Did you get an iPad or iPhone for the holidays? You did?!? Well, somebody must really appreciate YOU! The latest addition to Cupertino's iOS lineup is the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and iPhone 7/7 Plus, but whichever model you're rocking under the Christmas tree, you'll likely want to get it set up right now.
Here, we provide a basic primer on the setup process for your sexy new device. Any iOS model produced in the latter half of this year will come running iOS 10 (if not, it's free and easy to upgrade). The screenshots below are from iPad, but it looks the same on iPhone.
If you are upgrading from an older iOS device and want the same apps and settings to be transferred to your device, make sure you back up your older device before turning on your new one. On your old device, navigate to Settings > iCloud > Backup > Back Up Now. It could take a few minutes.
In the meantime, you can charge up your new device, though there may be a little juice out of the box. Then all you have to do is hit the power button on the top right to get started.
PRO TIP: If you need to pause or go back at any point, hit the home button to prompt a pop-up screen that will give the option to start over.
Opening Screen
The first screen will ask you to push the home button to get the process started. So, hit it. One of the biggest changes in iOS 10 was a new reliance on the home button to wake/access your device (though there are ways to change that).
Choose Language
You know what language you speak, right?
Select Country or Region
Where you at?
Network Settings
On the next screen, you'll be asked to choose a Wi-Fi network and/or wireless connection if you have an associated data plan (if you happen to be in a congested area, your screen may be overrun with available Wi-Fi networks and you will have to scroll all the way to the bottom to initiate the wireless plan).
If you have a Wi-Fi-only iPad, then there's no need to worry about the wireless data option. All you have to do is choose your preferred Wi-Fi network and enter a password if it is protected.
Location Services
Location services allow apps to access your device's GPS, so they can provide localized information (i.e. if you open Maps, the app will know where you are). You can turn this service off/on later if you choose to. If you're not currently on the lam, just hit "enable location services."
Touch ID
Touch ID lets you use your fingerprint to open your phone, authorize app downloads, authenticate apps, pay for things via Apple Pay, and more. To set it up now, follow the directions as it tells you to lift your finger off and on the home button/sensor (you'll have to do it multiple times). Don't press down on the home button; just lay your finger on the surface.
You can skip setting up the Touch ID for now, if you choose. To activate it later (or add someone else's fingerprint), navigate to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Add a Fingerprint.
Create a Password
This is the code you can use to unlock your device in lieu of (or in addition to) Touch ID. The default now is six numbers, but you can press "Passcode Options" at the bottom of the screen to create an alphaneumeric or four-digit code instead. You can skip this step altogether, but given how much data is stored on a phone or tablet these days, it's a good thing to have.
Apps & Data
This page helps you update your iOS device with all your existing preferences and data (or create a whole new Apple ID). Here are your four options:
- Restore from iCloud Backup: This setup will ask you to sign in with your existing Apple ID, so you can populate your new iOS device with the apps and settings from an old device. Note: You will need to have a Wi-Fi connection for this one.
- Restore from iTunes Backup: This option allows you to update your device without a Wi-Fi connection. You will just have to physically connect your device to a PC with iTunes installed.
- Set Up as New iPad/iPhone: This is where you would go to sign up for an Apple ID for the first time, or if you want, just skip the whole sign-in process (you can always sign up later).
- Move Data from Android: This option allows you to move your "photos, messages and more" over from that other operating system. To do this, you will need to download the free "Move to iOS" app from Google Play onto your Android device and then follow the directions from there.
Two-Factor Authentication
Apple now asks you to sign up for two-factor authentication upon setup. It's an extra step of security that will send a code to another device whenever you sign into your Apple ID. So, sign in to Apple ID on your iPhone, and a pop-up will appear on your iPad or Mac with a code that you enter on your iPhone. This way, if someone steals your iPhone, they can't access your data even if they have your Apple ID password. If you're security-conscious, it's a good thing to activate, but you can dismiss by selecting Other Options > Don't Upgrade.
Terms and Conditions
Bla bla bliddity bla bla. Unfortunately, this is the one part in the setup you can't skip. You won't be able to get into your device unless you agree to Apple's "Terms and Conditions," which you can do by tapping "Agree" at the bottom right of the screen. (If you have the gall to click "Disagree," your device will send you back a step and not allow you to continue until you agree. Free choice is an illusion.)
Siri
Simple yes/no answer. Do you want to use it or not? Whatever you choose, you can turn Siri on/off later via Settings > Siri. Newer iPhones also support hands-free Siri, which lets you activate her just by saying "Hey Siri" nearby. Turn that on via Settings > Siri > Allow "Hey Siri" and be sure to check out our top Siri tips.
Diagnostics
Do you want to help Apple make products better? Just say yes. Or don't. It doesn't really matter.
Welcome to iPad/iPhone
Just click "Get Started" and you are good to go, my friend!
Once You're In...
Apple products are fairly instinctual and also forgiving. Most things can be done/undone/altered via the Settings app, which you can find on the homepage. If something doesn't seem right, remember you can always just start all over. Just go to Settings > General > Reset. If you want to reset your settings, but keep all the data/media, choose "Reset All Settings." If you start the slate entirely clean and erase all the settings and data/media, choose "Erase All Content and Settings." (Note: this cannot be undone). Then you can start all over at step one above.
Once you get settled, here's some other tips you might be interested in:
- 30 Hidden Tips for Mastering iOS 10
- 11 Secret Tricks, Hidden Gestures in Your Favorite iOS Apps
- Hey Siri, Share Some Tips and Tricks
- The Best iPhone Apps
- The Best iPhones 7 Cases
- The Best iPhone 7 Plus Cases