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

Setup takes about 30 minutes if you prepare first. The steps are simple, but a few early choices are hard to change later.

Agha Ali Abbas3 October 20265 min read

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

1
Back up the old iPhone.
Use iCloud or a computer. See how to back up an iPhone.
2
Update the old iPhone.
A newer iOS on the old phone makes Quick Start smoother.
3
Know your Apple Account password.
You will need it, and a verification code on another device or phone number.
4
Find a strong Wi-Fi network and a charger.
Setup and restoring use a lot of data and battery.
5
Have your carrier details ready.
If you use an eSIM, you may need the carrier app or a QR code. Keep the old phone until the new one is on the network.

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 fix

With your old iPhone (Quick Start)

1
Put the old iPhone next to the new one.
A card appears on the old phone that says Set Up New iPhone.
2
Tap Continue and use the old phone's camera to scan the animation on the new one.
3
Enter the old phone's passcode on the new one.
4
Sign in with your Apple Account, and set up Face ID or Touch ID.
5
Choose how to bring your data.
Options include transferring directly from the old iPhone, or restoring from an iCloud backup.

The fix

Without the old iPhone (manual setup)

1
Tap Set Up Manually, then connect to Wi-Fi.
2
Choose to restore from an iCloud backup, from a Mac or PC, or to move data from Android.
Or choose Don't Transfer Apps & Data to set up as new.
3
Sign in with your Apple Account.
Enter the verification code sent to your other device or phone number.
4
Pick the backup you want and wait for it to restore.

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

1
Let the restore finish.
Apps and photos continue downloading after setup. Do not turn the phone off.
2
Check Settings › General › Software Update.
Install any update available for the new phone.
3
Add your cards to Apple Pay.
See how to set up Apple Pay.
4
Check iCloud and backup.
In Settings › [your name] › iCloud, make sure iCloud Backup is on.
5
Set up voicemail and your contacts.
Open the Phone app, tap Voicemail, and follow the prompts.
6
Turn on Stolen Device Protection.
Open Settings › Face ID & Passcode and turn it on, so a thief who knows your passcode cannot change your account.
7
Sign in again to apps.
Banking, messaging and streaming apps often ask you to sign in on a new device.

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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to set up a new iPhone?

The setup screens take about 10 to 15 minutes. Restoring your apps and photos from a backup can take an hour or more, depending on your Wi-Fi and how much you have.

Can I set up a new iPhone without my old one?

Yes. Choose Set Up Manually and restore from an iCloud backup or from a computer, and sign in with your Apple Account. You need your passwords and a way to receive verification codes.

Do I need a SIM card for a new iPhone?

Not for setup. You can finish the setup on Wi-Fi. Newer iPhones use an eSIM that your carrier activates, and older ones use a physical SIM.

Should I restore from a backup or set up as new?

Restore if you want your apps, settings and messages. Set up as new if the old phone had problems and you want a clean start, and then add what you need.

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