User profile for user: Kaoself
Kaoself Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Setup new iPad - Transferring Only Some Data From iPhone Or Mac

I apologise if this is an often asked question, but I'm looking for the best way to only transfer some data onto my new iPad.

The automatic transfer seems to be all or nothing, but I really only want my music library, handover of Safari tabs, calendar etc, and perhaps maybe syncing photos (though this I'm happy to be able to easily do at a later date if I wish). I'm assuming the "all" option copies everything from my iPhone backup to the iPad.


Would the best way to setup be as a totally blank virgin iPad and just go into the iPad in Mac finder and sync music library that way?

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 2:06 AM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
300,824 points

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 7:45 AM

The transfer (or restore from backup) process is indeed all or nothing - but applies only to locally stored data. Data synchronised via iCloud (if enabled) is not included in local data or an iCloud/iTunes backup. I presume that you are familiar with iCloud services:


Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [Saved in iCloud] Show All - enable Apps and services to synchronise as required


If you require a minimal dataset, setting-up as new would be your best option - as no local data is transferred to the device. However, when signing-in to iCloud, iCloud data will be synchronised to the target device. You can of course turn-off Apps and services that you don't require after setup.


Music associated with your iTunes Music Library isn't usually transferred - and is not included in your iCloud or iTunes backup. Due to DRM considerations, if required, this material must be manually synchronised from the computer (Mac or Windows PC) that hosts your Music Library.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
300,824 points

Nov 7, 2025 7:45 AM in response to Kaoself

The transfer (or restore from backup) process is indeed all or nothing - but applies only to locally stored data. Data synchronised via iCloud (if enabled) is not included in local data or an iCloud/iTunes backup. I presume that you are familiar with iCloud services:


Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [Saved in iCloud] Show All - enable Apps and services to synchronise as required


If you require a minimal dataset, setting-up as new would be your best option - as no local data is transferred to the device. However, when signing-in to iCloud, iCloud data will be synchronised to the target device. You can of course turn-off Apps and services that you don't require after setup.


Music associated with your iTunes Music Library isn't usually transferred - and is not included in your iCloud or iTunes backup. Due to DRM considerations, if required, this material must be manually synchronised from the computer (Mac or Windows PC) that hosts your Music Library.

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Setup new iPad - Transferring Only Some Data From iPhone Or Mac

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