How to Fix a Phone Transfer Stuck on Getting Things Ready
A phone transfer stuck on “Getting Things Ready” usually results from an unstable connection, insufficient storage, outdated software, or incompatible transfer data. Restarting both devices, checking storage, updating system software, and reconnecting with a reliable cable or network can often fix a phone transfer stuck during preparation, including an iPhone getting things ready transfer.
Steps
- Restart both phones. Close the transfer app, restart the source phone and destination phone, then begin the transfer again.
- Check available storage. Confirm that the destination phone has enough free space for photos, videos, messages, contacts, and app data.
- Reconnect both devices. Replace damaged USB cables, remove loose adapters, and connect each phone directly to a computer or compatible transfer accessory.
- Update system software and transfer tools. Install pending iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS updates before restarting the transfer.
- Select smaller data groups. Transfer contacts and messages first, then move photos, videos, and documents in separate batches.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Phone transfer stuck during device detection: A missing permission or locked screen can block preparation. Unlock both phones and approve trust, USB, or data-access prompts.
- Phone transfer stuck getting things ready after reconnection: An unstable cable, USB port, Wi-Fi connection, or adapter may interrupt data scanning. Use a different cable, port, or stable private network.
- iPhone getting things ready transfer takes too long: Large photo libraries, encrypted backups, Live Photos, and app data can extend preparation time. Keep both devices connected and transfer large media collections separately.
- Transfer stops at the same percentage: Corrupted files or unsupported app data may be causing the failure. Exclude recently added media, duplicate files, or unsupported applications, then retry.
- Android-to-iPhone transfer cannot continue: Data formats or account restrictions may prevent direct transfer. Confirm supported content types and disable battery-saving restrictions for the transfer process.
Quick Tips
- Keep both phones charged above 50% or connected to power during transfer.
- Disable VPN services, mobile hotspot switching, and automatic network changes during wireless transfers.
- Avoid opening camera, messaging, or cloud-sync apps while preparation is running.
- Cloud-only files may require local download before transfer; streaming thumbnails do not always represent transferable originals.
Related Questions
How long should “Getting Things Ready” take during a phone transfer?
Preparation may take a few minutes for a small transfer and much longer for large media libraries. A progress screen unchanged for more than 30–60 minutes usually indicates a connection, storage, or file compatibility problem.
Does restarting cancel an iPhone getting things ready transfer?
Restarting cancels the current transfer session but normally does not erase source-phone data. A fresh session can resolve temporary scanning and connection errors.
💡Protip:
For transfer, backup, or restore tasks involving mixed phone brands, MobileTrans can provide a structured device-to-device workflow when standard transfer tools repeatedly fail.
