How to Resolve iPhone Transfer Stuck on Signing In?

Transferring data from an old iPhone to a new one is meant to be a smooth experience, especially with tools like Apple’s Quick Start and iCloud Backup. However, a common and frustrating issue many users face is getting stuck on the “Signing In” screen during the transfer process. This problem halts the entire migration, preventing access to apps, data, settings, and more.

If you’re encountering this issue, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll walk you through why the iPhone transfer might get stuck on signing in, and more importantly, how to fix it.

1. What Does “Transfer Stuck on Signing In” Mean?

When you use Quick Start or iCloud to transfer data, the new iPhone needs to authenticate with your Apple ID to access iCloud backups and ensure secure data transfer. The “Signing In” message means the device is attempting to verify your Apple ID credentials with Apple’s servers.

If the process stays stuck here, it usually means your device can’t successfully complete this verification step due to some communication or software problem.

2. Common Reasons for the Transfer Getting Stuck on Signing In

Several factors can cause the signing-in process to freeze during iPhone transfer:

• Poor or Unstable Internet Connection
Since signing in requires contacting Apple servers, an unstable or weak Wi-Fi network will cause delays or failures.

• Apple Server Issues
Sometimes Apple’s servers experience downtime or temporary outages, which block sign-in requests.

• Incorrect Apple ID Credentials
If you enter the wrong password or there’s an issue with your Apple ID, the signing-in process can halt.

• iOS Software Bugs or Glitches
Software bugs in iOS may cause the transfer assistant to freeze on this step.

• Two-Factor Authentication Problems
If your Apple ID uses two-factor authentication and the verification code isn’t received or entered properly, the process won’t continue.

• Device Software Incompatibility or Outdated iOS
Transferring data between devices running very different iOS versions can cause issues.

• Network Restrictions or VPNs
Some VPNs, firewalls, or restricted network settings can block communication with Apple servers.

3. How to Resolve iPhone Transfer Stuck on Signing In

Here are step-by-step solutions you can try to resolve this frustrating problem:

3.1 Check Your Internet Connection

• Ensure both your old and new iPhones are connected to a reliable and strong Wi-Fi network.
• Reboot your router to resolve intermittent connectivity issues.
• Using Wi-Fi for transfers instead of Cellular Data.

3.2 Confirm Your Apple ID Credentials

Make sure you’re entering the correct Apple ID and password—if unsure, visit the Apple ID website on another device to verify your credentials or use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.

3.3 Restart Both iPhones

• Turn off both iPhones completely, wait for a few seconds, then power them back on.
• Retry the transfer process.

3.4 Update iOS on Both Devices

• On both iPhones, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.

3.5 Disable VPN or Proxy Settings

• VPNs can interfere with connection to Apple servers.
• To disable VPN: Settings > VPN > Change the Status.

3.6 Re-sign Into Apple ID on the Old Device

• On your old iPhone, try signing out of your Apple ID and then sign back in: Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out > Follow the prompts and then sign back in.
• This can refresh your Apple ID session and fix authentication issues.

3.7 Reset Network Settings

On both devices, reset network settings to clear any corrupt Wi-Fi or network configuration.

3.8 Manual Restore from iCloud Backup

If Quick Start keeps getting stuck, manually complete the initial setup on your new iPhone, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” when prompted, sign in with your Apple ID, and select the most recent backup.

3.9 Use iTunes or Finder

• Connect your old iPhone to a computer with iTunes (Windows or macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
• Back up your old iPhone to the computer, then connect your new iPhone and restore from that backup.

3.10 Wait and Retry Later

• If Apple’s servers are down or overloaded, sometimes the only solution is to wait.
• Visit Apple System Status to check for ongoing issues.
• Retry transfer after some time when servers are back online.

4. Advanced Solution: Fix iPhone Transfer Stuck with AimerLab FixMate

If the standard methods haven’t worked and the iPhone remains stuck on “Signing In,” the issue is likely tied to a deeper iOS glitch. In such cases, a professional iOS repair tool like AimerLab FixMate can resolve the problem quickly and safely.

AimerLab FixMate is an advanced iOS system repair software that can fix over 150 iPhone issues—without data loss in most cases. It’s tailored to help users handle issues like

• iPhone stuck on signing in during transfer
• iPhone stuck on Apple logo, boot loop, black screen or update screen
• Frozen or unresponsive screens
• iOS update failures
• And more

Steps:

• Set up AimerLab FixMate on your Windows system, then link your iPhone through a USB connection.
• Run FixMate, press “Start,” and go with the Standard Repair mode.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to download the appreciate firmware and start the repair.
• Once the repair is complete, restart the iPhone and reattempt the data transfer.

5. Fa'ai'uga

If you’re stuck on the “Signing In” screen while transferring data to a new iPhone, it’s often due to Apple ID verification problems, poor internet, or iOS bugs. While simple fixes like checking your Wi-Fi or restarting your device often help, persistent issues may require deeper intervention.

That’s where AimerLab FixMate comes in. This professional iOS repair tool offers a simple and powerful solution to resolve iPhone transfer issues without data loss. If you want to get your new iPhone up and running fast, AimerLab FixMate is the recommended tool to get the job done right.