How to Sync iPhone and iPad in iOS 26

Got a shiny new iPad and want to access all your iPhone’s stuff like contacts, photos, messages, apps, etc., on it? The good news is Apple lets you to sync data across devices wirelessly. In this guide, we will discuss 3 simple methods to sync your iPhone and iPad. So, let’s get started!

Why Sync iPhone and iPad?

Syncing keeps your information up to date on both devices, regardless of which one you happen to be holding. After setting up, you can:

• See your photos, notes, and reminders instantly on both devices.
• Keep messages, Safari tabs, and contacts current.
• Install apps and updates automatically across devices.
• Have unified notifications and smooth Handoff experiences.

It’s the actual superpower of Apple’s ecosystem!

What Type of Data Can Be Synced Between iPhone and iPad?

Apple’s ecosystem is built around Continuity features, meaning most of your personal data can stay consistent across devices automatically. However, not everything syncs the same way.

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Here’s a clear breakdown of what can (and can’t) be shared between your iPhone and iPad:

Data That Syncs Automatically via iCloud

Data Type	Sync Method
Contacts	iCloud Contacts
Photos & Videos	iCloud Photos
Messages	iCloud Messages
Mail, Calendar & Notes	iCloud Mail, Calendar, Notes
Safari Data	Bookmarks, tabs, reading list
Passwords & Passkeys	iCloud Keychain
App Data	Depends on developer support
Reminders & Calendar Events	iCloud Reminders, Calendar
Documents & Files	iCloud Drive
Apple Music Library	iCloud Music Library
Health Data	iCloud Health Sync
Wallet & Apple Pay Info	Linked via Apple ID

Pro Tip

If you are skeptical about your data being stored in iCloud, you can enable Advanced Data Protection for full end-to-end encryption.

Data That Doesn’t Fully Sync

Some types of data don’t automatically sync or require manual transfer methods:

• App layout & Home Screen folders as these are device-specific.
• Downloaded media like movies or offline playlists
• WhatsApp & some third-party chat data. They use separate in-app backup systems.
• System settings and wallpaper preferences. They stay local unless restored via Quick Start or iCloud backup.

Method 1: Sync iPhone and iPad Using iCloud (Most Reliable Way)

iCloud remains the easiest and most comprehensive way to sync Apple devices.
Just make sure both your iPhone and iPad are running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, and are signed in with the same Apple ID.

Step 1: Turn on iCloud Sync on Your iPhone

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap your Apple ID banner at the top.
3. Select iCloud and tap See All next to Saved to iCloud section.
   
4. Toggle on the apps and services you want to sync like Photos, Contacts, Messages, iCloud Drive, Passwords and Keychain, etc.
   

Your iPhone will now start uploading data to iCloud. This may take a few minutes depending on your Wi-Fi speed.

Note

If you’re low on storage, you must upgrade to iCloud+ to accommodate all data.

Step 2: Sign in to iCloud on Your iPad

Now, move over to your iPad:

1. Go to Settings and tap on [Your Name].
2. Ensure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID as on your iPhone.
   
3. Tap iCloud and select Show All.
4. Enable the same toggles you turned on for your iPhone.
   

As soon as you do, your iPhone’s synced data (contacts, messages, photos, documents, etc.) will begin appearing on your iPad. Depending on the size of your data, syncing may take a while. Keep both devices connected to power and Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Turn On Automatic Downloads for Apps

Want new apps installed on your iPhone to automatically appear on your iPad?
Here’s how:

1. On both devices, go to Settings > Apps > App Store.
2. Under Automatic Downloads, toggle on App Downloads and App Updates.
   

From now on, whenever you download a new app on one device, it’ll show up on the other as long as the app supports iPad. Also, deleting an app from one device won’t remove it from the other.

You can also sync your purchased books and podcasts on your iPhone and iPad. Perform the below steps on both of your devices. 

1. Go to Settings and select Apps > Books. 
2. Toggle on Purchases from Other Devices.
   
3. Go back to Apps list and select Podcasts. 
4. Toggle on Sync Library.
   

Method 2: Use Quick Start to Sync While Setting Up iPad

If you haven’t set up your iPad yet or are okay factory resetting it, Quick Start is the fastest way to clone your iPhone’s content and settings.

Step 1: Backup Your iPhone

First, you need to back up your iPhone using iCloud first.

1. Go to Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud.
2. Tap iCloud Backup and toggle on Back Up This iPhone.
   
3. Now, select your device name below.
4. Toggle on the apps you want to backup.
5. Go back and tap Back Up Now.
   

Step 2: Clone Data on iPad

Once your backup is successful, start setting up your iPad:

1. Place your iPhone and iPad close together.
2. Power on your iPad and you’ll see the Quick Start prompt on your iPhone.
3. Tap Continue and scan the animation on your iPad with your iPhone’s camera.
4. Choose Transfer from iPhone or Restore from iCloud Backup.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

That’s it! Your iPad will mirror your iPhone’s setup, including Wi-Fi settings, Apple ID, and most apps.

Pro Tip

iOS 26 introduces Wi-Fi Direct transfer in Quick Start. So, you can now sync large files or app data even faster, without relying solely on iCloud.

Method 3: Use Alternatives to iCloud

Not a fan of iCloud? No problem! Plenty of great alternatives work seamlessly across iPhone and iPad:

Service	Best For	How It Helps
Google Drive or Google One	Files, Photos, Docs	Syncs via Google account and auto-saves documents, images, and backups.
Microsoft OneDrive	Files & Office Docs	Great for users who also use Windows or Office apps.
Dropbox Backup	File Sharing	Offers selective sync and quick sharing features.
Evernote / Notion	Notes	Syncs text, images, and tasks across devices.

Pro Tip

If you use Google Contacts or Gmail Calendar, enable those syncs under Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Add Account > Google.

Bonus: Continuity Features To Work Across Devices

Even data that isn’t technically “synced” still feels connected thanks to Apple’s Continuity suite:

• Handoff: Start an email, note, or Safari session on iPhone and continue on iPad.
• Universal Clipboard: Copy text, images, or links on iPhone and paste on iPad.
• Universal Control: Use one keyboard and mouse across both devices (requires macOS + iPadOS).

Together, these features make your Apple devices feel like one seamless system.

How to Unsync iPhone from iPad

Need a little privacy separation between your devices? You can easily unsync them.

Option 1: Sign Out of iCloud on iPad

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out.
   
2. Enter your Apple ID and password.
3. Select which data you want to keep as a copy and and confirm.

Option 2: Stop Syncing Certain Apps

1. From the iCloud Settings, tap Show All to see the app list.
2. Turn off specific toggles like Photos, Messages, etc.

Note

If you use Google Contacts or Gmail Calendar, enable those syncs under Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > Add Account > Google.

Troubleshooting: iPhone Not Syncing with iPad?

If syncing isn’t working, use these quick solutions:

• Check Apple ID: Ensure that both devices share the same Apple ID.
• Verify Wi-Fi: Both devices are using a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection.
• Check iCloud Storage: If iCloud is out of space, remove old backups or switch to iCloud+.
• Restart Both Devices: A simple reboot usually resolves syncing issues.

Still stuck? Reach out to Apple Support to get professional assistance.

Read more: Why is Syncing with iCloud Paused? Solutions and Tips

Unlock cross-device efficiency!

By syncing your iPhone and iPad, you get the best of Apple’s ecosystem. So, you can enjoy seamless continuity, shared data, and cross-device productivity. With iOS 26, the process is faster, more secure, and more customizable than ever.

So go ahead, enable sync, sit back, and enjoy that Apple magic!

Explore more:

• How to sync iMessage between iPhone, iPad and Mac 
• How to sync content between Mac and iPhone, iPad
• Best iCloud tips and tricks