Apple’s setup assistant walks you through activating a new iPhone, connecting it to a network, protecting it with a passcode and biometrics, signing in to your Apple Account, and transferring or restoring your data. If you still have your old iPhone, Quick Start is usually the easiest way to begin.
Before You Start
Charge both phones, have a Wi-Fi connection available, and know your Apple Account credentials and old-device passcode. Keep the old iPhone nearby if you plan to use Quick Start. Make sure important data is backed up before erasing or trading in the old device.
How to Set Up a New iPhone with Quick Start
- Turn on the new iPhone and place it near your current iPhone.
- Follow the Quick Start prompt on the current device.
- Confirm that you are setting up the correct new iPhone.
- Follow the on-screen pairing and authentication instructions.
- Connect the new iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular service when requested.
- Create a device passcode and configure Face ID or Touch ID if the model supports it.
- Choose how you want to transfer your apps and data.
- Keep the devices near each other and connected to power while a direct transfer is running.
- Finish the remaining Apple Account, privacy, Siri, and other setup prompts.
Other Ways to Restore Your Data
During setup, you can choose an iCloud backup or another supported transfer method instead of a direct iPhone-to-iPhone transfer. If you are moving from Android, use Apple’s Move to iOS process during initial setup. You can also set the iPhone up without transferring old data if you want a fresh start.
Set Up Cellular Service and eSIM
The setup assistant may activate cellular service automatically or offer an eSIM transfer. Carrier support varies. If activation does not complete during setup, finish the iPhone setup on Wi-Fi and follow your carrier’s eSIM or physical-SIM instructions.
After the Transfer Finishes
- Open Photos, Messages, Contacts, and other important apps and make sure expected data is present.
- Check that calls and cellular data work.
- Open the App Store and allow remaining apps to finish downloading.
- Verify authenticator, banking, work, and other security-sensitive apps individually.
- Only erase the old iPhone after you are satisfied that the new one is working and your important information has transferred.
Summary
Turn on the new iPhone and use Quick Start when your old iPhone is available. Follow Setup Assistant to connect, secure the device, activate cellular service, sign in, and transfer data. Verify important information on the new phone before wiping or trading in the old one.