can be interrupted. Additionally, sudden reboots or crashes can occur if the battery dies during the transfer. It’s recommended to plug both devices into a charger before starting the transfer, especially if it’s expected to take some time.

Some users have experienced the “Data Transfer Cancelled” error after their iPhone automatically restarted due to low power. Therefore, ensure both phones have enough charge to complete the transfer, or keep them connected to power during the entire process.


Why Does Move to iOS Keep Saying Transfer Cancelled?

For those transferring data from an Android device to an iPhone, the Move to iOS app is a convenient tool that streamlines the process. However, many users report encountering the “Transfer Cancelled” error while using the app. This error can be especially frustrating since the Move to iOS app should be a simple and effective method for transferring data.

Several factors can contribute to this error when using Move to iOS:

Weak Wi-Fi: Move to iOS depends entirely on a Wi-Fi connection to transfer data between the devices. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, or the network connection is unstable, the transfer can be interrupted, causing the app to cancel the process.

Incompatible Devices or OS: If the Android device is running an older version of the operating system, or if the iPhone has an outdated version of iOS, the transfer may not proceed smoothly. Ensure that both devices are compatible with the Move to iOS app, and that both are running the latest available software.

Background Processes: If either device has background apps or processes running during the transfer, they could interfere with the data migration process. Close unnecessary apps and background services on both devices to prevent any interruptions.


What Happens if You Cancel a Data Transfer on an iPhone?

If you choose to cancel the data transfer mid-way, you may end up with partial data migration. This means that some of your apps, contacts, photos, or settings might have transferred to the new iPhone, but not everything. This can create inconsistencies, where some apps work while others are missing data.

In some cases, canceling the transfer may also cause corrupted data, leaving you with incomplete or broken app installations and data errors. If the transfer was canceled early in the process, you will likely need to reset your new iPhone to clear any remaining data from the canceled transfer attempt.

After resetting, you will need to restart the data transfer process from scratch. It’s generally advised to allow the transfer to complete fully unless there is a major issue that cannot be resolved.


Setting Up Your Apple ID Stuck?

A common problem during the setup of a new iPhone is getting stuck when trying to sign into your Apple ID. This issue is usually related to connectivity problems, incorrect Apple ID details, or even server issues on Apple’s end.

Apple Servers Are Down: Sometimes, Apple experiences server outages that prevent users from signing into their Apple IDs. This can cause the verification process to fail, leaving you stuck during the setup process. To check if Apple’s servers are down, visit the Apple System Status page, which will show you if there are any ongoing issues.

Incorrect Apple ID or Password: If you’ve forgotten your Apple ID password, or if you’re using the wrong credentials, you won’t be able to complete the setup process. In this case, you can use Apple’s account recovery page to reset your password. Make sure to enter the correct Apple ID and password to avoid getting stuck during the setup process.

To resolve the issue, you may need to sign out and sign back into your Apple ID or restart the setup process.


How to Fix ‘Data Transfer Cancelled’ Error on iPhone 16/15

If you’ve encountered the “Data Transfer Cancelled” error, don’t panic! Here are detailed troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue and successfully transfer your data.

Check If Bluetooth is Turned On

When using Quick Start to transfer data wirelessly, Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices. Without Bluetooth turned on, the devices won’t be able to communicate properly, and the transfer will fail. To check, go to Settings > Bluetooth on both devices to make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

Check and Improve Your Network Connection

Wi-Fi plays a significant role in transferring data between iPhones. If you’re using a weak or unstable network, the transfer might fail. Ensure that both devices are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. If necessary, disconnect both devices from Wi-Fi and reconnect them. You can also try switching to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for better performance.

Restart Both iPhones

A quick restart of both devices can resolve minor software glitches that might interfere with the transfer. Turn off both the old and new iPhones, then turn them back on after a minute or two. This simple step can refresh the system and clear any bugs preventing the transfer from completing.

Update to the Latest iOS Version

Running an outdated version of iOS on either device can result in compatibility issues, which might cause the “Data Transfer Cancelled” error. Ensure both devices are running the latest version of iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it, and then attempt the transfer again.

Restore from iCloud or iTunes Backup

If all else fails, you can restore your data from an iCloud or iTunes backup. This will bypass the direct transfer issue and bring back all your apps, contacts, photos, and settings. To restore from iCloud, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content, and then select Restore from iCloud Backup.


What to Do If Data Transfer Gets Stuck on Apple Logo

If your new iPhone gets stuck on the Apple logo during the transfer process, follow these steps:

Restore the Device Using a Computer: Connect your new iPhone to a computer and use Finder (on macOS) or iTunes (on Windows) to restore the device. If necessary, force the iPhone into recovery mode by following the appropriate steps for your iPhone model.

Update the Software: Once the device is restored, ensure that it is running the latest version of iOS. You may need to install updates during the setup process to fix any bugs that could have caused the issue.

Restart the Transfer: After the device is restored and the update is complete, restart the transfer process to complete the data migration.


Why Did Data Transfer Cancelled Reset iPhone?

When data transfer is canceled or interrupted, the new iPhone often resets to ensure that no incomplete or corrupted data remains on the device. This reset ensures that your device is in a clean state for the next transfer attempt. After the reset, you can start the data migration process again, ensuring a smooth transfer.


Prevent Future Data Transfer Issues

To avoid encountering data transfer issues in the future, consider the following tips:

Ensure Sufficient Storage: Check that your new iPhone has enough free space for all your data before starting the transfer process. If necessary, delete unwanted files to free up space.

Charge Both Devices: Make sure both your old and new iPhones are fully charged before starting the transfer. If you’re transferring a large amount of data, the process might take longer, and you want to avoid any unexpected power issues.

Use Stable Wi-Fi: Always connect both devices to a reliable and fast Wi-Fi network. Consider using 5GHz Wi-Fi for better performance, especially when transferring large amounts of data.


Why Is My iPhone Not Transferring Data?

If your iPhone is still not transferring data despite following all troubleshooting steps, consider the following factors:

Outdated Software: Ensure that both devices are up to date with the latest iOS version. Compatibility issues can arise when transferring data between devices running different versions of iOS.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Issues: Ensure that both devices are connected to a strong network and that Bluetooth is enabled. Inconsistent connectivity can cause the transfer to fail.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did my iPhone transfer cancel?

The transfer may fail due to weak Wi-Fi, low battery, insufficient storage, or outdated iOS versions. Ensure both iPhones are charged, connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, and updated to the latest iOS version for smoother transfers.

How can I restart the Quick Start process if it fails?

Simply restart both iPhones, ensuring Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled. If the issue persists, manually set up the new iPhone and restore from iCloud or iTunes backup.

What causes iPhone data transfer failure?

Failure can result from weak Wi-Fi, outdated software, low battery, insufficient storage, or disabled Bluetooth. Follow the troubleshooting steps to fix these common issues.

Can I use my iPhone during the data transfer?

It’s best not to use your iPhone during the transfer to avoid interruptions. Let the process complete for smooth data migration.

How long does iPhone to iPhone transfer take?

Transfer time depends on the amount of data and network speed. It usually takes 10 minutes to an hour but can vary based on these factors.

What if I can’t transfer data after setup?

You can still transfer data after setup using iCloud or iTunes backup. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content, then select the appropriate backup to restore.

Can I transfer data from Android to iPhone without Move to iOS?

Yes, use Google Drive for contacts and photos, or manually sync data via iCloud to transfer from Android to iPhone.


Conclusion: Fixing the iPhone Data Transfer Issue

The “Data Transfer Cancelled” error is a common issue when setting up a new iPhone, but it’s not insurmountable. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you can ensure that your data is successfully transferred to your new device. If you’ve encountered other issues or need further assistance, leave a comment below with your questions, and we’ll be happy to help!


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