Running into trouble while setting up your new iPhone can be frustrating, especially when the data transfer keeps failing midway. Many users report that the data transfer from iPhone to iPhone keeps getting canceled, leaving them stuck with incomplete setup or missing important files. If your new iPhone data transfer failed, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This issue can happen for a number of reasons, from poor Wi-Fi connection and low storage space to minor iOS glitches.
In this guide, we’ll explain why the transfer process gets interrupted and walk you through the proven fixes to complete your data migration successfully.
iPhone Setup Failed: Data Transfer Cancelled
Common reasons why data transfer gets cancelled on iPhone and the matching solutions:
| Reason (Why Transfer Cancels) | Solution (How to Fix) |
|---|---|
| Faulty or non-Apple cable/adapter | Use an original Apple-certified cable and adapter |
| Temporary software glitch | Restart both iPhones before retrying |
| Outdated iOS version | Update both iPhones to the latest iOS |
| Weak or unstable Wi-Fi (for wireless transfer) | Connect to strong Wi-Fi and keep devices close |
| Low battery during transfer | Keep both iPhones plugged into power |
| Low Power Mode enabled | Turn off Low Power Mode in Battery settings |
| Network issues (wireless transfer) | Reset Network Settings on both iPhones |
| Wi-Fi transfer keeps failing | Not enough storage on the new iPhone |
| Not enough storage on new iPhone | Free up storage space before retrying |
| Corrupted setup attempt | Try a wired transfer using a cable and adapter |
1. Check Your Cable and Adapter (For Wired Transfer)
- If you’re using a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or an adapter, make sure it’s Apple-certified (MFi).
- Damaged or fake cables can cause the transfer to stop.
- Try switching to another genuine cable if possible.
2. Restart Both iPhones
- Press and hold the side button + volume button on both devices, then slide to power off.
- Wait 30 seconds and turn them back on.
- Restarting clears temporary glitches that could interrupt the transfer.
3. Update to the Latest iOS Version
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update on both iPhones.
- Install any available updates before attempting the transfer again.
- iOS updates often fix bugs in Quick Start and data transfer.
4. Use Stable Wi-Fi (For Wireless Transfer / iCloud)
- Place both iPhones next to each other.
- Connect to a strong and stable Wi-Fi network.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi — instead, use home Wi-Fi for faster and safer transfer.
5. Keep Devices Plugged In
- Connect both iPhones to a charger during transfer.
- A low battery can force the transfer to cancel.
6. Turn Off Low Power Mode
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Make sure Low Power Mode is turned off.
- This ensures the transfer won’t pause due to background restrictions.
7. Reset Network Settings (Wireless Transfer Only)
- On both iPhones, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- This clears old Wi-Fi and Bluetooth glitches that may interrupt Quick Start.
8. Try Wired Transfer Instead of Wireless
- If Wi-Fi keeps failing, connect your old and new iPhone with a cable (Lightning to USB-C or Lightning-to-USB with adapter).
- Wired transfer is usually faster and more stable.
9. Check Storage on New iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Ensure your new iPhone has enough free space to fit all the data from your old iPhone.
10. Factory Reset New iPhone & Retry
- If transfers keep failing, reset the new iPhone.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Set it up as new, then retry the transfer from the beginning.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Data Transfer Cancelled” error and complete your iPhone setup successfully.
