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[Top 6 Fixes] iPhone 16/15/14 Transfer New Phone Number Not Working

"I just got a new phone and It didn't load my old number on to it. I was wondering how to get my old number on it because I can't call and every time I text someone, it says it's from my email. Can you help?"

- From Apple Support Community

 

Getting a new iPhone, like the iPhone 16, is always an exciting experience, especially with all the cool new features it has. But for some users, that excitement quickly fades when they run into the problem of iPhone transfer new phone number not working. If you've run into this problem, don't worry — you're not the only one. Many people are facing the same challenge. The good news is that it's usually easy to fix.

In this guide, we'll explain why this happens and show you some simple steps to properly transfer your phone number. Whether you're transferring from an old iPhone or setting up a new number, we've got you covered.

iphone transfer new phone number not working

Part 1: Why Won't My Phone Number Transfer to My New iPhone?

If you're having trouble transferring your phone number to your new iPhone, you're not alone. It's a common problem for many users. Before we dive into solutions, it helps to understand why this problem occurs. Here are some possible reasons:

  • Network issues: A poor or unstable internet connection can interrupt the data transfer process between your old and new iPhones.
  • Apple ID confusion: If you use different Apple IDs on your old and new phones, this can prevent your contacts from syncing via iCloud. (How to Save Contacts to iCloud?)
  • iCloud sync is disabled: If contact syncing isn't turned on in iCloud settings, your contacts, including phone numbers, won't transfer.
  • iCloud storage is full: If your iCloud storage is low or full, this can prevent new contacts from syncing.
  • Software compatibility: If your old iPhone is running an outdated software version, it may not play nicely with your new iPhone, causing transfer issues.
  • Outdated iOS: Using an older version of iOS can also cause problems when transferring contacts between iPhones.

Click to Explore:

Part 2: How to Fix "Unable to Transfer Phone Number to iPhone 15/16"?

Solution 1: Check Network Connection

First, make sure your iPhone 16 is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular network. A weak or unstable connection can disrupt the process of transferring your phone number, especially if you're using iCloud or setting up an eSIM. Check that both your old and new phones have a good, strong signal to avoid interruptions during the transfer process.

Solution 2: Enable iCloud Contacts Sync

iCloud is key to syncing data between devices, but only if the sync option is turned on. If the Contacts option is turned off, your contacts will not transfer to your new iPhone, causing you to lose your numbers. To fix this, you need to check if Contacts sync is enabled on both phones.

  • Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
  • Tap your name at the top.
  • Select "iCloud".
  • Make sure "Contacts" is turned on. If it is, try turning it off and then back on again. This should help sync your contacts properly.

enable icloud contacts sync

Solution 3: Check Your Apple ID

If your old and new iPhones are logged in with different Apple IDs, your contacts won't sync properly. To check your Apple ID:

  • Open the "Settings" app.
  • Tap your name at the top.
  • You'll see the Apple ID listed—make sure it matches the one you used on your old iPhone.

check apple id

If it doesn't, just sign out and log in with the correct Apple ID to get everything synced up. (What Happens If I Sign Out of My Apple ID?)

Solution 4: Check iCloud Storage

iCloud is essential for transferring data, such as contacts and phone numbers. If your iCloud storage is full, the transfer may fail. Here's how to check your available storage:

  • Open "Settings".
  • Tap your name at the top.
  • Go to "iCloud" > "Manage Storage".

check icloud storage on iphone

What to do if your iCloud storage is full?

If you find that your iCloud is full, you have a few options:

  • You can delete old backups or files you don't need to free up space.
  • Alternatively, back up your iPhone 16 using a tool like MobiKin Assistant for iOS. This app lets you back up your data without using iCloud, helping you free up storage space when your storage is full.
 

Solution 5: Update iOS System

While we have no hard evidence linking phone number transfer issues on iPhone to bugs in older iOS versions, updating to the latest iOS can help ensure your device has all the latest features and fixes. It's worth trying to update your iPhone to fix any issues with contacts not transferring.

Here's how to update your iPhone:

  • Open the "Settings" app, then tap "General" and select "Software Update".
  • If an update is available, tap "Update Now".
  • Wait for the update to complete, then follow any on-screen instructions.

update ios

Part 3: Best Tip for iPhone Transfer New Phone Number Not Working

If you have tried all the above general fixes and still can't transfer your phone number to a new iPhone, MobiKin Transfer for Mobile (Windows and Mac) is a great option. This tool can easily transfer your iPhone data without the restrictions of iCloud.

With Transfer for Mobile, you can not only quickly move your phone number, but also move text messages, music, videos, etc. between iPhone and iPhone, iPhone and Android phones. It is simple to use, fast and reliable. It is a good choice when the general methods don't work.

What can MobiKin Transfer for Mobile do for you?

  • Transfer new phone number from iPhone to iPhone, Android to iPhone, and iPhone to Android without difficulty.
  • Seamlessly move various data types, including contacts, SMS, call history, music, videos, photos, apps, notes, and more.
  • Free trial, navigational interface, and worry-free outcome.
  • Work well with almost all mobile phones/tablets, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, etc.
  • It won't disclose your privacy.

win version of transfer for mobile mac version of transfer for mobile

How to transfer my contacts from Android to iPhone 15 with MobiKin Transfer for Mobile?

Step 1. Link the two iPhones to your computer

Download and install MobiKin Transfer for Mobile on your computer. Then, connect both your old and new iPhones to your computer using a USB cable.

initiate mobikin transfer for mobile

Step 2. Ensure both devices are in place

Open the software and click the "Flip" button, making sure your old iPhone is on the left (source device) and your new iPhone is on the right (destination device).

how to transfer contacts from iphone to iphone via transfer for mobile

Step 3. Transfer contacts from iPhone to iPhone

If you only want to transfer phone numbers, select "Contacts". Then, click "Start Copy". The transfer will begin and the selected data will be moved to your new iPhone. Just wait for the process to complete!

Video Guide:

FAQs of Transferring Phone Number to New iPhone 16

Q1. How to transfer your iPhone number to a new phone using iTunes?

If you are a Windows user, iTunes is a good choice for transferring phone numbers. Here's how:

  • Open iTunes on your computer and connect your old iPhone using a USB cable.
  • Click the iPhone icon in iTunes, go to "Info", check the "Sync Contacts" box, and click "Sync" to move your contacts to your computer.
  • After syncing, disconnect your old iPhone and plug in your new iPhone. Return to Info in iTunes, check "Sync Contacts" again, and click "Sync" to transfer your contacts to your new iPhone.

Q2. How to transfer your phone number using AirDrop?

If iTunes isn't working, AirDrop is a convenient way to transfer contacts. Here's how:

  • Open Control Center on both iPhones and turn on AirDrop. Set the AirDrop visibility of your new iPhone to "Everyone".
  • On your old iPhone, open the Contacts app, select the contact you want to transfer, tap "Share Contact > AirDrop", and select your new device. The new iPhone will receive the contact.
  • After sending one contact, repeat these steps for the rest of your contacts.

Q3: Can I transfer my phone number to iPhone 16 using eSIM?

Yes, you can transfer your phone number to iPhone 16 using eSIM. You will need to contact your carrier to activate it. Some carriers provide a QR code that you can scan with your new iPhone to activate the eSIM.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have problems transferring phone numbers from old devices to iPhone, there are several solutions you can try. First check your iCloud account and storage, make sure iCloud sync is enabled, and make sure you have a stable internet connection.

In addition, we have also shared some easier ways to help you transfer phone numbers smoothly. If you find MobiKin Transfer for Mobile is a better choice for you than iCloud or iTunes, feel free to try its other features, such as transferring data from iPhone to Android.

    win version of transfer for mobile mac version of transfer for mobile

Related Articles:

5 Trusted Ways to Transfer Contacts from Android Phone to Computer/Laptop/PC

Top 6 Methods to Recover Deleted Contacts from iPhone with/without Backup

4 Most Efficient Means to Create a Contact Group on iPhone

4 Simplest Ways to Sync Outlook Contacts with iPhone

Sara Arnot
Sara ArnotSenior Editor
 
Sara Arnot earned a bachelor's degree in engineering in 2016 and spent 2 years on software testing. Passionate on writing, she joined MobiKin Team, specializing in Mobile Phone Transfer, HEIC Converter, and Virtual Location. As an all-rounder, she often conducts training for new employees. Alongside excelling in post writing, she stays tuned to tech news to offer her audience top-notch services.
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