Did Santa deliver what you wanted this year?
If you’ve found a new iPhone or iPad under the tree, the answer is almost certainly ‘yes’.
However, as you’re probably aware, you’ll need to go through the setup process before your device is ready to use. It’s important to take your time with this, as it’ll ensure you don’t run into issues further down the line.
For the purposes of this tutorial, we’re using the iPhone Air. But the process should be almost identical for any device running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.
Got an Android handset instead? Read our separate guide on how to set up a new Android phone.
How to set up a new iPhone or iPad
Power on your iPhone or iPad and choose your language and region
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To start, press and hold the power button on your iPhone or iPad (typically located on the right side or top of the device) until the Apple logo appears.
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, where you’ll then be prompted to choose your language. If you’ve gone for English (or another language with multiple variations), you’ll then be prompted to choose which region you’re based in.
Adjust text and icon sizes
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Next, you’ll have the option to choose the size of text and icons on your device. Choose from ‘Default’, ‘Medium’, or ‘Large’, each of which will be previewed when you select it.
Once you’ve found a setting you’re comfortable with, tap ‘Continue’ to move forward.
Set up using your old iPhone or iPad
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If you already own an iPhone or iPad, you can use it to quickly restore settings and data. Simply turn it on and bring it close to your new device, and Apple should do the rest.
However, if you don’t have another Apple device or would rather start fresh, just tap ‘Set Up Without Another Device’ instead. For the rest of the steps here, we’ll assume that’s the case, but you may be able to skip some steps if you’ve gone down the other route.
Choose a Wi-Fi network
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Your device will now automatically display a list of nearby Wi-Fi networks. Simply tap the one you’d like to use and enter your password.
If you’ve already inserted a physical SIM card or activated an eSIM, it’s also possible to set up using mobile data. In this scenario, you can tap ‘Continue Without Wi-Fi’ instead.
Having some form of internet connection makes the setup process much easier, though.
Select who the device is for
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After acknowledging Apple’s ‘Data & Privacy’ information, your next step is to select who the device is for. There are options for a Child (12 or younger), Teen (13 to 17) and Adult (18 or over).
If you choose either of the first two, you’ll be prompted to connect it to a Family account, which allows a parent or guardian to manage their screen time.
For this tutorial, we’re setting it up for an adult.
Set up Face ID or Touch ID and create a passcode
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To enhance security, set up Face ID or Touch ID, depending on which your device offers. This allows you to use your face or fingerprint to unlock your iPad, log in to some apps and verify purchases.
In the case of Face ID, you can additionally choose whether you want it to work while you wear a face mask or not.
After this, create a passcode, which can be used if Face ID or Touch ID ever isn’t available. By default, it’s a six-digit code, but you can tap ‘Passcode Options’ to change this to a different format. Enter it a second time to confirm.
Transfer your data
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You can now decide how to transfer your data and apps to your new device. Choose between restoring ‘From iCloud Backup,’ ‘From Another iPhone,’ ‘From Mac or PC,’ and ‘From Android.’
For the latter, follow our guide on how to move from Android to iPhone. If you prefer to start fresh, select ‘Don’t Transfer Anything’ and follow the next step.
Sign in with your Apple ID
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Sign in with your Apple ID by entering your email address or phone number and password. You’ll then need to verify this using another Apple device that’s signed into the same account, or a text or call to the registered number.
Alternatively, tap ‘Other Sign-In Options’ at the bottom of the screen and choose ‘Use Another Device to Sign In’. If you want more than one Apple ID on the device, tap ‘Use Multiple Accounts’ and follow the instructions.
If you don’t have an Apple ID or can’t remember your login details, you can create a new account or recover your password by tapping on ‘Forgot password or don’t have an account?’
Then, if it’s your first time, you can choose to ‘Create a Free Apple account.’ Simply follow the on-screen instructions to create it.
Agree to the terms and conditions
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To start using your device, you must tap ‘Agree’ to Apple’s ‘Terms and Conditions’ on the next screen. Even if you don’t read them there and then (let’s face it, who does?), it might be worth making use of the ‘Send by Email’ option.
If prompted, enter the passcode that you use on your other Apple device/s to access data stored in the cloud on iCloud. If you’ve never owned an Apple device before, this won’t apply.
Configure updates and location services, plus optional features
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From the next screens, we’d recommend enabling automatic updates and ‘Location Services’ to keep your iPhone or iPad running smoothly.
You can also set up your cellular here. If you’ve bought the iPhone or iPad with a carrier attached, this will be set up automatically.
Next, you can add your credit or debit cards to Apple Pay so you can pay with your phone in shops using NFC.
Set up ‘Screen Time’ to monitor device usage and, if needed, apply limits on app usage. You’ll also be asked whether to share data with Apple and developers to help improve features and services.
Next, select your preferred appearance mode and set up Apple Intelligence (including notification summaries and priority notifications) if you’d like to use it. If you have an iPhone 16 or later, you can also learn how to use the Camera Control button and Action button (also iPhone 15 Pro models).
The final two optional Settings are Siri and Emergency SOS. After these are taken care of, tap the button marked ‘Get Started’.
That’s it! Your iPhone or iPad is now set up. However, it’ll still take a while to sign into apps and get everything looking how you want it. We’d recommend setting aside a few hours to try out everything on your new device and see what works for you.
Our Mobile Editor’s 11 things he does after setting up a new phone are specific to Android handsets, but many of the tips also apply to the iPhone.
You may also be interested how to set a song as your iPhone ringtone, or how to use Find My iPhone to recover lost devices.
from Tech Advisor
via How to set up a new iPhone or iPad