How to Set Up Your New iPhone

Alternatively, you can simply select Set Up Without Another Device, and From iCloud Backup or From Mac or PC. Then enter your Apple ID and password, and go grab a peppermint mocha while your iPhone restarts with all of your settings, preferences, apps, and more in place. In other words, it’ll be just like your old device, but … newer.

If you’re coming over from Android, download the Move to iOS Android app from Google Play. On the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen during the setup process for your new iPhone, tap From Android. Go back to your Android phone, open the app, tap Continue, and follow the instructions from there. You can’t transfer everything, but you can bring over your contacts, messages, photos and videos, calendars, and email accounts. Some apps will even make the jump. Just be aware that, depending on how much data you have, it can take a long time to move. Connect your iPhone and Android phone with a USB-C cable to transfer data faster.

Set Up Manually

If this is your first Apple rodeo, or you want a fresh start and like fiddling around in menus, select Set Up Manually. Follow the onscreen instructions to activate your iPhone or iPad. You will connect to your Wi-Fi network, activate your eSIM or pop your physical SIM into the new device, set up a six-digit passcode, set up Face ID, and restore or transfer your data and apps. You can choose to restore From iCloud Backup, From Another iPhone, From Mac or PC, From Android, or, if you want a clean slate, Don’t Transfer Anything. People coming from Android, remember you can use the Move to iOS app.

Next, you’ll sign in with your Apple ID, choose whether to turn on automatic updates, and set up features like your iCloud account, FaceTime, iMessage, and Location Services. You’ll also be asked if you want to set up Siri, which includes saying a few phrases so the assistant can get to know your voice. You can set up Screen Time, which tracks your device usage and lets you set limits.