[Resolved] Transferring Data to New iPhone Stuck on “Time Remaining Estimating”

Upgrading to a new iPhone should be an exciting and seamless experience. Apple’s data transfer process is designed to make moving your information from your old device to your new one as simple as possible. However, things don’t always go as planned. One common frustration users face is when the transfer process gets stuck with the message “Time Remaining Estimating.” This vague status can linger for hours, leaving users confused, impatient, and wondering if they’ve done something wrong.

If you’re facing this issue, you’re not alone, now let’s explore why the iPhone transfer process might freeze at “Time Remaining Estimating,” and learn about the practical solutions to resolve this issue effortlessly.

1. Reasons behind the “Time Remaining Estimating” error during iPhone data transfer

Apple uses several methods for transferring data, such as Quick Start, iCloud, or iTunes/Finder backups. The “Time Remaining Estimating” message typically appears during Quick Start transfers, where data is wirelessly transferred from one iPhone to another. Here’s why this message might stay stuck:

• Unstable or Slow Wi-Fi Connection
  Quick Start heavily relies on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the connection is weak or unstable, the data transfer may pause or slow down significantly, making it seem like it’s stuck.

• Large Amount of Data
  If your old iPhone contains a massive amount of photos, videos, apps, and system settings, the transfer process may take longer than expected—or appear frozen.

• iOS Compatibility Issues
  If the new iPhone is not updated to the latest iOS version, it may struggle to correctly interpret data from an older system, causing the process to hang.

• Background Processes and Software Bugs
  Occasionally, minor glitches or system bugs in iOS can disrupt the transfer process, leading to inaccurate time estimates or causing the transfer to come to a complete halt.

• Corrupt or Incompatible Files
  Damaged files, incompatible app data, or third-party software content might prevent the transfer from proceeding smoothly.

Now that we understand the root causes, let’s dive into the solutions.

2. How to Resolve “Time Remaining Estimating” When Transferring to a New iPhone?

1) Check Wi-Fi Connection and Distance Between Devices

• Double-check that both iPhones are linked to the same powerful, stable Wi-Fi network for a smooth and uninterrupted transfer.
• Keep both devices close together, ideally within a few inches.
• Disable any VPN or network firewall temporarily, which could disrupt the connection.

2) Charge Both Devices

• Ensure that both iPhones are either fully charged or plugged into a power source throughout the transfer process.
• Low battery can affect performance and might halt the process.

3) Restart Both iPhones

• A quick restart can often clear up minor software glitches and get the transfer process back on track.
• After restarting, try initiating the transfer again.

4) Update to the Latest iOS Version

• On both iPhones, head to Settings > General > Software Update and ensure that both devices are running the latest software version.
• Updating ensures better compatibility and fewer bugs.

5) Try a Wired Transfer

• If the wireless transfer doesn’t work, use a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter along with a Lightning to USB cable to connect the two iPhones for a wired transfer.
• A wired connection can be faster and more reliable.

6) Erase and Restore Again (If Stuck Midway)

• If the transfer process is interrupted, consider resetting your new iPhone by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, and select Erase All Content and Settings to clear everything and attempt the transfer again.
• Then, try the transfer again, ideally using iCloud or iTunes backup instead of Quick Start.

7) Use iCloud or iTunes/Finder Backup Instead

• Back up your old iPhone via iCloud or iTunes, then restore that backup to your new device.
• This method completely bypasses the wireless Quick Start transfer, offering an alternative way to set up your new iPhone.

If none of these solutions work and the transfer is still stuck, it’s time to use a more advanced tool.

3. Try AimerLab FixMate to Resolve the Issue

If you’re tired of restarting, updating, and tweaking settings with no success, just try AimerLab FixMate – A professional iOS repair tool that fixes over 150 iPhone and iPad problems without data loss. Whether your iPhone is stuck on a loading screen, frozen during data transfer, or experiencing system bugs, FixMate can resolve it safely and quickly.

How AimerLab FixMate Helps with the “Time Remaining Estimating” Issue:

• Fix iOS system glitches that cause the transfer process to freeze.
• Perform Standard or Advanced Repairs depending on the severity of the issue.
• Supports all iDevices and iOS versions without compatibility issues.
• No data loss during standard repair, so your precious memories and files stay intact.

How to Use AimerLab FixMate to resolve the issue:

• Download and Install FixMate on your Mac or Windows PC.
• Connect your iPhone using a USB cable, then use the Standard Mode to fix the issue without losing data.
• Let FixMate scan your device, download appreciate firmware and start the repair process.
• Once repaired, you can resume the data transfer or set up your new iPhone with confidence.

4. Conclusion

Getting stuck on “Time Remaining Estimating” while transferring data to a new iPhone can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eager to start using your shiny new device. From Wi-Fi issues and large file sizes to system bugs, several culprits can cause this problem. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to fix it—ranging from basic checks and resets to using a wired connection or restoring via iCloud.

However, if you want a fast, reliable, and professional fix, AimerLab FixMate is your best bet. It eliminates common iOS transfer problems, resolves hidden software glitches, and ensures your iPhone operates smoothly during the setup process. Don’t waste hours stuck on estimating screens—let FixMate do the hard work for you.