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Beginner’s Guide to iPhone Setup

byWiredufred Published:

Introduction

Setting up a new iPhone for the first time is exciting – but it can also feel a bit daunting if you’ve never done it. Don’t worry, Apple has made the process user-friendly. In fact, Apple sold over 231 million iPhones in 2023 alone, which means countless people go through this setup process every year. This beginner’s guide will walk you through each step of iPhone setup in plain language. We’ll cover everything from the initial “Hello” screen to transferring your data and customizing your settings. By the end, you’ll have your iPhone up and running with confidence. (For more iPhone tips and guides, be sure to explore our iPhone section.)

Close-up of hands holding an iPhone displaying the setup screen with ‘Beginner’s Guide to iPhone Setup’ text, soft natural lighting highlighting the device and a blurred notebook and pen in the background

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Preparation: Before You Start Setting Up

Before turning on your new iPhone, a little preparation will make the setup smoothermanuals.plus:

  • Internet Connection: Ensure you have a Wi-Fi network (and its password) available, or cellular data service. You’ll need internet to activate and set up the iPhonemanuals.plus. (iPhone 14 and later models use eSIM, so they don’t require a physical SIM card, but still need internet for activation.)

  • Apple ID: Have your Apple ID email and password handy (that’s your Apple account). If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one during setupmanuals.plus. Knowing your Apple ID login is important – Apple even suggests double-checking that you remember your password before you begin.

  • Old Phone or Backup: If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, make sure it’s backed up (via iCloud or a computer) so you can restore your apps and data to the new phone. Apple temporarily provides extra iCloud storage for 3 weeks to help back up an old device when moving to a new iPhonesupport.apple.com. If you’re switching from an Android phone, have that device ready too – you’ll be able to transfer data using Apple’s Move to iOS app during setupmanuals.plus.

  • Charged Battery: It’s best if your new iPhone has a decent charge (or keep it plugged in). If it doesn’t turn on at first, plug it into power for a few minutes before retrying.

  • Optional – Payment Info: If you plan to set up Apple Pay during the process, having a credit/debit card nearby will save timemanuals.plus (you can also skip this and do it later).

Taking care of these basics upfront will help you breeze through the setup. Once you’re ready, grab your new iPhone and let’s get started!


Step 1: Power On and Begin the Setup Assistant

Take the iPhone out of the box and press and hold the power button (also called the side button) until you see the Apple  logo. In a moment, a friendly “Hello” greets you in multiple languages on-screen. From here, follow the on-screen prompts:

  • Choose your Language and Region: First, select the language you want your iPhone to use, and then your country or region. This will set the format for things like date, time, and contacts according to local standards.

  • Accessibility Options (if needed): If you have low vision or other accessibility needs, you can enable options at this stage. For example, triple-clicking the side button can turn on VoiceOver (which reads the screen aloud), or double-tapping the screen with three fingers enables Zoom to magnify textmanuals.plus. There’s also an Accessibility shortcut button on the Hello screen you can tap to set up features like larger text.

Once you’ve got the basics set (language/region), you’ll proceed into the Setup Assistant – a series of guided steps to configure your iPhone. Each screen will have instructions and options. Take your time reading each one. As Apple notes, you can always go back to a previous step if you need to by tapping the back arrow, so there’s no pressure. Ready to continue? Let’s move on to getting your iPhone connected and activated.


Step 2: Connect to Wi-Fi (or Cellular) and Activate Your iPhone

The next critical step is getting your iPhone online so it can activate with Apple’s servers. You should see a prompt to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Select your Wi-Fi name from the list and enter the password. (If you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can choose to use cellular data, assuming your iPhone has an active SIM/eSIM or service plan.) Your iPhone must be connected to the internet to activate and proceed with setup. In a pinch, if you have absolutely no internet, you can connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes/Finder to activate it as well.

  • Insert SIM or eSIM Setup: If your iPhone model uses a physical SIM card (e.g. iPhone 13 or earlier, or outside US models), make sure the SIM is inserted so you can use cellular network if needed. Newer iPhones like the US versions of iPhone 14/15 are eSIM-only, meaning there’s no physical SIM. In those cases, you’ll be guided to activate an eSIM (either by transferring from an old phone or scanning a QR code from your carrier). You might see a prompt for this – follow the on-screen steps to activate cellular service. (You can also skip eSIM setup and do it later in Settings.) Apple’s support notes that if you’re setting up an iPhone with cellular service, you may need to insert a SIM card or activate an eSIM as part of activation.

  • Quick Start (iPhone-to-iPhone): If you have an older iPhone already and it’s nearby, you might see a Quick Start option pop up. This feature lets you set up your new iPhone automatically by using your old iPhone’s information – it’s very handy. Simply bring your old iPhone (running iOS 11 or later) close to the new one; you’ll see a prompt on the old phone to confirm transfer. After a moment, your new iPhone will display an animation and ask you to scan it with your old iPhone’s camera, then transfer settings and data wirelessly. Follow the prompts, and things like your Wi-Fi passwords, Apple ID, and settings can be copied over to the new device. For example, if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 8 running a recent iOS, you can even transfer all your data wirelessly – just keep the devices near each other (and plugged in) until the migration completesmanuals.plus. Quick Start greatly simplifies the process for upgraders. (Tip: Make sure your old iPhone’s iOS is up to date for the smoothest Quick Start experience.)

  • Set Up Manually: If you don’t have another device to use for Quick Start, that’s okay – just tap “Set Up Manually” on the new iPhone’s screen. You’ll then proceed by entering things like your Wi-Fi password the normal way. The Setup Assistant will walk you through the rest.

Once you’re online and past the Quick Start stage (if you used it), your new iPhone will activate with Apple. Activation just means Apple’s servers recognize your device and link it to your Apple ID (or the carrier confirms your phone is ready to use on their network). It only takes a minute or so. If you see any messages about activation errors (for example, if the SIM isn’t in or the eSIM isn’t set up), make sure you have a SIM inserted or try connecting to Wi-Fi again. Otherwise, you should soon see a message that your iPhone is activated and you can continue to the next steps.


Step 3: Set Up Face ID or Touch ID, and Create a Passcode

For your security and convenience, Apple will now guide you to set up a biometric lock – either Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your iPhone model. Newer iPhones (iPhone X and later, except the SE) use Face ID, which scans your face; older models or the iPhone SE use Touch ID, which reads your fingerprint. You’ll see a screen explaining the feature and an option to start the setup:

  • Face ID: You’ll be asked to position your face in front of the camera and slowly move your head in a circle so the iPhone can map your face from different angles. It usually takes two scans. This data is stored securely on the device. Face ID lets you unlock the phone just by looking at it, and also authorizes App Store purchases, Apple Pay, etc.

  • Touch ID: You’ll be prompted to place your finger (usually a thumb) on the Home button repeatedly so the sensor can capture your fingerprint from various angles. You may also be asked to adjust your grip to get the edges of your fingerprint. Touch ID similarly is used to unlock the phone and for purchases/passwords.

If you’re not comfortable setting up biometric ID or want to do it later, you can choose “Set Up Later in Settings.” This option is usually in small text on the setup screen. It’s perfectly fine to skip for now, but keep in mind you’ll be missing out on the easiest way to unlock your iPhone securely. (If you skip, you’ll just use a passcode to unlock for now, and you can enable Touch ID/Face ID later in the Settings app.)

After Face ID/Touch ID, you must set a device Passcode (even if you skipped the biometrics). The passcode is a backup security method and is required for certain features. By default, you’ll create a 6-digit numeric passcode. Enter a six-digit code you won’t forget (and avoid obvious ones like 000000 or 123456). You’ll have to enter it twice to confirm. If you prefer a 4-digit code, alphanumeric password, or even no passcode, tap “Passcode Options” – but be aware that having a passcode is highly recommended to protect your data. (Face ID/Touch ID won’t even work without a passcode set, and features like Apple Pay require a passcode in place.)

With your passcode set (and Face ID/Touch ID if configured), your iPhone is now secured. You’ll use Face ID or Touch ID for quick access during daily use, but once in a while iPhone will still ask for your passcode (for example, after a restart or if it hasn’t been unlocked in 48 hours). This dual-layer security keeps your device and data safe.


Step 4: Restore or Transfer Your Data (Apps & Data Screen)

Next, you’ll see the Apps & Data screen, which asks how you want to handle transferring data to your new iPhone. This is where you decide if you want to restore from a backup, transfer data from another device, or set the phone up as brand new. You’ll typically have these options:

  • Restore from iCloud Backup: If your previous iPhone was backed up to iCloud, you can choose this and simply sign in to iCloud to download all your apps, photos, and settings from your last backup. (Make sure your old iPhone was recently backed up so the data is current.) This requires Wi-Fi and can take some time depending on how much data – you can usually start using the phone while it continues to download apps and photos in the background.

  • Restore from Mac/PC: If you backed up your old iPhone to a computer using iTunes or Finder, select this option. You’ll later connect your new iPhone to the computer to transfer the backup onto it. This can be faster for large amounts of data, since it transfers over the USB cable.

  • Direct Transfer from iPhone: This might appear if you used Quick Start earlier or if both your old and new iPhones are on iOS 12.4 or later. It lets you copy everything directly from the old iPhone to the new one wirelessly (or via a Lightning cable with an adapter) without using iCloud or a computer. If you already did Quick Start device-to-device, much of this transfer may already be underway. Keep the phones near each other until it’s donemanuals.plus.

  • Move Data from Android: If you are coming from an Android phone, this is your path. Selecting this will instruct you on using the Move to iOS app. Apple’s Move to iOS is a free app on the Google Play Store that securely transfers your contacts, messages, photos, videos, web bookmarks, mail accounts, and calendars from an Android device to the iPhone. When you choose this option, your iPhone will create a secure connection to the Android (you’ll need to download the Move to iOS app on the Android and enter a code). Follow the on-screen steps on both devices – your new iPhone will copy over selected data. (Note: You can only use Move to iOS during initial setup. If you already finished setup, you’d have to erase the iPhone and start over to use itmanuals.plus.) This is a great tool for switchers – for example, you can bring over your important texts and pictures from a Samsung phone to your new iPhone in one go.

  • Don’t Transfer Apps & Data: This essentially sets up your iPhone as a brand new device with no old data. Choose this if you want a fresh start or if you have no old phone to restore from. You’ll get the stock apps and settings, and you can download apps you want manually later.

Take a moment to decide which is best for you. If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, most people either restore from iCloud or do the direct device transfer (both will get your stuff to the new phone). If you’re switching from Android, use Move to iOS for convenience. If this is your first smartphone or you want a clean slate, “Don’t Transfer” is fine – you can still sign in with your Apple ID to sync contacts, photos, etc. from iCloud if you have some stored there.

Once you pick an option, the iPhone will begin the transfer or restoration process if applicable. Follow any prompts (for example, signing into iCloud, or connecting to your computer). Depending on the amount of data, a restore can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. (Large iCloud backups might restore apps and photos for hours in the background – but you can use the phone during this.) If you choose not to transfer anything, the setup moves on immediately.

Apple’s official guidance is that you can restore from iCloud, restore from a computer, move data from Android, or simply start fresh – it’s your call. Whatever you decide, after this step you’re on the home stretch!


Step 5: Sign in with (or Create) Your Apple ID

Now it’s time to log in with your Apple ID, which is the account that ties you into Apple’s ecosystem (App Store, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, etc.). If you already have an Apple ID (which you likely used if you have an older iPhone or any Apple device), enter the email/phone and password associated with it. The email is usually your iCloud/Apple account address. This will sign you in to services like iCloud on the new phone.

If you forgot your password or aren’t sure of your Apple ID, there’s a “Forgot password or don’t have an Apple ID?” option on this screen. That will help you recover your account or let you create a new Apple ID if needed. If you didn’t have an Apple ID before (for example, if this is your very first Apple device), you can create a new Apple ID now as part of setup – just follow the prompts to set up a new account with an email address. You can also choose to set this up later, but keep in mind without an Apple ID you won’t be able to download apps, so it’s highly recommended to sign in now.

After entering your Apple ID credentials, you may see a security step: if you have two-factor authentication on your Apple account (most do these days), Apple will send a verification code to your other device or email. Enter that code to prove it’s really you signing in. (The setup screen will have a field for the 6-digit verification code.) This is an important security measure. Apple notes that you might be prompted for a verification code from your previous device as part of signing in, so check your old iPhone or trusted device for a pop-up containing the code.

Once signed in, you’ll need to agree to Apple’s Terms and Conditions (you can tap to read the full terms – they’re also emailed to your address on file). After agreeing, your iPhone will take a minute to set up your Apple ID on the device (enabling iCloud, etc.). Being signed in with your Apple ID will restore any iCloud content (like contacts, calendars, photos, notes) associated with your account. It also allows your new iPhone to receive iMessages and FaceTime calls addressed to your Apple ID.

What if you skipped Apple ID? If you chose not to sign in or create one, you can still finish setup, but your iPhone will be in a limited state. You won’t be able to download new apps or use iCloud until you log in. The setup assistant will remind you that an Apple ID is needed for many features, and you can always go into Settings later to sign in under your name at the top. However, it’s strongly recommended to use an Apple ID with your iPhone to get the full experience (some iPhone features pretty much require it). The good news is the Apple ID is free and you don’t need a credit card on file unless you want to make purchases.


Step 6: Set Up Siri and Other Services (Updates, Apple Pay & More)

After the Apple ID step, your iPhone will ask you to configure some additional features and services to personalize your experience. The exact order of these prompts can vary by iOS version, but you can expect the following:

  • Automatic Updates: You may be asked if you want to allow iOS to update itself automatically. It’s usually wise to enable automatic updates so your iPhone stays up-to-date with the latest iOS improvements and security patchesfreditech.com. (Updates typically download overnight when plugged in and on Wi-Fi.) If you prefer to manually control software updates, you can opt out – but most users should turn this on for convenience and safety. (We dive deeper into why updates matter in our iOS Update Guide, but in short: staying current gives you new features and important security fixes.)

  • Siri Setup: Next, you’ll likely set up Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. If you want to use “Hey Siri” voice activation, the setup will prompt you to train Siri to recognize your voice. You’ll do this by speaking a few phrases like “Hey Siri, send a message” or “Hey Siri, what’s the weather?” when prompted. This helps Siri learn your voice inflection. You can also just enable Siri without voice activation (in which case you’d trigger Siri by pressing the side button). Siri can be extremely handy for hands-free tasks, so consider enabling it. (If you’re not interested, you can skip – you can always turn Siri on later in Settings.)

  • Apple Pay: If your iPhone supports Apple Pay (most do) and you signed in with your Apple ID, you’ll be given the option to add a credit or debit card to use with Apple Pay. Apple Pay lets you tap your iPhone to pay at stores or use it for online purchases without re-entering card details. This step is optional – you can choose Set Up Later in Wallet if you don’t have your card handy or prefer not to add one now. If you do want to set it up, the iPhone may offer to import a card you already have on file (like one used with your Apple ID or on a previous phone), or you can scan a new card using the camera. It will then verify with your bank. This only takes a couple of minutes. If you skip now, you can always open the Wallet app later and add Apple Pay cards.

  • iCloud Keychain: As part of Apple ID sign-in, you might have been asked if you want to use iCloud Keychain, which securely syncs your passwords across devices. If prompted here, it’s a good idea to enable it – it makes logging into apps and websites easier by autofilling passwords (and it’s encrypted and protected by your device passcode/Face ID). You may need to enter your old device’s passcode or some verification to enable Keychain. Again, you can set this up later if you skip it.

  • App Analytics & Privacy Options: Apple cares about privacy, so you will get a screen asking if you want to share analytics data with Apple and/or app developers. This data is used to improve products (it’s anonymized crash reports, usage data, etc.). You’ll see two toggles: one for Apple, one for app developers. Sharing or not is up to you – it does not affect device performance either way. You can opt out with no functional loss; it’s purely for contributing to future improvements. Apple will also usually ask if you want to enable Location Services (which allow apps like Maps to determine your location). It’s recommended to leave Location Services on, as many apps need it, but you can manage location permissions app-by-app later.

Take a moment to go through these service setup screens and configure to your preference. None of them are make-or-break for using the phone (you can change any of these later in Settings), but it’s convenient to handle them now. Once you’ve toggled your choices for Siri, Apple Pay, updates, and analytics, you’re nearly done.


Step 7: Configure Screen Time and Display Settings

In the final stretch, your iPhone will ask about how you want to set up certain usage preferences:

  • Screen Time: Apple’s Screen Time feature provides insights into your device usage and allows you to set limits on app usage, downtime, and content restrictions (helpful if the phone is for a child, or even for your own digital well-being). During setup, you’ll see a description of Screen Time and an option to set it up for yourself or a child. You can choose “Continue” to get weekly reports on your usage, or skip it. If this iPhone is for a minor, you can set up Screen Time with parental controls (like app time limits or content filters) now, or do it later. Screen Time is useful, but optional – so feel free to enable it or skip. (You can always turn it on in Settings later if you change your mind.)

  • Display Appearance (Light vs Dark Mode): Next, you’ll likely be prompted to choose your appearance setting – Light Mode or Dark Mode. Light Mode has a bright white background interface (default), whereas Dark Mode uses a dark background which is easier on the eyes at night and can save a bit of battery on OLED-screen iPhones. You’ll see a preview of each. Select the one you prefer – and note you can also set it to Automatic, which will use Light Mode in daytime and switch to Dark Mode at night. Many users love dark mode, but it’s personal preference. (This setting, like others, can be changed later in Settings > Display & Brightness.)

  • Display Zoom & True Tone: If you have a model with a larger screen, you might get an option to choose Standard or Zoomed display. Display Zoom makes icons and text a bit larger system-wide, which some people prefer for readability. Standard fits more content on screen. Pick what looks best to you – you can also adjust this later in settings. Additionally, iPhones with True Tone (most recent models) will have that enabled by default. True Tone adapts the screen’s color temperature to ambient light to make it more comfortable on the eyes. You can toggle it in Control Center later, but during setup you might just see a screen indicating it’s on.

  • Final Tips for Specific Models: Depending on the model, Apple might include a quick tutorial at the end. For example, if you have an iPhone without a Home button, you may see a few screens demonstrating the gesture navigation – how to swipe up to go Home, swipe and pause for the app switcher, swipe from the top-right for Control Center, etc. If your iPhone has a Home button (like SE or older models), it might ask you to set the Home button click sensitivity. Follow the prompts; these are just one-time education screens.

After these are done, you’ll likely see a screen that says “Welcome to iPhone”. Congratulations – you’ve made it through the setup! 🎉 Tap Get Started and your iPhone will show its home screen, ready for you to use.

At this point, if you chose to restore from backup, your home screen might already be populating with app icons (they’ll be dim or have a progress circle while downloading). If you set up as new, you’ll just have the default apps. Either way, you can now explore your iPhone.


Conclusion

You did it – your iPhone is now set up and personalized! From here, you can start enjoying your device: try making a call, sending a text via iMessage, browsing the web, snapping some photos, and visiting the App Store to download your favorite apps (social media, games, etc.). If you transferred data from an old phone, you should find your contacts, photos, and apps mostly in place. If not, now’s a great time to familiarize yourself with the App Store and other Apple apps.

A few post-setup tips to get you started:

  • Take a Backup: Now that everything is configured, it’s smart to do a backup so you have a safe copy of your data. If you enabled iCloud backups, your iPhone will automatically back up daily when plugged in and on Wi-Fi (usually at night). You can also go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and trigger a backup manually. Alternatively, back up to a computer via iTunes/Finder. This ensures that all your accounts and apps you just set up are saved in case you ever need to restore.

  • Keep iOS Updated: Apple releases iOS updates periodically with new features and important security fixes. It’s part of maintaining your iPhone. We recommended enabling automatic updates during setup; if you did, your iPhone will update on its own. If not, you can check for updates in Settings > General > Software Update. As we noted, staying up-to-date is crucial for security and to enjoy the latest enhancementsfreditech.com. Your iPhone will notify you when an update is available.

  • Explore Your iPhone: If you’re a first-time iPhone user, take a tour of the built-in apps like Camera, Mail, Safari (web browser), Apple Music or Podcasts, Maps, and Photos. The Tips app on your home screen has helpful pointers. You might also want to set up things like voicemail (open the Phone app’s Voicemail tab to initialize it), or try a FaceTime video call with a friend. The more you use the device, the more comfortable you’ll get. Apple’s ecosystem is very user-friendly, and you’ll discover lots of cool features as you go.

  • Secure Your Device: Consider turning on Find My iPhone (it’s usually on by default when you sign into iCloud) – this helps you locate the phone if it’s lost and protect your data. Also, if you skipped Face ID/Touch ID or Apple Pay earlier and want to add them now, you can do so in Settings for added convenience and security.

We hope this step-by-step guide made your iPhone setup a breeze. With your iPhone fully configured, you’re ready to dive into the Apple world. If you run into any issues or have questions, Apple’s Support app (which you can download) and the Apple Support website are great resources. And of course, our own site has plenty of iPhone tips and tutorials to help you get the most out of your new device. Enjoy your new iPhone! 🎉

(For more in-depth iPhone guides, check out our detailed articles like the iOS Update Guide, and feel free to browse our iPhone category for the latest iPhone reviews and how-tos.)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a SIM card to set up a new iPhone?

It depends on the iPhone model and your situation. You can complete the initial setup using just Wi-Fi – a SIM card is not strictly required to get through the setup screens. If your iPhone has a physical SIM slot (most models before iPhone 14), inserting a SIM is recommended so you can activate cellular service during setup (you’ll see signal bars if it activates). If you don’t have a SIM inserted, you can still set up the phone and use all features on Wi-Fi; you just won’t have cellular service until a SIM is inserted or an eSIM activated. Newer US iPhones (iPhone 14 and later) use eSIM only, so there’s no physical SIM – in that case, you’ll be prompted to activate an eSIM with your carrier, but you can also skip that step and do it after setup. Bottom line: you can set up the iPhone without a SIM, but you will need internet (via Wi-Fi) to activate it. And to use cellular network for calls/data, you’ll eventually need to insert a valid SIM or set up an eSIM.

Can I set up my iPhone without an Apple ID?

Yes, you can skip Apple ID sign-in during setup, but it’s not recommended to skip it for long. If you choose “Forgot password or don’t have an Apple ID?” and then Set Up Later, the iPhone will allow you to proceed without logging in. However, without an Apple ID you won’t be able to download apps from the App Store, use iCloud to back up or sync your data, FaceTime/iMessage, or many other Apple services. Essentially, you’ll have a smartphone without the “smart” services. If you’re setting up for someone (or yourself) temporarily without an Apple ID, that’s fine – just understand the device is limited. You can create a new Apple ID for free either during setup or afterward (go to Settings > Sign in to your iPhone). It’s best to have an Apple ID to get the full iPhone experience. The good news is you don’t need a credit card to create an Apple ID – you can skip adding a payment method if you only plan to get free apps. So while you can set up without it, plan to sign in soon to enjoy your iPhone fully.

How do I transfer data from my Android phone to my new iPhone?

Apple provides a handy tool called Move to iOS for this exact purpose. During the iPhone setup, on the Apps & Data screen, choose “Move Data from Android.” Your iPhone will display a code. On your Android device, install the Move to iOS app from Google Play Store (it’s by Apple). Open it, follow the prompts, and enter the code shown on the iPhone. The two devices will establish a direct Wi-Fi connection. You can then select what to transfer: contacts, messages, photos, videos, web bookmarks, email accounts, etc. Once you start, be patient – the transfer may take several minutes depending on how much content you have. After it’s done, your new iPhone will have the transferred data (you may need to download free apps that were on Android, and things like WhatsApp chats require a different process). This wireless transfer process is secure and does not cost anything. Remember, you can only do this during initial setupmanuals.plus (if you already set up the iPhone, you’d have to erase it to run Move to iOS, or otherwise manually move data). For a smooth transfer, keep both phones nearby, plugged in, and preferably on Wi-Fi. It’s a one-time setup step that makes switching from Android much easier.

Can I skip the Face ID/Touch ID step? I’m not sure I want to use it.

Yes, you can skip setting up Face ID or Touch ID during initial setup. On the Face ID/Touch ID setup screen, simply tap “Set Up Later in Settings” to bypass it. Your iPhone will then just rely on the passcode you set for security. Keep in mind that Face ID and Touch ID are there to help protect your data while making it convenient to unlock your phone quickly. They are generally very secure (Face ID, for example, uses a detailed depth scan of your face and won’t unlock if your eyes are closed or if it’s an unrecognized face). If you skip now and later decide you want this convenience, you can go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Settings > Touch ID & Passcode and set it up at any time. Many users find it useful, but it’s completely your choice. If you’re uncomfortable with it, sticking to a strong passcode is perfectly acceptable – just note you’ll need to enter that passcode frequently (every time you unlock, and for App Store or payment authorizations). One way to think of it: Face ID/Touch ID speeds things up, but the passcode is the ultimate lock. Skipping won’t break anything; you can always enable these features later when you’re ready.

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

The time can vary a lot depending on whether you are restoring data and how much data there is, but the basic setup (without a huge data transfer) is pretty quick – usually around 5–10 minutes to get through the essential steps (language, Wi-Fi, Apple ID, etc.). If you’re not transferring a ton of stuff, you can be at the home screen using your phone within minutes. However, if you chose to restore from an iCloud backup or transfer data from an old phone, that can add time. For example, downloading a large iCloud backup (say, tens of gigabytes of photos and apps) could take an hour or more depending on your Wi-Fi speeddiscussions.apple.com. Device-to-device transfers over Quick Start might take 20–30 minutes or longer, again depending on how much needs to move. During those transfers, you’ll see a progress bar and an estimated time. It’s a good idea to keep the phones plugged in if the process is lengthy. In summary: initial configuration is only a few minutes, but full data restoration can extend the total time. Once you’re at the “Welcome to iPhone” screen and tap Get Started, you’re essentially done with setup – any remaining app downloads or photo syncing will happen in the background, and you can begin using the iPhone right away. So, don’t be intimidated – even if you have a lot of data, the iPhone will handle it; you might just need to allow some extra time for everything to download.


Author: Fred Wiredu – Tech Journalist & Gadget Reviewer at FrediTech. Fred has over 10 years of experience helping users navigate new tech. As an Apple enthusiast and certified support professional, he has written numerous how-to guides on iPhone usage. Fred’s goal is to make technology accessible and easy to understand for everyone, especially first-time users. His step-by-step tutorials and tips have helped thousands set up and get the most out of their devices with confidence.

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