GUIDE: How to Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone without SIM Card

By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: August 29, 2025

Switching to a new iPhone is an exciting journey, but the prospect of transferring contacts might seem daunting. Whether you're upgrading or making a fresh start, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll unravel the secrets on how to transfer phone number to new iPhone without SIM card. Follow our easy steps to preserve your essential contacts without the need for complex maneuvers. Let's ensure your contact list stays complete and readily available on your brand-new device.

Part 1. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using AirDrop Part 2. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using CSV File Part 3. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using iCloud Sync Part 4. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using Quick Start Part 5. One-click to Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Part 6. How to Manage Your Contact List on iPhone Properly Part 7. Summary

Part 1. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using AirDrop

If you're wondering how to transfer phone number to new iPhone without SIM card, AirDrop offers a quick and wireless solution—especially if your contacts are already saved on your old device. AirDrop is Apple’s built-in file-sharing feature that allows you to transfer data like photos, documents, and even contact information between iPhones instantly, without needing cables, apps, or internet access. Here's how to do that.

To get started, make sure both iPhones are unlocked, placed near each other, and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on.
Then, on your old iPhone, go to the Contacts app and select the phone number you want to transfer.
Tap Share Contact, then choose AirDrop, and select your new iPhone from the list of nearby devices.
On the new iPhone, you’ll receive a prompt to accept the contact—tap Accept, and the phone number will be saved directly into your Contacts app.

AirDrop Phone Number

This method is ideal if you're transferring a few specific contacts and don’t want to rely on a SIM card or iCloud backup. Keep in mind that AirDrop works best for individual or selective transfers. If you need to move all contacts at once, or if you’re switching devices entirely, using a phone transfer tool like FoneDog Phone Transfer may offer a more complete solution.

Part 2. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using CSV File

If you're looking for a flexible way to move contacts between devices, learning how to transfer phone number to new iPhone without SIM card using a CSV file can be incredibly useful. A CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a universal format that stores contact data in plain text and is supported by most platforms, including iOS, Android, Outlook, and Gmail.

Step 1: Export Contacts to a CSV File on Your Old iPhone

Open the Contacts app on your old iPhone.
Tap on the contact you want to transfer and select 'Share Contact.'
Choose the 'Email' option. This will open a new email with the contact card attached.
Instead of sending the email, tap and hold the attached contact card until the Share Sheet appears.
Select 'Save to Files' and choose a location. Ensure the file format is set to CSV.

Step 2: Email the CSV File to Your New iPhone

Open the email application on your old iPhone.
Compose a new email and attach the CSV file you saved in the previous step.
Send the email to an account accessible on your new iPhone.

Step 3: Access the Email on Your New iPhone

Open the email application on your new iPhone.
Locate the email containing the attached CSV file.
Download the attached CSV file to your new iPhone.

Step 4: Import Contacts from the CSV File

Open the Files app on your new iPhone.
Navigate to the location where you saved the CSV file.
Tap on the file to open it.
Select 'Add All Contacts' to import the contacts into your new iPhone.

Step 5: Verify the Transfer

Check your Contacts app on the new iPhone to ensure that the transferred contacts, including your phone number, are now successfully integrated.

This method allows for easy contact editing before importing. If you're asking how to transfer phone number to new iPhone without SIM card, using a CSV file with iCloud sync is a reliable and cross-platform-friendly solution.

Part 3. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using iCloud Sync

When it comes to seamlessly transferring your phone number and contacts between iPhones, iCloud Sync stands out as a robust and user-friendly option. This method ensures that your contacts are effortlessly moved to your new device without the need for a physical SIM card. Let's delve into the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Ensure iCloud is Enabled on Your Old iPhone

Open the Settings app on your old iPhone.
Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
Select "iCloud" and ensure that the "Contacts" toggle is turned on.

Step 2: Trigger a Manual iCloud Backup

Go back to the main page of the Settings app.
Tap on "iCloud" and then "Backup."
Select "Back Up Now" to initiate an immediate backup of your contacts to iCloud.

Step 3: Set Up iCloud on Your New iPhone

Turn on your new iPhone and proceed through the initial setup until you reach the "Apps & Data" screen.
Select "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in with your Apple ID.
Choose the most recent backup, which includes your contacts, and wait for the restoration process to complete.

Step 4: Verify the Transfer on Your New iPhone

Once the restoration is finished, open the Contacts app on your new iPhone and confirm that all your contacts, including your phone number, have been successfully transferred.

Note: This method not only transfers your contacts but also ensures a comprehensive migration of settings, app data, and other essential information.

Part 4. Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone Using Quick Start

If you’re setting up a new iPhone, Apple’s Quick Start feature makes it incredibly simple to transfer your data—including saved phone numbers—from your old device. This is especially useful if you're wondering how to transfer phone number to new iPhone without SIM card. Quick Start uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to copy your data wirelessly and securely from your current iPhone to the new one, even if no SIM card is inserted. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Ensure Both iPhones Support iOS 11 or Later

Before initiating the Quick Start process, ensure that both your old and new iPhones support iOS 11 or later. This feature is designed to work seamlessly on compatible devices.

Step 2: Place Your Old and New iPhones Close Together

Turn on your new iPhone and place it close to your old iPhone.
A "Quick Start" screen will appear on your old iPhone, prompting you to set up the new device. If the screen doesn't appear, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.

Step 3: Use Your Old iPhone to Set Up the New iPhone

Hold your old iPhone over the new iPhone, centering the animation in the camera viewfinder.
Wait for the animation to appear on your new iPhone. A message will appear asking you to finish on your new iPhone.

Step 4: Set Up Face ID or Touch ID and Restore Apps & Data

Follow the on-screen instructions on your new iPhone to set up Face ID or Touch ID.
Choose your preferred settings, including language and region.
When prompted, select "Restore from [Your Old iPhone]" to transfer your apps, data, and settings.

Step 5: Verify the Transfer on Your New iPhone

Once the process is complete, open the Contacts app on your new iPhone to confirm that your phone number and contacts have been successfully transferred.

Part 5. One-click to Transfer Phone Number to New iPhone

FoneDog Phone Transfer is a versatile and user-friendly iPhone 15 supported software designed to facilitate the transfer of data between smartphones, making the transition to a new device smooth and efficient. This tool supports a wide range of data types, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, and more.

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Steps to Use FoneDog Phone Transfer:

Here are steps on transferring phone number to new iPhone with this best file-transferring tool:

Visit the official FoneDog website and download the Phone Transfer tool.
Install the software on your computer and launch it.
Use USB cables to connect both your old and new iPhones to the computer.
Ensure that both devices are recognized by FoneDog Phone Transfer.
In the FoneDog Phone Transfer interface, select "Phone to Phone Transfer."
Choose the data types you want to transfer, including contacts.
Click on "Start Transfer" to begin the transfer process.
FoneDog Phone Transfer will commence transferring the selected data. Monitor the progress on the screen.
Once the transfer is complete, you will receive a notification.
Safely disconnect both iPhones from the computer.
Open the Contacts app on your new iPhone to ensure that your phone number and contacts have been successfully transferred.

Use FoneDog Phone Transfer

By leveraging the capabilities of FoneDog Phone Transfer, you've executed a swift and reliable transfer of your phone number and contacts to your new iPhone without the need for a SIM card. Stay tuned for more insights and techniques in our comprehensive guide for a seamless transition to your upgraded device.

Part 6. How to Manage Your Contact List on iPhone Properly

Managing your contact list effectively on your iPhone is essential for staying organized and easily connecting with friends, family, and colleagues. Here are some tips on how to manage your contact list properly:

Regularly review your contact list and delete entries that are no longer relevant. This can include outdated numbers, duplicates, or contacts you no longer need.
If you have duplicate entries, merge them to keep your contact list tidy. To do this, open the Contacts app, select "All Contacts" at the top, tap "Edit," and then scroll down to find and merge duplicate contacts.
Enable iCloud contact syncing to keep your contacts up to date across all your Apple devices. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, and toggle the "Contacts" switch to the ON position.
Regularly back up your contacts to ensure you don't lose important information. You can use iCloud for automatic backups, or export your contacts to a VCF file and save it in a secure location.
Group your contacts to make communication more efficient. For example, create groups for work contacts, family, friends, etc. This way, you can send messages or emails to an entire group at once.
Customize contact labels to include additional information such as birthdays, anniversaries, or important notes. This information can be valuable when reaching out to contacts.
Use Siri to add, edit, or call contacts quickly. For example, you can say, "Add John Doe to my contacts," or "Call Mom."
Keep contact information up to date, especially for frequently contacted individuals. Update phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant details to ensure accurate communication.

By implementing these tips, you can maintain a well-organized and up-to-date contact list on your iPhone, making it easier to stay connected with the important people in your life.

Part 7. Summary

In summary, transitioning your phone number to a new iPhone without the need for a SIM card offers a range of flexible and efficient methods. AirDrop proves to be a convenient wireless option, seamlessly transferring contact information between devices. Exporting contacts to a CSV file and sharing via email provides a versatile alternative, allowing for comprehensive data transfer.

iCloud Sync simplifies the process by securely moving contacts and settings, offering a comprehensive solution for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Apple's Quick Start feature streamlines the setup process, ensuring a smooth transition between old and new iPhones with minimal effort.

For those seeking a third-party solution, FoneDog Phone Transfer stands out as a robust tool, offering a user-friendly interface and versatile data transfer capabilities. This software streamlines the migration process, allowing users to transfer contacts and various data types without the necessity of a SIM card. Whether choosing native features like AirDrop and iCloud or opting for third-party solutions, these methods collectively ensure a seamless transfer, preserving your phone number and contacts on your new iPhone with ease.

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