Set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

: June 7, 2024
: Apple

Table of Contents

Set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

If you’re switching to a new device

If you want to transfer your information from another device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, follow these steps:

Make sure that you back up your previous iOS device so that you can transfer the content to the new device.

If you’re setting up your first iOS device

If you already set up your new device but want to start over, learn how to erase your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Otherwise, follow these steps:

Turn on your device

Press and hold the device’s power button until you see the Apple logo. You’ll then see “Hello” in many languages. Follow the steps to get started. If you’re blind or have low vision, you can turn on VoiceOver or Zoom from the Hello screen.

When asked, choose your language. Then tap your country or region. This affects how information looks on your device, including date, time, contacts, and more. At this point, you can tap the blue accessibility button to set up Accessibility Options that can optimize your setup experience and the use of your new device.

Get help if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on, or if your device is disabled or requires a passcode.

If you have another device on iOS 11 or later, use Quick Start

If you have another device that’s running iOS 11 or later, you can use it to automatically set up your new device with Quick Start. Bring the two devices close together, and then follow the instructions.

If you don’t have another device with iOS 11 or later, tap “Set Up Manually” to continue.

Activate your device

You need to connect to a Wi-Fi network, a cellular network, or iTunes to activate and continue setting up your device.

Tap the Wi-Fi network that you want to use or select a different option. If you’re setting up an iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), you might need to insert your SIM card first.

Get help if you can’t connect to Wi- Fi or if you can’t activate your iPhone.

Set up Face ID or Touch ID and create a passcode

On some devices, you can set up Face ID or Touch ID. With these features, you can use face recognition or your fingerprint to unlock your device and make purchases. Tap Continue and follow the instructions, or tap “Set Up Later in Settings.”

Next, set a six-digit passcode to help protect your data. You need a passcode to use features like Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple Pay. If you’d like a four-digit passcode, custom passcode, or no passcode, tap “Passcode Options.”

Restore or transfer your information and data

If you have an iCloud or iTunes backup, or an Android device, you can restore or transfer your data from your old device to your new device.

If you don’t have a backup or another device, select Don’t Transfer Apps & Data.

Sign in with your Apple ID

Enter your Apple ID and password, or tap “Forgot password or don’t have an Apple ID?” From there, you can recover your Apple ID or password, create an Apple ID, or set it up later. If you use more than one Apple ID, tap “Use different Apple IDs for iCloud and iTunes?”

When you sign in with your Apple ID, you might be prompted for a verification code from your previous device.

Turn on automatic updates and set up other features

On the next screens, you can decide whether to share information with app developers and allow iOS to update automatically.

Set up Siri and other services

Next, you’ll be asked to set up or enable services and features, like Siri. On some devices, you’ll be asked to speak a few phrases so that Siri can get to know your voice.

If you signed in with your Apple ID, follow the steps to set up Apple Pay and iCloud Keychain.

Set up Screen Time and more display options

Screen Time gives you insight into how much time you and your kids spend on your devices. It also lets you set time limits for daily app use. After you set up Screen Time, you can turn on True Tone if your device supports it, and use Display Zoom to adjust the size of icons and text on your Home screen.

If you have an iPhone X or later, learn more about using gestures to navigate your device. If you have an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus, you can adjust the click for your Home button.

Finish up

Tap “Get Started” to begin using your device. Make a safe copy of your data by backing up, and learn about more features in the user guide for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

If you’re new to iPhone, learn more about getting started and using your iPhone.

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Published Date: August 12, 2021