Set up your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Find out 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 you back up your previous iOS device so you can transfer the content to the new device.

If you're setting up your first iOS device

If you’ve already set up your new device but want to start again, 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 optimise 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 has been disabled or requires a passcode.

Hello screen with option to select your language

 

If you have another device, use Quick Start

If you have another device, you can use it to set up your new device automatically with Quick Start. Bring the two devices close together, then follow the instructions

If you don't have another device, tap "Set Up Manually" to continue.

Quick Start screen giving options to set up iPhone

Activate your device

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

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

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

Screen showing option to Choose a Wi-Fi Network or Use Mobile Data Connection

 

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'.

Screen showing option to set up Face ID and Create a Passcode

 

Restore or transfer your information and data

If you have an iCloud backup or a backup made from your computer 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.

Screen showing option to choose how you want to transfer apps and 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.

Screen showing option to sign in with your Apple ID and password

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.

Screen showing option to opt in to notifications to keep your iPhone up to date

Set up Siri and other services

Next, you'll be asked to set up or enable services and features, such as Siri. On some devices, you'll be asked to say 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.

Screen showing option to enable Siri

Set up Screen Time and more display options

Screen Time gives you an insight into how much time you and your children spend on your devices. It also lets you set time limits for daily app use. After you've 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 with a Home button, you can adjust the click for your Home button.

Screen showing option to enable Screen Time

Finish

Tap 'Get Started' to begin using your device. Make a safe copy of your data by backing up, and find out about more features in the user guide for your iPhoneiPad or iPod touch.

If you're new to iPhone, find out more about getting started and using your iPhone.

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