1 If you have an old iPhone — back it up first
Back it up to iCloud nowSettings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
Wait until it finishes and the date says todayDon't rush this — it's what moves your photos, messages and apps across.
Check your photos are up to dateOpen Photos, tap Collections, then tap the profile button in the top-right.
Keep the old phone until the new one worksDon't wipe or trade it in until everything has moved over.
2 Get your passwords ready
Your Apple Account email and passwordWrite it down — you'll type it several times during setup.
Your Wi-Fi password
Your email account password
Know how to open your password managerIf you use one (or your saved iCloud passwords).
Banking and login-code apps may sign you outHave those passwords handy — a new phone often asks again.
3 Also have nearby
A charger and twenty quiet minutes
Your old phone's passcodeThe setup may ask for it to move things across.
4 The first ten minutes
Choose your language and country
Connect to your Wi-Fi
Use Quick Start to move your old phone overHold the two phones close together and follow the prompts.
Set up Face IDIt unlocks your phone just by looking at it.
Pick a passcode you'll remember
5 Make it comfortable
Make the text biggerSettings → Display & Brightness → Text Size
Turn up the ringer and pick a ringtone
Add your email accountSettings → Apps → Mail → Mail Accounts → Add Account
6 Before you put it down
Turn on Find My iPhoneSo you can locate it if it's ever lost.
Turn on automatic iCloud backupNow this phone protects itself, just like step 1.
Add medical info and an emergency contactIn the Health app → Medical ID.
When stuck, just ask SiriSay "how do I…" and finish the question out loud.