Upgrade to the iPhone 12? Go through this checklist before...

Apples iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are now available to orderIf you got up early to make sure yours arrives on the start day, it’s almost time to get everything set up and transferred to your new phone. If you think so iPhone 12 Mini or iPhone 12 Pro maxYou have a couple more weeks before they will be available.

Regardless of which model you choose to order, you can get your current iPhone ready for retirement (or sale) before your new phone arrives at you. Doing this now will save you time when your new iPhone arrives so you can use it sooner and with fewer set up hassles. ((Here are other reasons you might want to wait.) Regardless of when you’re upgrading to a new iPhone, here are the steps you should follow.

Test your apps and photos – trust us

I admit this isn’t a fun job, but it is a necessary one. Sit down and go through all of the apps installed on your phone. Delete the apps that you no longer use. Then go through the Photos app and delete any random screenshots, photos, and videos that you don’t want to keep.

Your iPhone will feel less cluttered and you will free up storage space and reduce the storage space you need to back up your phone. Another benefit is that it will take less time to restore your new iPhone during setup.

Back up your phone now and before your new iPhone arrives

It’s easy to ignore the messages informing you that you ran out of iCloud storage and that your phone is no longer backed up. However, they want you to have a backup plan in case you need to switch phones.

When you run out of iCloud storage space, you have a few options: pay for more storage space, change the data you backed up, or use your computer to back up it.

We have a Guide to walk you through all of these iPhone backup options, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Don’t wait for your new iPhone to appear before tackling backups. If you’re like me, you get impatient and set up your phone without restoring it, which causes a headache and ends up costing you more time.

Part of an upgrade program? Check your status

If you’re using an upgrade program from Apple or your carrier, it’s a good idea to check how many payments you have left before you’re eligible to upgrade your iPhone.

I bought one iPhone 11 Pro max on the launch day through Apple’s upgrade program, and I am already eligible for the upgrade because I made the required 12 monthly device payments. If the iPhone 12 starts up a few weeks later than normal, you might find yourself in the same situation.

If you bought your phone from a wireless service provider on a payment plan, sign in to your account or call customer service to verify your eligibility. If you bought your phone through Apple’s upgrade program, you can check the status using the Apple Store app on your phone.

Depending on when you upgraded to your current iPhone, you may need to make another payment (or more) before you can upgrade. Knowing what that amount is now is a good way to budget for the upcoming upgrade.

The new iPhone will start with iOS 14 There is lots of new and exciting features in the update. My personal favorite so far? The redesigned start screen, complete with widgets.