There’s no need for a laptop or PC as you can use an iPad and iPhone without one. The only thing you’ll need is a wireless router so you can connect to the internet and activate your new device. You’ll also need to insert a working SIM card if it’s an iPhone. A tool for removing the tray is included in the box, but a paperclip or pin usually does the trick, too. Some iPads have a SIM tray for mobile data, but you don’t need a SIM to set up and use an iPad.
How to set up a new iPhone or iPad
How do I set up email on an iPhone?
The first thing you’ll probably want to do is get your email set up. Here’s how to add your Gmail account, but the process is very similar for other email accounts. Enter the password for your Wi-Fi network and once connected your iPhone or iPad will activate by contacting Apple’s servers. An iPhone will also ask you to insert a valid SIM card for the activation process. If you’re upgrading from an old iPhone or iPad, it’s usually best to restore the most recent backup. This backup may be stored online in iCloud, or it may be on your laptop or PC in iTunes. Note that you can only restore an iPhone from an iPhone backup, and an iPad from an iPad backup. If it’s your first iPhone or iPad, choose ‘Set up as a new iPhone or iPad’. If you’re switching from an Android Phone to iPhone, there’s a useful app you can download from the Google Play store called Move to iOS. This will help you transfer everything (or at least most things) from your old phone to your iPhone. You can skip this, but it will mean you can’t use many of the iPad or iPhone’s features, and you won’t be able to install any extra apps. One of the most important features is the ability to locate your iPhone or iPad if it’s lost or stolen: Find My iPad (or iPhone) is enabled automatically when you tap Use iCloud. To avoid confusion, it’s best to use just one email address for iMessage and FaceTime. If you only have a newer iPhone, iPad or Mac (or a Windows computer) you can enable it safely. Depending on the model of iPhone or iPad you’ve got, you’ll also be asked to register a fingerprint via Touch ID so you can unlock your device by touching the scanner, or if it’s a recent iPhone or iPad Pro, it will scan your face for Face ID. If your device supports it, you’ll also be asked if you want to enable ‘Hey Siri’ which learns your voice so you can talk to Siri without touching your phone – handy while driving. Tap Get Started to start using your new iPhone or iPad. Many email accounts also include contacts and calendars which you’ll choose to enable (or not) in the previous step. Here’s how to transfer contacts from an Android phone, and Apple has a Move to iOS app which you can install on an Android phone to make the switch easier.
How do I install apps on my iPhone and iPad?
To install new apps, tap on the App Store icon and browse the thousands upon thousands of apps. To install one, just tap Install. When it’s ready the button will change to ‘Open’, or you can find the app’s icon on one of your home screens: swipe left and right to scroll between home screens. That’s the basics done, but if you want more, here’s how to set a song as your iPhone ringtone and we also explain how to transfer photos from your computer to your iPhone (or iPad). Also, see how to move your contacts to a new iPhone and finally, if you lose your iPhone or iPad, here’s how to use Find My iPhone. Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
