How to set up a new iPhone — step by step

You've just taken a new iPhone out of its box. It's switched off, the screen is blank, and there's no manual in sight. That moment can feel surprisingly overwhelming — even if you've used a phone before.

Here's a calm, step-by-step walkthrough of what happens when you turn it on for the first time, and what each screen is actually asking you.

Before you start

Have three things nearby:

• Your Wi-Fi password. The iPhone will ask for it early in the process. If you don't know it, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router.
• Your Apple Account email and password. If you've ever used an Apple device, you already have one. If not, you can create one during setup.
• Your old phone (if you have one). The iPhone can transfer your contacts, photos, and messages from your previous device — even if it was an Android.

Step 1: Turn it on

Press and hold the button on the right side of the iPhone until the Apple logo appears. That's it. After a few seconds, a "Hello" greeting slides across the screen in different languages.

Swipe up (or press the Home button on older models) to begin.

Step 2: Choose your language and region

Tap your language, then tap your country. These choices affect things like date format, currency, and which App Store you see. You can change them later if needed.

Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi

The iPhone will show a list of nearby Wi-Fi networks. Tap yours and type the password. If you make a mistake, just delete and try again — the password is hidden by default, but you can tap the eye icon to reveal it.

Step 4: Face ID and passcode

The phone will ask you to set up Face ID — the feature that unlocks your iPhone by recognising your face. You'll slowly move your head in a circle while the camera maps your features. It takes about 30 seconds.

You'll also create a six-digit passcode. This is your backup for when Face ID doesn't work (for example, if you're wearing a mask). Choose something you'll remember, but not something obvious like 123456 or your birthday.

Step 5: Transfer your data (or start fresh)

If you have an old iPhone, hold it close — the new phone will detect it and offer to copy everything over wirelessly. If you're coming from Android, download the "Move to iOS" app on your old phone first.

If this is your first smartphone, tap Don't Transfer Anything. You can always add contacts, photos, and apps later at your own pace.

Step 6: Sign in with your Apple Account

Enter your Apple Account email and password. If you don't have one yet, tap Forgot password or don't have an Apple Account? and follow the steps to create one. Your Apple Account connects you to the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime.

What to do first once you're in

After setup finishes, you'll see the Home Screen — a grid of app icons. Here are three things worth doing in your first ten minutes:

1. Open Messages and send someone a text, just to see how it works.
2. Open Settings → Display & Brightness and adjust the text size if things look too small.
3. Open the Camera and take a photo. You'll find it in the Photos app afterward.

Everything else can wait. The goal for today is to get comfortable holding it, tapping, and swiping. The rest comes naturally, one thing at a time.