How to set up a new iPhone: setup steps and a first-day checklist

A new iPhone walks you through setup, but a few choices early on shape how the first week goes: how your data comes over, which SIM line is active and which security settings you keep. A little preparation also saves a lot of waiting. This guide gives the full order, from what to do before you turn the phone on to the settings worth changing on day one. If you only want the details of moving data, see the separate guide linked below.

Before you start

Step 1: turn it on and choose the basics

Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Swipe up or tap to begin, then choose your language and country or region. If you use VoiceOver or other accessibility tools, you can turn them on from the start. The phone then offers Quick Start if you have another iPhone or iPad nearby.

Step 2: Quick Start or manual setup

The restore continues in the background after the phone starts. Keep it on Wi-Fi and plugged in. See how to restore an iPhone from backup if it stalls, and how to transfer data to a new iPhone for a deeper look at the data options. Coming from Android? See how to move from Android to iPhone.

Step 3: security screens

• Face ID or Touch ID: scan your face or fingerprint when asked. You can add more later in Settings › Face ID & Passcode.
• Passcode: pick six digits or a custom alphanumeric code. Avoid birthdays and repeated numbers.
• Apple Account and iCloud: sign in so your photos, contacts and Find My are active.
• Find My iPhone: keep it on, so you can find and lock the phone if it is lost.

Step 4: activate your line

Your carrier line comes over with Quick Start in many cases, using an eSIM transfer, or you may need to activate a new eSIM or insert a SIM card. Check that you see bars and your carrier name at the top of the screen, and test a call and a text. If the line is not active, open Settings › Cellular and follow the prompts, or use your carrier's app. For eSIM moves, see how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone.

Step 5: finish the setup screens

The phone then asks about Siri, Screen Time, Apple Pay, iCloud Keychain, analytics and the look of the screen. You can skip most of them and come back later. Choose Set Up Later in Settings for Apple Pay and Screen Time if you are not ready. Pick Light or Dark appearance and a text size that you like, and tap Get Started.

First-day checklist

Settings worth changing on day one

• Auto-Lock: Settings › Display & Brightness › Auto-Lock sets how soon the screen turns off.
• Battery: Settings › Battery › Charging, turn on Optimized Battery Charging.
• Notifications: review which apps can send alerts, and silence the rest.
• Screen Time and parental controls, if the phone is for a child.
• Privacy: review Location Services and app permissions in Privacy & Security.
• Back Tap, Action Button and Control Center, if you want shortcuts.

What to do with the old iPhone

Do not erase it until you have checked that everything moved: photos, messages, contacts, your eSIM and your two-factor codes. Then decide to trade it in, sell it or keep it as a spare. See how to sell your iPhone safely for the steps in the right order.

If something goes wrong during setup

• Stuck on the Apple logo or a progress bar: wait longer, keep it plugged in and try again after a restart. Large restores can take hours.
• Cannot activate: check Wi-Fi, try another network and confirm that the carrier line is active.
• Apple Account verification fails: use another trusted device, or reset your account password.
• Not enough iCloud storage to restore: free up space or upgrade temporarily, or restore from a computer.

Coming from Android?

During setup, on the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, choose From Android. Install the Move to iOS app on your Android phone, enter the code shown on the iPhone, and choose what to copy: contacts, messages, photos, calendars and more. Keep both phones on charge and close together. Our guide on moving from Android to iPhone covers every step.

What does not transfer

• Apps bought on Android. Free versions can be downloaded again from the App Store.
• Some app data, such as game progress not tied to an account.
• WhatsApp chats need their own transfer, offered during or right after setup.
• Passwords saved in an Android browser, unless you use a password manager or Google Password Manager that works on iPhone.

Moving your eSIM

If your old iPhone has an eSIM, setup offers to transfer it. Keep the old iPhone nearby and unlocked. If transfer is not offered, your carrier can activate the eSIM through its app or a QR code. Do not erase the old phone until the new one makes calls.

Accessibility during setup

Triple click the side button on the Hello screen to open accessibility options like VoiceOver and Zoom, or tap the accessibility icon. You can set larger text and other options before setup continues, which helps older relatives set up a phone they can read.