using apple quickstart removed the playlists on my old iphone

I recently upgraded from an 11 to 16. I used the Apple quickstart only to learn after that non-purchased music is not transferred. But I also found that none of my playlists were transferred, except 1 that I don't even recall making. In looking at my old phone I see that all my playlists are also gone - why? Quickstart should have done nothing to my old iphone?


Prior to doing the transfer I backed up my 11. I would have synced with my desktop except I had the misfortune last year where my old win7 machine failed and I have been unable to sync the phone with the new win11 machine iTunes (which also does not have any playlists).


I downloaded one of these apps that can be used to transfer unpurchased music, etc. but it also reports only 1 playlist. So my options appear to be:

1) restore my backup to the new iphone and hope that the playlists/music is there. The backup directory is 73GB so there is something there.

2) restore my backup to my old iphone, hope the same hope, and then use one of these transfer apps to move the stuff.


Any other options? I only have another 15 days before I have to send in my old iphone. Thanks in advance.


PS very disappointed in Apple's position on not transferring unpurchased music. Especially when they advertise their transfer as transferring "everything".

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on May 15, 2025 09:10 AM

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2 replies

May 15, 2025 02:09 PM in response to ajahearn

ajahearn wrote:

I recently upgraded from an 11 to 16. I used the Apple quickstart only to learn after that non-purchased music is not transferred. But I also found that none of my playlists were transferred, except 1 that I don't even recall making. In looking at my old phone I see that all my playlists are also gone - why? Quickstart should have done nothing to my old iphone?

Prior to doing the transfer I backed up my 11. I would have synced with my desktop except I had the misfortune last year where my old win7 machine failed and I have been unable to sync the phone with the new win11 machine iTunes (which also does not have any playlists).

I downloaded one of these apps that can be used to transfer unpurchased music, etc. but it also reports only 1 playlist. So my options appear to be:
1) restore my backup to the new iphone and hope that the playlists/music is there. The backup directory is 73GB so there is something there.
2) restore my backup to my old iphone, hope the same hope, and then use one of these transfer apps to move the stuff.

Any other options? I only have another 15 days before I have to send in my old iphone. Thanks in advance.

PS very disappointed in Apple's position on not transferring unpurchased music. Especially when they advertise their transfer as transferring "everything".

That why you sync your phone to iTunes to transfer non purchased music that has always been the case since the beginning of iphones. Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using your computer - Apple Support


You will need to buy touchcopy or imazing to export music/playlist from your old phone to your pc.

And then you can sync the stuff back to your new phone.


May 15, 2025 02:26 PM in response to razmee209

Thanks for the quick response.


Touchcopy is only showing me the 1 playlist because that is all that is on the old iphone. I have all my music on my desktop because it was stored on a separate drive. Itunes shows all the music in the folders, and appears to play them correctly, however, iTunes does not show any of the ratings or playlists. I spent, likely many weeks, getting those ratings and playlists working. That is what I would like to get back.


I do have a 3rd option I have not checked yet. I have my old 160GB ipod that also has a lot, but not all of my music, playlists, etc. I will try the touchcopy and see if it can read that device as well.

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using apple quickstart removed the playlists on my old iphone

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