How to Set Up a New iPhone

TechEasy7:136 steps

By ShowMeStepByStepPublished April 28, 2026Updated May 4, 2026

Based on a video by Apple Support.

Setting up a new iPhone is mostly automatic if you have your old iPhone nearby. Apple's Quick Start feature pairs the two phones and walks you through every prompt - language, Face ID, Apple ID, then offers to copy everything over.

This is the official Apple Support method. It takes 15-30 minutes once both phones are talking to each other, and most of that is the data transfer running in the background. You can pick whether to pull data from iCloud (fastest) or move it directly between phones over Wi-Fi (no iCloud needed but slower).

You'll need both iPhones, a Lightning or USB-C charger plugged in for both, and Wi-Fi. If you don't have your old phone, you can still restore from an iCloud backup using the 'Set Up Without Another Device' option.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep both phones before you start

1:30

Plug both iPhones into chargers and leave them plugged in for the whole transfer. Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi.

Update the old iPhone to the latest iOS first (Settings → General → Software Update). Then trigger an iCloud backup right now (Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now) so the new phone pulls the freshest data.

Tip

If your iCloud is full and the backup won't complete, Apple gives you 3 weeks of free temporary iCloud storage when transferring to a new device. Tap 'Get Started' on the storage warning to use it.

Products used in this step

Lightning Charging CableView product

USB-C Charging CableView product

Step 2: Power on the new iPhone and reach the Quick Start screen

2:10

Press and hold the side button of the new iPhone until the Apple logo appears. Follow the language and region prompts.

You'll land on a 'Quick Start' screen with a 'hello' wallpaper. This is the handoff point where the old phone takes over.

Step 3: Bring the old iPhone close to the new one

2:15

Set the old iPhone within a few inches of the new one. The old phone shows a 'Set Up New iPhone' prompt with your Apple ID listed - tap Continue.

The old phone's camera then activates and asks you to point it at the animation displayed on the new phone. Hold the old phone over the animation until it captures the pattern - that pairs the two devices securely.

Tip

If the prompt doesn't appear on the old phone, make sure Bluetooth is on. The two phones use Bluetooth for the initial pairing handshake.

Step 4: Enter the old phone's passcode on the new phone

2:25

The new phone prompts you to enter the passcode of your old iPhone. Type it in.

Continue through the rest of the setup prompts - Face ID or Touch ID enrollment, Apple ID password, terms and conditions. Tap Agree where prompted.

Step 5: Choose how to transfer your data

2:38

The 'Transfer Your Data' screen offers two main options:

Download from iCloud - uses your last iCloud backup. Fastest because data downloads from Apple's servers in the background.
Transfer from iPhone - sends data directly between the two phones over Wi-Fi. No iCloud needed. Takes longer and you can't use either phone during transfer.

For most people, Download from iCloud is the right choice. Tap it.

Step 6: Wait for the restore to finish

3:10

A loading bar labeled 'Restore from iCloud' shows progress. The new iPhone is ready to use as soon as the bar completes - usually 10-20 minutes for a typical backup.

Photos, videos, and large apps keep downloading in the background while you use the phone. Stay on Wi-Fi until everything is done. Don't erase the old iPhone until you've confirmed all your data made it over.

Tip

Apps will appear with a small loading icon over them while they download. Tap one and it'll prioritize that app's download.

Products Used

Lightning Charging CableView USB-C Charging CableView

Your Guide

Apple Support

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page may be affiliate links - clicking them and buying doesn't change your price, but helps support ShowMeStepByStep.