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Mastering the Setup: A Guide to Setting up Your New iPhone or iPad

Published

2 months ago

December 26, 2025

Were you fortunate enough to receive the gift you desired from Santa this year?

If a new iPhone or iPad was waiting for you under the Christmas tree, then the answer is most likely a resounding ‘yes’.

However, as you probably know, there are a few steps you need to follow to set up your new device before you can start using it. Taking your time during this process is crucial to avoid any issues later on.

For the purposes of this guide, we will be focusing on setting up an iPhone Air. Nevertheless, the steps should be similar for any device running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26.

If you received an Android device instead, we have a separate guide on setting up a new Android phone.

How to set up a new iPhone or iPad

Power on your iPhone or iPad and select your language and region

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

To begin, press and hold the power button on your iPhone or iPad (usually located on the right side or top of the device) until the Apple logo appears.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to select your language. If you have chosen English or another language with multiple variations, you will then be prompted to choose your region.

Customize text and icon sizes

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

You will have the option to choose the size of text and icons on your device. Choose from ‘Default’, ‘Medium’, or ‘Large’, and each option will be previewed when selected.

Once you have found a setting that suits you, tap ‘Continue’ to proceed.

Set up using your previous iPhone or iPad

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

If you have a previous iPhone or iPad, you can use it to quickly restore settings and data. Simply turn it on and place it near your new device, and Apple will take care of the rest.

However, if you do not have another Apple device or prefer to start fresh, just tap ‘Set Up Without Another Device’ instead. In the following steps, we will assume this is the case, but you may be able to skip some steps if you have chosen the other route.

Select a Wi-Fi network

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Your device will display a list of nearby Wi-Fi networks. Simply select the one you want to use and enter the password.

If you have already inserted a physical SIM card or activated an eSIM, you can also choose to set up using mobile data. In this case, you can select ‘Continue Without Wi-Fi’.

Having an internet connection makes the setup process much smoother.

Choose who the device is intended for

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

After acknowledging Apple’s ‘Data & Privacy’ information, your next step is to select who the device is intended for. You have the options of a Child (12 years or younger), Teen (13 to 17), or Adult (18 or older).

If you choose either of the first two options, you will be asked to connect it to a Family account, allowing a parent or guardian to manage their screen time.

For this tutorial, we will set it up for an adult.