How to Set Up a New iPhone (Complete Beginner's Guide)

7 min read · Works for all iPhone models

Setting up a new iPhone is straightforward once you know the steps. You can start completely fresh, transfer everything wirelessly from your old phone, or restore from a backup — here's how to do all three.

Option A — Set Up as a New iPhone

Choose this if this is your first iPhone or you don't want to transfer anything from an old phone.

Press the power button to turn on your iPhone

Hold the button on the right side (or top, on older models) until the Apple logo appears.

Select your language and country, then connect to WiFi

You'll need a WiFi connection to complete setup and download your apps.

Set up Face ID or Touch ID

Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face or fingerprint. This is how you unlock your phone and authorize purchases.

Create a 6-digit passcode

Choose something memorable but not obvious. This is your backup unlock method.

Sign in with your Apple ID or create one

This gives you access to the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. If you don't have one, tap Forgot password or don't have an Apple ID to create one.

Finish the remaining prompts and tap Get Started

Set up Siri, Screen Time, and display preferences to your liking. You can always change these later in Settings.

Option B — Transfer from Your Old iPhone (Easiest)

This wirelessly copies your apps, photos, settings, and data. Nothing is deleted from your old phone.

Turn on your new iPhone and hold it near your old one

A prompt called Set Up New iPhone will appear on your old iPhone automatically.

Tap Continue on your old iPhone

Then point your old phone's camera at the animation that appears on the new iPhone's screen.

Follow the prompts to authenticate and start the transfer

Enter your Apple ID password and passcode when asked. The transfer takes 20–60 minutes depending on how much data you have.

Option C — Restore from iCloud Backup

During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup

You'll see this option after connecting to WiFi and signing in with your Apple ID.

Choose the most recent backup and wait for it to complete

Keep connected to WiFi throughout. The restore may take 30 minutes or more. Your iPhone will restart when done.

After Setup — Important First Steps

Update iOS: Settings → General → Software Update — install any available updates
Set up Apple Pay: Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay → Add Card
Download your previous apps: Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, then tap Purchased
Enable Find My: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone — turn this on so your phone can be located if lost

Tips:
• Charge your new iPhone to at least 50% before starting setup
• Keep both phones close together during the wireless transfer
• Don't turn off WiFi during the transfer — it will interrupt the process
• Your old phone stays completely untouched — nothing is deleted from it

Need help with a specific step?

Tell Koda where you're stuck and we'll walk you through it — whether it's your Apple ID, the transfer, or anything after setup.

Talk to Koda →