How to set up a new iPhone or iPad

To get started, press and hold the power button on your iPhone or iPad (usually on the right or top of the device) until the Apple logo appears.

‘Hello’ will then appear on the screen in different languages. Swipe up to choose your language and region.

You then have the option to personalize the size of text and icons on your device. Choose from ‘Standard’, ‘Medium’ or ‘Large’ and use the slider to preview each size.

Once you find a setting you like, tap Continue to continue.

If you own another Apple device, you can speed up the installation process using ‘Quick Start’. This allows you to wirelessly transfer settings and data from your old iPhone or iPad to the new one.

To get started, simply place the two devices together and follow the instructions displayed on each device.

If you don’t have another device, select ‘Set up without another device’. For the rest of the steps here, we’ll assume this is the case.

Decide whether you are setting up the device for yourself or for a child. If it’s for a child under 13, you can create a new Apple ID for him or her, set up Family Sharing, and activate parental controls to effectively manage its use.

To improve security, set up Face ID (iPhone

With Face ID you can also choose whether you want it to work while you wear a face mask or not.

Then create a six-digit access code. If you prefer a four-digit passcode, a custom passcode, or no passcode at all, tap Passcode Options to adjust your preferences.

You can now decide how to transfer your data and apps to your new device. Options include restoring ‘From iCloud backup’, ‘From another iPhone’, ‘From Mac or PC’ and ‘From Android’.

For the latter, follow our guide on how to switch from Android to iPhone. If you’d rather start over, select ‘Don’t transfer anything’ and follow the next step.

Sign in with your Apple ID by entering your email address or phone number and password. For users with multiple Apple IDs, you can add additional accounts by selecting “Use Multiple Accounts.”

If you don’t have an Apple ID or can’t remember your login information, you can create a new account or reset your password by clicking “Forgot your password or no Apple ID?” to tap.

If it’s your first time, you can then choose “Create a Free Apple ID.” Just follow the on-screen instructions to make it.

Turn on automatic updates and Location Services to keep your iPhone or iPad running smoothly.

You can also set your mobile phone here. If you purchased your iPhone or iPad with a carrier attached, this will be set up automatically.

You can then add your credit or debit card to Apple Pay so you can pay in stores with your phone using NFC. You’ll also be asked to set up Siri, which may require you to say a few sentences to personalize the assistant to your voice.

Set up Screen Time to monitor device usage and set limits on app usage if necessary. You’ll also be asked if you’d like to share data with Apple and developers to help improve features and services.

Finally, select your preferred display mode and ‘Emergency SOS’ if you own an iPhone 14 or newer.

Once you complete the steps above, swipe up to finish setting up your device. Your iPhone or iPad is now ready to use.