How to Sync iPhone and iPad [2024 Guide]

If you want to access the same contacts, files, and apps on your iPhone and iPad, you must know how to sync them. You don’t need to pull out a cable andconnect your devices to a Mac. The best and easiest way to sync your iPhone and iPad is using Apple’s iCloud. It allows you to access your contacts, files, and even app data across both devices, all wirelessly. In this article, we’ll tell how to sync iPhone and iPad in the most seamless way possible.

Sync iPhone and iPad: Prerequisites

Before you try to get your iPhone and iPad to sync together, you must ensure that you’ve signed in using the same Apple ID on both devices. Well, this should be the case if you’re the primary user and have set up both devices yourself.

In case you’ve got multiple Apple IDs for multiple devices or are using an iPad from a family member, you may need tochange Apple IDs. You can switch back and forth between multiple Apple IDs, but it will wipe off and replace all the iCloud data each time. Therefore, it isn’t a practical way.

Here’s how to quickly check if you’ve signed in using the same Apple ID on your iPhone and iPad:

In case of any doubts, you can refer to our step-by-step guide onhow to switch Apple ID on iPhone and iPad.

How to Sync Your iPhone and iPad Using iCloud

Now that you’ve signed into the same iCloud account on both devices, you’re ready to sync your iPhone and iPad. By default, most iCloud sync options will be enabled automatically. Therefore, you can easily sync your iPhone and iPad contacts, calendars, Safari bookmarks,iCloud keychain passwords, and more.

On the flip side, there are some options that you need to enable manually. And, this depends on how much iCloud storage is available on your devices. We’ll discuss more about this in the next sections.

Here’s how to choose which data you wish to sync between your iPhone and iPad:

How to Sync Apps Between iPhone and iPad

To ensure you have the same apps on your iPhone and iPad, you must enable Automatic Downloads. Doing this will allow you to have the same apps on your devices, without having to download them on each device. When you download an app on your iPhone, that app will be automatically downloaded on your iPad, and vice versa.

If you’re on mobile data, you can choose your preferred settings under the Mobile Data section. For instance, you can always allow automatic app downloads using mobile data or require your device to always ask before automatically downloading any apps. Besides, you can choose to download only apps that are under 200MB.

How To Get More iCloud Storage

Apple’s free 5GB of iCloud storage is perfect for syncing basic information like messages, calendars, and notes between your iPhone and iPad. However, photos can quickly fill up that space.

To get more iCloud space, you canclear iCloud storageor consider upgrading to iCloud+. You get to choose from 50GB, 200GB, 2TB, 6TB, or 12 TB of storage options. You can subscribe to iCloud’s monthly storage plans right from the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to do it:

Besides iCloud+, there are other ways to get more storage space on your Apple device. For complete details, head to our dedicated guide onhow to buy more storage on an iPhone.

That’s how you can sync your iPad and iPhone wirelessly. Once you’ve done this, your iPhone and iPad will remain in sync no matter where you update your contact list, make new notes, or add a new password to Keychain. In case you’ve any doubts, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below.

You must verify that you’ve signed in to iCloud using the same Apple ID on both devices. Then, double-check that you’ve turned on Messages, Contacts, Reminders, Calendars, and other options in iCloud Settings on both your iPhone and iPad. Besides, you must double-check that the date and time settings on your devices are correct for the current location.

If you don’t want to use iCloud, you can go for third-party cloud storage options like Google Drive, Microsoft One, Dropbox, and others. Second, you can also transfer your iPhone data to a Mac, and then move that data to your iPad. Third, if you wish to sync a few contacts or notes between your iPhone and iPad, you can transfer wirelessly using AirDrop.

If you don’t want to sync data between your iPad and iPhone, you can sign out or switch to a different Apple ID on either device. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turn off iCloud syncing on a per-app or per-category basis.

Kanika Gogia

Kanika has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014 and loves everything Apple. With a Master’s in Computer Applications, passion for technology, and over five years of experience in writing, she landed at Beebom as an Apple Ecosystem Writer. She specializes in writing How To’s, troubleshooting guides, App features, and roundups for Apple users to help them make the best use of their gadgets. When not writing, she loves to try out new recipes and enjoy some family time.

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