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jrdata2k
User level: Level 1 (9 points)

Can't transfer to iPhone 18 Pro Max says Data Transfer Cancelled and resets repeatedly

I can't transfer to my new iPhone 18 Pro Max. It keeps throwing an error saying data transfer cancelled and forces a reset. I'm coming from a 16 Pro Max which is on the latest (time of writing) 27.0. First attempt the 18 updated the OS. Second attempt got through all setup steps and then got the data fail. Third attempt exact same result. Wifi is not a problem, am using the transfer from phone option. Have never had this issue before. Can't use my brand new device, how frustrating and no I won't be restoring using iCloud, I don't use iCloud for many things so it's not an option I will use.

Posted on Sep 17, 2026 9:32 PM

12 replies

Ingo2711
User level: Level 10 (93,009 points)

Sep 17, 2026 11:10 PM in response to jrdata2k

Creating a backup from your old iPhone on your computer and restoring your new iPhone 18 Pro Max is the only other option, if setting it up directly does not work, and you do not want to use an iCloud backup.

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


Any VPN enabled on your old iPhone?

ademanuele
User level: Level 1 (22 points)

Oct 15, 2026 9:22 PM in response to jrdata2k

I had the same issue yesterday migrating from an iPhone 16 Pro Max to an iPhone 18 Pro Max. I called Apple after 2 failed attempts at migration.


Apparently it is a known issue and Apple engineers working on it. Apple were helpful and the way I got it to work was to have both iPhones charging and not to install my wallet credit cards at the set-up stage. Migration worked when I did this.

sucharita162
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Sep 20, 2026 11:54 PM in response to jrdata2k

Hi i had the same issue yesterday after buying a iphone 18 pro max and trying to transfer data from my 14 pro max directly. It failed 3 times saying “could not transfer data”. I was forced to reset the phone and start all over again. But I was able to make it work by updating both my phones to the latest ios27. I updated my 14 pro max to ios27 and when i was reseting my new phone, i got an option for updating the new phone to the latest software as well. Once both of them were in ios27, i was able to perform the whole process without failures. I didnot need to do any icloud backup for this or through connecting to laptop. I hope this helps who are having trouble. All the best!

KelWin-123
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Sep 21, 2026 1:16 AM in response to jrdata2k

I met the same issue, then I upgrade old iphone to the same IOS 27.0 with new iphone, then data transfer works between iphones.

Jeff Donald
User level: Level 9 (64,078 points)

Sep 18, 2026 9:05 AM in response to Adamtemp64

Hi, sorry for poor user experience. I’m sure Apple would want to hear about it.


Apple and Apple Support do not participate in the communities here. They only moderate our posts to insure all user guidelines are followed in regard to content and user behavior. Your comments will not be reviewed by Apple. Apple will make changes based partially on the feedback they receive through their official channel, linked below .


Product Feedback - Apple

Adamtemp64
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Sep 19, 2026 5:33 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I had a long chat with apple support so they are aware . Was told to deal with my network as it is a 66 mile round trip to an Apple Store but went to nearest o2 shop 30 mile round trip . Wish I had just gone direct to apple support! New phone arriving Monday .


Qcstar876
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Sep 20, 2026 9:06 AM in response to jrdata2k

I am in Los Angeles and also experiencing the same issue. However, to add my set up of Siri failed, with no audio being recognized, and the hand off of the code to other devices failed as well, and I had to text the code after 6 retries. :(

erikatoth76
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Sep 21, 2026 3:47 AM in response to jrdata2k

terrible experience - i am regretting buying this rubbish. upgrading from iphone 16 pro to iphone 18 pro max - three times landing on the data transfer cancelled message. My iphone 16 pro is on the ios 27 already, the new iphone upgraded itself first thing out of the box so the ios is the same - and still keeps failing. this is a rubbish piece of kit. big regret to buying it

mwilson796
User level: Level 1 (0 points)

Oct 5, 2026 2:14 PM in response to Ingo2711

I have the same issue . Not only can’t transfer apps but also can’t logon to Apple Account Verification-I’ve tried everything And even responding to this post I had to use my old iPhone 14! The only thing that the new iPhone will do is receive phone calls. Calls out are not working. I called T-Mobile and they said everything was fine on their side- and it is an Apple issue. And because there is no phone number to call Apple support, t can go no further. I’ve exhausted everything that I can. (I purchased it from T-Mobile)), II can’t get any help or further information. It might as well be a paperweight. I’m considering having T-Mobile to move my phone number back to my old iPhone 14 and returning this thing back for a refund. I’m start to hate Apple products all together. - [email protected] -> please no spam messages!

Adamtemp64
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Sep 18, 2026 9:00 AM in response to jrdata2k

Just had to return a bricked 18 pro 512 and awaiting a replacement as none at the o2 store ! I spent 1 hour with apple on the phone trying to resolve this one very unhappy customer

Hoo63
User level: Level 1 (45 points)

Sep 20, 2026 12:08 AM in response to jrdata2k

Use an icloud back up. I've never had luck with the new way

Bluehat15
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 13, 2026 3:54 PM in response to sucharita162

Hi Sucharita I'm also facing the same problem my 16 pro max is updated and up-to-date . How to Uodate the 18 pro max without logging in

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256359453