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Data removal but not data loss

I want to recycle my old iPad 3rd gen before buying a new MacBook. I have seen the solution to removing all data from the iPad, but I don't want to erase all data to find there is data uniquely held on it that is now lost. Will a backup of the iPad to iCloud before erasure ensure the data is retained for future uploading to my new device?


Thanks

iPad, iOS 8

Posted on Oct 26, 2021 6:31 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 26, 2021 7:04 AM

Backing-up your iPad to iCloud (or iTunes) is always recommended - as this is your safety-net should you iPad be damaged or stolen. Ensure that you backup is regularly refreshed to ensure that your backup data is as current as possible.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Your existing backup can be restored to a replacement device of the same or later version of iPadOS. You cannot, however, restore an iOS/iPadOS backup to a Mac.


During setup of a new device, ensure that you sign-in to iCloud with the same AppleID; the set-up process will offer the opportunity to restore data from an existing backup.


If you still have your existing device when you set-up your new iPad, your available options expand beyond that of just restoring from backup.


These support pages should get you started with setup of your new iPad - and the methods of transferring your data from old to new iPad:

Set up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

Transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support


If the donor iPad, from which you are transferring your data precedes iOS12.4, QuickStart will not be available.


“Transfer” is rather a misnomer. In reality, your data and setup is merely cloned to the new device. Nothing is moved or removed from the original device.


An alternative is to restore either an iCloud or iTunes backup to the new device:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


When you are ready, the best procedure for preparing you old device for disposal or reuse can be found here:

What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 26, 2021 7:04 AM in response to hover1

Backing-up your iPad to iCloud (or iTunes) is always recommended - as this is your safety-net should you iPad be damaged or stolen. Ensure that you backup is regularly refreshed to ensure that your backup data is as current as possible.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Your existing backup can be restored to a replacement device of the same or later version of iPadOS. You cannot, however, restore an iOS/iPadOS backup to a Mac.


During setup of a new device, ensure that you sign-in to iCloud with the same AppleID; the set-up process will offer the opportunity to restore data from an existing backup.


If you still have your existing device when you set-up your new iPad, your available options expand beyond that of just restoring from backup.


These support pages should get you started with setup of your new iPad - and the methods of transferring your data from old to new iPad:

Set up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

Transfer data from your previous iOS device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support


If the donor iPad, from which you are transferring your data precedes iOS12.4, QuickStart will not be available.


“Transfer” is rather a misnomer. In reality, your data and setup is merely cloned to the new device. Nothing is moved or removed from the original device.


An alternative is to restore either an iCloud or iTunes backup to the new device:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support


When you are ready, the best procedure for preparing you old device for disposal or reuse can be found here:

What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

Data removal but not data loss

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