An Apple iPhone is a sensational gift, whether it’s been given to you or you’ve treated yourself to it. Anyway, well done. Setup is simple, so that’s probably one of the things you choose Apple for, but there are a few simple tips and tricks that can make for the smoothest introduction to your new phone companion. Here is.
Setting up a new iPhone is quick and easy.
Before you start
Make sure you know your Apple ID and password, if you have one, and of course your current iPhone’s passcode before you begin. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many stumble across one or more of these!
You’ll also need your Wi-Fi router name and password and your existing SIM card, unless your new iPhone doesn’t have a SIM card tray, in which case you’ll go for an eSIM. If you’re moving from an Android to an iPhone with an eSIM, you’ll need a QR code that your carrier can provide. All sorted? Right, here we go.
The first screen you’ll see on your new iPhone.
1. Your first iPhone
Is this your first iPhone? If so, just press and hold the Side button to activate it, it’s on the far right on all models. Then follow the on-screen instructions to set a language, region and connect to wi-fi. We’d also encourage you to set up Face ID, Apple Pay at this point, or Touch ID if you have an iPhone SE. Go through these steps and join me in step 4. You’ll need to create an Apple ID if you don’t already have one from a different Apple device.
2. Check your software
If, however, you’re trading in from your old iPhone to a new one, then before you start, first make sure your old phone is on the latest software by opening the Settings app, selecting General, Software Update, then Update Now. You’ll be glad you did it in advance.
Next, back up your old iPhone by going to Settings, select your Apple ID profile, then iCloud, follow iCloud Backup, and select Back Up Now. You can do this at any time, though ideally not long before you unwrap the new model, as you want the backup to be as recent as possible.
Quick launch on iPhone.
3. Or select Quick Start
Alternatively, do nothing until you turn on the new iPhone and select Transfer your data in setup. This is the easiest of all, because it’s honestly worth backing up your old iPhone beforehand so you don’t have to wait until later. Select Quick Start on the new model and you’ll be guided to put the two phones near each other and let them make friends. Hold the old phone so that the camera is pointing at the screen of the new one and they will exchange details. You just need to put the password of the old phone on the new phone. You can also choose to set up the new phone manually if you want a fresh start, for example.
4. eSIM setup
Don’t worry, this is easier than it sounds. As of iPhone 14, new iPhones sold in the US do not have a physical SIM card slot. During setup, you’ll be prompted to transfer your number from your old iPhone. Following the instructions on the screen is all you need to do. If you’re coming to Apple from Android, you’ll need to scan a QR code that your carrier may provide.
5. Check for software updates on the new iPhone
More important than it sounds: updates are important and the latest version could protect you from security issues. When the iPhone 15 was released, for example, a critical update was waiting to be installed. The phone should automatically check for updates and let you know if it needs to update before proceeding further.
Personalize your iPhone home screen wallpaper.
6. Learn the gestures
This is useful if you’re coming to iOS for the first time, but even experienced users could pick up something new. On an iPhone with Face ID, you’ll know that a swipe up from the bottom takes you to the home screen. But to switch between apps faster, put your thumb on the bar at the bottom of the screen, called the grab bar, and swipe right to switch to the next open app. If you want to see all your open apps, grab the handle bar and drag up a bit. Release the app and you will see all the apps open like a deck of cards. Master these moves early for maximum ease of use.
7. Customize it
You can create your home screen, lock screen and wallpaper easily. You can have multiple wallpapers and switch between them easily.
The Do Not Disturb setting (select the Settings app, then Focus) prevents annoying calls from wrong numbers at 2am.
You can set the action button on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max to many different activities. Go to Settings and then the Action button to choose directly from the main ones.
Zoom setting on iPhone.
If you want an instant magnifying glass to make it easier to read menus in modernly lit restaurants, for example, go to Settings, Accessibility and turn on Zoom. A triple tap on the Side Button then brings up the camera view, which you can zoom in on and adjust, adding light, taking photos, and more.
And you can add apps and games. Since there are millions, everything is your choice. Personally, I can’t live without Flighty, Headspace, Citymapper, 1Password, Duolingo, WhatsApp, Oura, Speedtest, Alto’s Adventure, Monument Valley, Mario Run, my banking apps and my local gym.
There’s only one more rule for the iPhone: enjoy it.
