Whether this is your first iPhone or you’re upgrading from an older model, getting started can be an exciting experience. To ensure you make the most of your new iPhone, we’ve compiled a list of essential steps and features you’ll want to explore:
Please note: If you’re experiencing issues with iMessage or FaceTime Activation, see a 'Not delivered' error when texting someone, or are unable to make calls on your iPhone, check out these Community articles for more helpful information.
How do I set up my new iPhone?
- Turn on your iPhone.
Press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo. When the Hello screen appears, just follow the on-screen instructions to get started. If you need accessibility features like VoiceOver or Zoom, you can turn them on right from this screen. Learn more about iPhone accessibility options.
- Pick Your Text Size.
You’ll be asked to choose how big you’d like the text and icons on your screen. There are three options: Default, Medium, and Large. Slide between them to see a preview, then tap ‘Continue’ when it looks right for you.
If you ever want to adjust it later, you can do that in your settings. Find out more about changing text size on iPhone.
- Quick Start or Manual Setup?
If you already have another iPhone or iPad, you can use Quick Start to copy over all your settings and data. Just hold your old device near your new one, and you’ll get a pop-up to start the transfer.
If you don’t have another device or just want a fresh setup, you can choose Set Up Manually instead. Read Apple’s guide on setting up a new iPhone with Quick Start.
- Get Connected.
To activate your iPhone, you’ll need to connect to Wi-Fi or use Mobile Data. Choose your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and tap ‘Join’.
- Setup for you or for a child.
If you’re setting up the phone for yourself, you can continue as normal. If it’s for a child, you’ll have the option to set up Family Sharing, create a child’s Apple ID, and enable parental controls. Learn how to set up Family Sharing on iPhone.
- Set Up Face ID or Touch ID.
For extra security, you can set up Face ID or Touch ID. This lets you unlock your phone, sign into apps, and make payments just by looking at your phone or using your fingerprint. You’ll also need to create a six-digit passcode as a backup.
- Transfer Your Data (Optional).
If you’re moving from an older phone, you’ll have the option to bring over all your data. You can restore from an iCloud backup, transfer from a computer, or move everything over from an Android phone using Apple’s Move to iOS app.
- Sign In with Your Apple ID.
Now it’s time to sign in with your Apple ID. This is what links your phone to iCloud, the App Store, iMessage, and all your other Apple services. Enter your email address and password, or tap ‘Forgot password?’ if you need to reset it.
If you don’t have an Apple ID yet, you’ll be given the option to create one.
- Set Up Extra Features.
Almost there! You’ll now see a few options to customise your experience. You can enable Automatic Updates to keep iOS up to date, set up Siri to help with daily tasks, and turn on Screen Time to track app usage and set limits.
If you’d like to use Apple Pay, you’ll also be able to add your bank card now, or you can do it later in Settings. Before you finish, you’ll get a choice between Light Mode and Dark Mode, with an option to switch automatically based on the time of day.
How do I personalisemy iPhone?
Now that your iPhone is set up, it's time to make it yours! There are plenty of ways to personalise your iPhone to match your style.
You can arrange your apps however you like on the Home Screen. Place widgets anywhere, resize them, and even stack them to save space. Just long-press on your Home Screen, tap 'Edit Home Screen', and get started.
If you fancy changing up the look of your app icons, you can switch up their colours to match your aesthetic. Head to Settings, then Appearance, and select App Icons. From there, you can pick from a variety of themes or even create your own.
Your Lock Screen can also be customised with different clock styles, widget layouts, and dynamic wallpapers that change throughout the day. Simply go to Settings, then Lock Screen, or long-press your Lock Screen and tap 'Customise'.
You can also rearrange and resize the Control Centre toggles. Swipe down from the top-right corner, tap 'Edit Controls', and add the shortcuts you use the most.
Take some time to explore all these customisation options and make your iPhone work just the way you like!
Need more help?
If you need further support with setting up your iPhone or troubleshooting any issues, you can visit the Apple Support website for step-by-step guides and expert advice.
Alternatively, you can also ask a question to our Community—we’re here to help!