How to set up a new iPhone

Opening a new iPhone can be a very exciting moment, as you get ready to dive into the updated features and tech. Whether it’s your first iPhone or an upgrade to the latest model, the correct setup can make the transition simple and easy.

Learn how to set up a new iPhone and transfer your old data if needed, with simple instructions and advice.

Transferring from an old iPhone

If you need to transfer your data from a previous iPhone model, you can use the Quick Start feature and use your old phone to begin setting up.

1. Switch on your new device and place it next to the old phone.
2. On your old device, the display will ask if you want to use your current Apple ID. Enter the ID and tap 'continue'. If you can't see this option, turn on Bluetooth.
3. Wait for an animation on your new device. Once visible, hold your old device over the new phone.
4. Once complete, a message will pop up with 'Finish on New Device'.
5. A prompt will ask for your old phone's passcode. Enter it and follow the instructions to set up Face ID or Touch ID on the new device.
6. 'Transfer the data from device' will appear. Tap 'continue'to do so.
7. Keep your devices charged and close together whilst the data transfer takes effect. Transfer time can be affected by network conditions and the amount of data being transferred.

Transferring from Android to iOS

If you are moving from Android to iOS, there are a few steps you can take to make this process a breeze.

1. Download the 'Move to iOS' app in the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Go to your settings on your new iPhone and look for 'Apps & Data'. Tap 'Move data from Android.
3. On your Android, open the 'Move to iOS' app. Tap 'continue', read the terms & conditions, and tap 'Agree'.
4. Back on your iOS device, tap 'Continue' once you see the 'Move from Android' screen. A one-time code will appear. Enter this code on your Android device.
5. Your iOS device will now form a temporary Wi-Fi network. When prompted, tap 'connect' to join from your Android device.
6. On the Android device, select what content you wish to transfer over, then tap 'continue'. Keep your devices adjacent to each other until the loading bar is complete on your iOS device. The time of transfer will be dependent on how much you wish to move across.
7. Once the loading bar is complete, tap 'Done' on your Android device. Then tap 'continue' on the iOS device and follow the steps to finish the setup.

First-time set-up of a new iPhone

Press and hold the new device’s power button until you see the Apple logo. A ‘Hello’ message will appear on the screen. Follow the steps on the display
when prompted, choose your language, then tap your country or region and
connect to your Wi-Fi or mobile data network. You may need to insert your iPhone SIM card if necessary

On certain models of iPhone, you can use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your device. Tap ‘Continue’ and follow the instructions to set up your chosen unlock method.
Once done, set a six-digit passcode. This is required to use features such as Face ID and Apple Pay.

Enter your Apple ID and password. If you don’t have these details yet, tap ‘Forgot Password’ or ‘Don’t Have an Apple ID’.

On the next screen, tap ‘Continue’ and follow instructions to set up automatic updates for security and apps.

The next section will take you through setting up Siri. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Next, decide if you want to set Screen Time limitations on your device, to monitor how long you or your child can use the device for.

Finally, tap ‘Get Started’ to begin using your new iPhone.

Additional set-up features

Once your shiny new iPhone is up and running, there are some additional features you can enable to further enhance your iPhone toolset.

Find My Phone

Find My iPhone is a feature of the iCloud that enables you to locate a lost Apple device using GPS. By using a web browser on another device and logging into your iCloud account, you can use Find My iPhone to locate your lost device.

Find My iPhone is typically activated during the initial set-up process. If this wasn’t done, follow the below steps:

Go to ‘Settings’ and tap your name
Tap ‘Find My’.

To let friends and family know where you are, turn on ‘Share My Location’ in the ‘Find My’ section. This is an optional setting.

Tap ‘Find My iPhone’ and press the toggle switch.

To see your phone even when it is offline, tap the ‘Find My Network’ switch. This is an optional setting.

Turn on ‘Send Last Location’ to have your phone send a location signal when it is low on battery.

Depending on your device’s version of iOS, a prompt may appear clarifying that Find My iPhone requires the use of GPS tracking. Tap ‘Allow’.

Go to Settings > Privacy and check if you have 'Location Services' enabled. This is needed to locate your phone on a map.

Using Find My iPhone

Open a web browser and log into iCloud.com.

Select ‘Find My iPhone’.

Any device now set up with Find My will appear as a dot on a map; the green dot is an online device, grey is offline.

Select ‘All Devices’ and choose the missing device.

Choose a tracking option:
‘Play Sound’ – the missing device will make a sound
‘Lost Mode’ – locks your iPhone and tracks it

‘Erase iPhone’ – used to delete your personal information from the lost device

Setting up Medical ID

Medical ID allows the user to add personal information for first responders during an emergency. This could include allergies, disabilities, or emergency contacts.

Open the Health app, or first download it from the App Store.

Tap the profile picture in the top right corner.

Tap ‘Medical ID’.

Select ‘Edit’.

Turn on ‘Show When Locked’ to enable your medical details to be shown if your device is locked in an emergency.

Enter your health information.
Tap ‘Done’.

Editing emergency contacts

Open the Health app and tap ‘Summary’.
Tap the profile picture in the top-right corner and select ‘Medical ID’.
Tap ‘Edit’ and scroll to ‘Emergency Contacts’.

Press the + button next to ‘Add Emergency Contact’. Add the contact’s details.

Tap ‘Done’ once complete.

It’s important to set up your new iPhone correctly to avoid any headaches in the future and ensure it is as useful as possible for your day-to-day life. If your new iPhone needs a few accessories to keep it safe and secure, check out our range of iPhone cases and screen protectors in various sizes, materials, and colours.

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