What happens when you turn on a new iPhone

When you power on a new iPhone for the first time, the device walks you through a series of setup screens. You'll connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Apple ID, choose your security settings, and restore your data if you're switching from another phone. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how much data you're moving over.

Apple calls this the Setup Assistant. It appears automatically the first time you turn the phone on and guides you through each step in order. You can't skip most of these steps, though you can choose to set some things up later — like Face ID or adding a payment method.

If you've already started setup and want to begin again, you can reset the phone and start over. This is useful if you made a mistake early on or want to set it up differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn on the iPhone and follow the Setup Assistant screens in order — you'll need your Apple ID password and a Wi-Fi network.
  • You can restore your data from a previous iPhone using iCloud or a computer backup, or start fresh with a new phone.
  • Face ID and Touch ID setup is optional during initial setup but recommended for security and unlocking the phone.
  • If you make a mistake during setup, you can erase the phone and start over by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Turning on the iPhone and connecting to Wi-Fi

Press and hold the power button on the side of the iPhone until the Apple logo appears. This takes about 10 seconds. The phone will vibrate and the "Hello" screen will show up in the language your region uses by default.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to continue. The Setup Assistant will ask you to choose a language and region. Select the ones that match where you are, then tap Next.

On the Wi-Fi screen, choose your network from the list and enter the password. The iPhone needs an internet connection to download updates and restore your data. If you don't have Wi-Fi available, you can use a mobile hotspot from another phone, but this uses their data.

Signing in with your Apple ID

The Setup Assistant will ask for your Apple ID and password. This is the account you use for the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services. If you don't have one, you can create it during setup by tapping "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" and then "Create a free Apple ID."

If you're moving from an Android phone or don't want to use an Apple ID yet, you can skip this step and add one later in Settings. However, you'll need an Apple ID to use most iPhone features like iCloud backup, Find My iPhone, and the App Store.

After you sign in, the phone will ask whether to restore your data from an iCloud backup or set up as a new phone. If you have a previous iPhone, you can also restore from a computer backup using a Mac or Windows PC with iTunes or Finder.

Restoring your data from a backup

If you choose to restore from iCloud, the Setup Assistant will show you a list of backups associated with your Apple ID. Select the most recent one that matches your old phone. The iPhone will download your apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings from that backup.

This process can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. The phone will continue to download in the background even after you finish setup, so you can start using it right away.

If you're setting up as a new phone, you'll start with a blank iPhone. You can add your contacts, photos, and other data later by signing into your accounts in Settings or by downloading apps from the App Store.

Setting up Face ID or Touch ID

The Setup Assistant will offer to set up Face ID (on newer iPhones with a notch or Dynamic Island) or Touch ID (on iPhones with a home button). These let you unlock your phone and confirm purchases with your face or fingerprint instead of typing your password.

To set up Face ID, hold the iPhone in front of your face and follow the on-screen instructions. You'll rotate the phone slowly in a circle so it can map your face from different angles. Do this twice for better recognition in different lighting.

For Touch ID, place your finger on the home button and lift it repeatedly. The phone will record your fingerprint in sections. You can add up to five fingerprints, which is useful if you want to use multiple fingers or add someone else's fingerprint.

Both are optional during setup. If you skip them now, you can set them up later in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Settings > Touch ID & Passcode.

Creating a passcode and finishing setup

The Setup Assistant will ask you to create a passcode — a six-digit code (or longer if you choose) that unlocks your phone if Face ID or Touch ID fails. Write this down or store it somewhere safe. If you forget it, you'll need to erase the phone and set it up again.

After you set your passcode, the Setup Assistant will show you a few more optional screens. You can choose whether to use Siri (Apple's voice assistant), enable location services, and set up Apple Pay if you want to pay with your phone.

Once you tap "Continue" on the final screen, your iPhone is set up and ready to use. You'll see the home screen with your apps. If you restored from a backup, your apps and data will continue downloading in the background.

What to do if you need to start setup over

If you made a mistake during setup or want to configure things differently, you can erase the iPhone and start from the beginning. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. The phone will ask for your Apple ID password to confirm, then it will erase everything and restart.

When the iPhone turns back on, the Setup Assistant will appear again. You can go through the process a second time. This is also the way to set up the phone if someone else is going to use it — erase it first, then hand it to them to set up with their own Apple ID.

Erasing takes 5 to 10 minutes. Don't turn off the phone during this process or you may damage the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up an iPhone without an Apple ID?

You can skip adding an Apple ID during setup and add one later, but you won't be able to use iCloud, the App Store, or Find My iPhone without one. Most people create an Apple ID during setup to avoid problems later.

What if I forget my passcode?

If you forget your six-digit passcode, you'll need to erase the phone and set it up again. There's no way to recover a forgotten passcode. This is why writing it down or storing it in a password manager is important.

How long does it take to restore data from a backup?

Restoring from an iCloud backup usually takes 30 minutes to a few hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed. The phone continues downloading in the background after setup is complete, so you can use it while it finishes.

Can I use my iPhone while it's restoring data?

Yes. After you finish the Setup Assistant, you can use your iPhone right away. Apps and data will continue downloading in the background. You might notice the phone is slower until the restore is finished.

What if the Setup Assistant crashes or gets stuck?

Force restart the iPhone by quickly pressing and releasing the volume up button, then the volume down button, then pressing and holding the power button until the Apple logo appears. This will restart the phone and bring back the Setup Assistant.