When I first unboxed my brand-new iPhone 17 Pro Max Deep Blue, I was excited to set it up and transfer everything from my old iPhone. But in the middle of Quick Start, I hit an error — “Unable to complete data transfer.” If this just happened to you, don’t panic. It’s a common setup issue, and there are several easy fixes that work.
Why This Error Happens
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand the common causes:
- Weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection.
- Low battery on either iPhone during transfer.
- Old iPhone not updated to the latest iOS.
- Transfer interrupted by screen lock, notifications, or calls.
- iCloud storage issues or incomplete backups.
💡 Watch This Tutorial:
If you’d rather see the whole transfer process step by step, check out my video guide:
Quick Fixes for New iPhone Data Transfer Error
Here’s how to solve it step by step:
1. Check Wi-Fi and Keep Devices Close
Both iPhones need to be on the same strong Wi-Fi network and placed right next to each other during transfer.
2. Restart Both iPhones
A simple restart often clears temporary glitches and lets the transfer complete without errors.
3. Update iOS on Both Devices
On the old iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update. Running an older iOS version can cause compatibility issues with iOS 26 on your iPhone 17 Pro Max.
4. Plug In to Charge
Make sure both devices are charging. Apple sometimes halts data transfers if the battery is critically low.
5. Try Again With iCloud Transfer
Instead of Quick Start, back up your old iPhone to iCloud:
- Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now.
Then, during setup on your iPhone 17 Pro Max, choose Restore from iCloud Backup.
6. Use a Wired Transfer
If Wi-Fi keeps failing, connect both devices using a Lightning/USB-C cable and adapter. Wired transfers are often faster and more stable.
7. Free Up iCloud Space
If your backup can’t complete, check your iCloud storage. Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Manage Storage. Delete unused backups or upgrade your storage plan if needed.
Alternative Transfer Methods
If Quick Start isn’t working, here are other options:
- iCloud Restore – Restore from a backup over Wi-Fi.
- Finder/iTunes Backup – Create a backup on your Mac/PC and restore to the new iPhone.
- Direct Cable Transfer – Connect the two iPhones for a wired migration.
If the Transfer Gets Stuck Midway
- Turn on Airplane Mode, then manually enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to avoid interruptions.
- Reset Network Settings: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
- Delete unnecessary apps or files to free up storage.
My Experience
On my iPhone 17 Pro Max Deep Blue, Quick Start froze twice around the halfway point. Instead of stressing, I switched to an iCloud restore overnight, and it completed perfectly while I slept. The next morning, all my apps, photos, and data were right there.
Final Thoughts
If you see the error “Unable to complete data transfer” on your iPhone 17 Pro Max, it’s usually a quick fix. From checking Wi-Fi and charging both devices to switching to iCloud or wired transfer, one of these methods will get your data moved over.
And if nothing works? Don’t worry — Apple Support or your nearest Apple Store can finish the job. Most users get it resolved without losing any data.
👉 Pro Tip: Also check out How to Transfer Everything From Your Old iPhone to iPhone 17 for a full guide to a smooth migration.
