Set up your new iPhone with this simple tutorial
Introduction to iPhone Activation
Last Updated: July 27, 2015
Whether your new iPhone is your first or you've been using Apple's smartphone since 2007, the first thing you must do with any new iPhone is to set it up. This article covers activating an iPhone 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5C, 5, or 4S running iOS 8.
RELATED: If your phone is already set up, learn how to sync content to your iPhone.
Before you get started, ensure that your version of iTunes is up to date. This isn't always absolutely required, but it's probably a good idea.
Learn how to install iTunes here. Once you've got iTunes installed or updated, you're ready to proceed.
Begin by turning on/waking up your iPhone by holding down the sleep/power button in the top right corner. When the screen lights up, you'll see the image above. Swipe the slider to the right to begin iPhone activation.
Next, choose the location where you'll be using your iPhone. That involves selecting the language you want the phone to work in (that is, what language will be shown onscreen) and setting your home country.
Tap the language you want to use. Then tap the country you want to use the phone in (this won't prevent you from using it in other countries if you travel or move to them, but it determines what your home country is) and tap Next to continue.
Choose a Wi-Fi Network & Enable Location Services
Next, you'll need to connect to a Wi-Fi network. This isn't required if your phone is connected to your computer while you set it up, but if you have a Wi-Fi network in the location where you're activating your iPhone, tap on it and then enter its password (if it has one). Your iPhone will remember the password from now on and you'll be able to connect to that network any time you're in range. Tap the Next button to proceed.
If you don't have a Wi-Fi network nearby, scroll to the bottom of this screen, where you'll see an option to use iTunes. Tap that and then plug your iPhone in to your computer with the included syncing cable. Only do on this the computer you're going to sync your phone to going forward.
Now, decide whether you want to turn on Location Services or not. Location Services are the iPhone's GPS features, the features that allow you to get driving directions, find movies and restaurants nearby, and other things that depend on knowing your location.
Some people may not want to turn this on, but I recommend it. Not having it on will remove a lot of useful functionality from your iPhone. If you have concerns about it, though, check out this article on privacy settings related to Location Services.
Tap on your choice and then tap Next in the top right corner to proceed.
iPhone Set Up Options
Next, you have to choose how you want to set up your iPhone. There are three options:
Tap your choice and then tap the Next button in the top corner to proceed.
Create or Enter Your Apple ID
Next, you'll be asked to either log in to an existing Apple ID or create a new one. Your Apple ID is a crucial account for iPhone owners: you use it for a lot of things, from buying at iTunes to using iCloud to making FaceTime calls to setting up Genius Bar support appointments, and more.
If you have an existing Apple ID that you've used with a previous Apple product or to buy an iTunes, log in with it here.
If not, you'll need to create one. Tap the button to create a new Apple ID and follow the onscreen prompts. You'll need to enter information like your birthday, name, and email address to create your account.
After this step, you'll be asked to agree to the terms of using an Apple ID. You need to do so to continue the set up process, so tap Agree.
Enable iCloud
The next step in iPhone set up includes a pair of options related to iCloud, the free web-based service Apple offers. I generally recommend using iCloud since it allows you to do the following:
Your iCloud account will be added to the Apple ID that you entered or created in the last step.
To enable iCloud, tap the Use iCloud option and follow the instructions.
If you're running iOS 7, skip to Step 7. If you're running iOS 8, next you'll see a message telling you that Find My iPhone has been enabled by default. You can turn it off later, but this is a very bad idea—the service helps you find lost/stolen phones and protect data on them—so leave it on.
If you're on iOS 8, tap Next on the Find My iPhone screen and move on.
This step only appears if you're running iOS 8 or higher. It gives you the option to use iCloud Drive with your phone.
ICloud Drive lets you upload files to your iCloud account from one device and then have them sync automatically to all of your other compatible devices. It's essentially Apple's version of cloud-based tools like Dropbox.
In this step, you can choose to either add iCloud Drive to your device (with the note, as shown on the screen, that devices running earlier OSes won't be able to access those files) or skip by tapping Not Now.
If you choose Not Now, you can always turn iCloud Drive on at a later date.
Security Features (Passcode, Touch ID)
On these three screens, you configure the security features you want to enable on your iPhone. They are optional, but I strongly recommend you use at least one, and perhaps all three (I do).
If you're running iOS 7, the first of these options is to decide whether you want to enable Find My iPhone (remember, as noted in Step 5, iOS 8 users have Find My iPhone turned on by default and can skip this part).
All iPhone users should do this.
The second option is available only to iPhone 6 Plus, 6, and 5S owners: Touch ID. Touch ID is the fingerprint scanner built into those devices' Home button that allows you to unlock the phone, use Apple Pay, and buy at the iTunes and App Stores with just your fingerprint.
It may seem like a gimmick, but I find it surprisingly useful and efficient. If you want to use Touch ID, follow the onscreen instructions, or cancel.
The final security option is to add a Passcode. This is a four-digit password that has to be entered when you turn on your iPhone and prevents anyone who doesn't know it from using your device. It's another important security measure, and can work together with Touch ID.
Enable iCloud Keychain
Not everyone will see this step. It only appears if you've used iCloud Keychain in the past on other devices.
ICloud Keychain allows all of your iCloud-compatible devices to share login information for online accounts, credit card information, and more. It's a very helpful feature—passwords will be automatically entered at websites, payments become easier.
To continue using iCloud Keychain, you need to validate that your new device should have access.
Do that by tapping Approve from Other Device or Use iCloud Security Code. The Other Device option will cause a message to pop up on one of your other Apple devices that's logged into iCloud Keychain, while the iCloud option will send a confirmation message. Grant access and continue.
If you're uncomfortable with the idea of this information being stored in your iCloud account, or don't want to use iCloud Keychain anymore, tap Don't Restore Passwords.
Enable Siri
You've heard all about Siri, the iPhone's voice-activated assistant that you can talk to to perform actions. In this step, you decide whether or not to use it.
Siri is one of the most interesting features of the iPhone. I recommend enabling it, but it's not required. Make your choice and tap the Next button to head to the final few steps.
Apple will then ask if you want to share information about your iPhone—basically information about how the iPhone is working and whether it crashes, etc.; no personal information is shared—with them.
It helps improve the overall experience of using the iPhone, but is strictly optional.
This feature is only available to users of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Because the screens on those devices are so much bigger than previous models, users have an choice for how their screens will appear: you can set the screen to take advantage of its size and show more data, or show the same amount of data while making it bigger and easier to see for people with poor eyesight.
This feature is called Display Zoom.
On the Display Zoom setup screen, you can choose either Standard or Zoomed. Tap the option you prefer and you'll see a preview of how the phone will look. In the preview, swipe left and right to see the preview applied to various scenarios. You can also tap the Standard and Zoomed buttons at the top of the screen to toggle between them.
When you've chosen the option you want, tap Next to continue.
If you want to change this setting later:
With the final set up steps completed, it's time to use your new iPhone! Tap Get Started to begin.
Here are some articles that you may find helpful:
Last Updated: July 27, 2015
Whether your new iPhone is your first or you've been using Apple's smartphone since 2007, the first thing you must do with any new iPhone is to set it up. This article covers activating an iPhone 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5C, 5, or 4S running iOS 8.
RELATED: If your phone is already set up, learn how to sync content to your iPhone.
Before you get started, ensure that your version of iTunes is up to date. This isn't always absolutely required, but it's probably a good idea.
Learn how to install iTunes here. Once you've got iTunes installed or updated, you're ready to proceed.
Turn on iPhone
Begin by turning on/waking up your iPhone by holding down the sleep/power button in the top right corner. When the screen lights up, you'll see the image above. Swipe the slider to the right to begin iPhone activation.
Select Language
Next, choose the location where you'll be using your iPhone. That involves selecting the language you want the phone to work in (that is, what language will be shown onscreen) and setting your home country.
Tap the language you want to use. Then tap the country you want to use the phone in (this won't prevent you from using it in other countries if you travel or move to them, but it determines what your home country is) and tap Next to continue.
Choose a Wi-Fi Network & Enable Location Services
Next, you'll need to connect to a Wi-Fi network. This isn't required if your phone is connected to your computer while you set it up, but if you have a Wi-Fi network in the location where you're activating your iPhone, tap on it and then enter its password (if it has one). Your iPhone will remember the password from now on and you'll be able to connect to that network any time you're in range. Tap the Next button to proceed.
If you don't have a Wi-Fi network nearby, scroll to the bottom of this screen, where you'll see an option to use iTunes. Tap that and then plug your iPhone in to your computer with the included syncing cable. Only do on this the computer you're going to sync your phone to going forward.
Enable Location Services
Now, decide whether you want to turn on Location Services or not. Location Services are the iPhone's GPS features, the features that allow you to get driving directions, find movies and restaurants nearby, and other things that depend on knowing your location.
Some people may not want to turn this on, but I recommend it. Not having it on will remove a lot of useful functionality from your iPhone. If you have concerns about it, though, check out this article on privacy settings related to Location Services.
Tap on your choice and then tap Next in the top right corner to proceed.
iPhone Set Up Options
Next, you have to choose how you want to set up your iPhone. There are three options:
- Set Up As New iPhone - This is your choice if you haven't had an iPhone, iPad, or iPod before. This means you're starting completely from scratch and aren't restoring any backed up data onto your phone.
- Restore from iCloud Backup - If you've used iCloud to backup your data, apps, and other content from other Apple devices, choose this to download the data from your iCloud account to your iPhone.
- Restore from iTunes Backup - This won't work if you haven't had an iPhone, iPod, or iPad before. If you have, though, you can install your apps, music, settings, and other data on your new iPhone from the backups that already exist on your PC. This isn't required—you can always set up as new if you want—but it's an option that makes the transition to a new device smoother.
Tap your choice and then tap the Next button in the top corner to proceed.
Create or Enter Your Apple ID
Next, you'll be asked to either log in to an existing Apple ID or create a new one. Your Apple ID is a crucial account for iPhone owners: you use it for a lot of things, from buying at iTunes to using iCloud to making FaceTime calls to setting up Genius Bar support appointments, and more.
If you have an existing Apple ID that you've used with a previous Apple product or to buy an iTunes, log in with it here.
If not, you'll need to create one. Tap the button to create a new Apple ID and follow the onscreen prompts. You'll need to enter information like your birthday, name, and email address to create your account.
Agree to Terms
After this step, you'll be asked to agree to the terms of using an Apple ID. You need to do so to continue the set up process, so tap Agree.
Enable iCloud
The next step in iPhone set up includes a pair of options related to iCloud, the free web-based service Apple offers. I generally recommend using iCloud since it allows you to do the following:
- Use Find My iPhone
- Redownload Purchases from iTunes
- Use iCloud Photo Library to store and access photos online
- Use Pages, Keynote, and Numbers documents online
- Backup your iPhone data and restore from backup over the Internet
- Use your iCloud as a central account for your calendar, contact, and email and sync them to all iCloud-compatible devices
- Use Apple Music
- and much more.
Your iCloud account will be added to the Apple ID that you entered or created in the last step.
To enable iCloud, tap the Use iCloud option and follow the instructions.
If you're running iOS 7, skip to Step 7. If you're running iOS 8, next you'll see a message telling you that Find My iPhone has been enabled by default. You can turn it off later, but this is a very bad idea—the service helps you find lost/stolen phones and protect data on them—so leave it on.
If you're on iOS 8, tap Next on the Find My iPhone screen and move on.
Enable iCloud Drive
This step only appears if you're running iOS 8 or higher. It gives you the option to use iCloud Drive with your phone.
ICloud Drive lets you upload files to your iCloud account from one device and then have them sync automatically to all of your other compatible devices. It's essentially Apple's version of cloud-based tools like Dropbox.
In this step, you can choose to either add iCloud Drive to your device (with the note, as shown on the screen, that devices running earlier OSes won't be able to access those files) or skip by tapping Not Now.
If you choose Not Now, you can always turn iCloud Drive on at a later date.
Security Features (Passcode, Touch ID)
On these three screens, you configure the security features you want to enable on your iPhone. They are optional, but I strongly recommend you use at least one, and perhaps all three (I do).
Find My iPhone
If you're running iOS 7, the first of these options is to decide whether you want to enable Find My iPhone (remember, as noted in Step 5, iOS 8 users have Find My iPhone turned on by default and can skip this part).
All iPhone users should do this.
Touch ID
The second option is available only to iPhone 6 Plus, 6, and 5S owners: Touch ID. Touch ID is the fingerprint scanner built into those devices' Home button that allows you to unlock the phone, use Apple Pay, and buy at the iTunes and App Stores with just your fingerprint.
It may seem like a gimmick, but I find it surprisingly useful and efficient. If you want to use Touch ID, follow the onscreen instructions, or cancel.
Passcode
The final security option is to add a Passcode. This is a four-digit password that has to be entered when you turn on your iPhone and prevents anyone who doesn't know it from using your device. It's another important security measure, and can work together with Touch ID.
Enable iCloud Keychain
Not everyone will see this step. It only appears if you've used iCloud Keychain in the past on other devices.
ICloud Keychain allows all of your iCloud-compatible devices to share login information for online accounts, credit card information, and more. It's a very helpful feature—passwords will be automatically entered at websites, payments become easier.
To continue using iCloud Keychain, you need to validate that your new device should have access.
Do that by tapping Approve from Other Device or Use iCloud Security Code. The Other Device option will cause a message to pop up on one of your other Apple devices that's logged into iCloud Keychain, while the iCloud option will send a confirmation message. Grant access and continue.
If you're uncomfortable with the idea of this information being stored in your iCloud account, or don't want to use iCloud Keychain anymore, tap Don't Restore Passwords.
Enable Siri
You've heard all about Siri, the iPhone's voice-activated assistant that you can talk to to perform actions. In this step, you decide whether or not to use it.
Siri is one of the most interesting features of the iPhone. I recommend enabling it, but it's not required. Make your choice and tap the Next button to head to the final few steps.
Share Diagnostic Information
Apple will then ask if you want to share information about your iPhone—basically information about how the iPhone is working and whether it crashes, etc.; no personal information is shared—with them.
It helps improve the overall experience of using the iPhone, but is strictly optional.
This feature is only available to users of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Because the screens on those devices are so much bigger than previous models, users have an choice for how their screens will appear: you can set the screen to take advantage of its size and show more data, or show the same amount of data while making it bigger and easier to see for people with poor eyesight.
This feature is called Display Zoom.
On the Display Zoom setup screen, you can choose either Standard or Zoomed. Tap the option you prefer and you'll see a preview of how the phone will look. In the preview, swipe left and right to see the preview applied to various scenarios. You can also tap the Standard and Zoomed buttons at the top of the screen to toggle between them.
When you've chosen the option you want, tap Next to continue.
If you want to change this setting later:
- Tap Settings
- Tap Display & Brightness
- Tap Display Zoom
- Change your selection.
With the final set up steps completed, it's time to use your new iPhone! Tap Get Started to begin.
Here are some articles that you may find helpful:
- Learn how to download apps from the App Store
- Tips to Extend iPhone Battery Life
- Create Folders on iPhone
- Set Up Apple Pay
