Section 1: Setting Up Your iPhone

The Very Basics

“I’m very new to this. What is an iOS?” – an Insider.

If you’re starting at the very beginning, don’t worry! As the song goes, that’s a very good place to start.

Your iPhone is a computer and like most computers it has a bunch of hardware components, including a central processing unit (CPU), short-term memory (RAM), long term memory (usually just called storage), a radio antenna for Wi-Fi and cell signals, a screen, at least two cameras, and more sensors like a compass and a level. All that hardware is controlled and integrated by software called by the brand name iOS. So, iOS lets you use the iPhone. It’s what connects all the parts and gives you a way to access them to do all the cool things you want, like look at pictures of cats and talk over video calls to your loved ones.

The only time you need to worry about your iOS is when Apple releases an update that changes things, fixes problems, and adds more features. Otherwise, it’s just the background functioning of your iPhone.

The iOS is the basic software that runs your iPhone, but on top of the iOS your iPhone can run other, more specialized software, called apps. Apps are tools designed to help you with one set of related tasks, like turning your iPhone into a day planner, a camera, and a photo album—each of those would be a different app. The iOS lets you choose which app to run and navigate between the different apps. In this guide, we’ll go over how to do all of that, as well as how to find and download new apps.

Image from Apple.com

Main Differences Between Devices

Apple's smartphones fall into one of two main categories: those with a Home button and those without. However, Apple has a variety of iPhones that have been released over the years, and they each vary in a variety of other, more minor ways. Here's how Apple's most recent iPhones compare:

iPhone 14 Pro Max

(Starting at $1099)

Display Size: 6.7-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A16 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Two active eSIMs, stores eight or more eSIMs (no physical SIM)
Other Features: Dynamic Island, ProMotion technology, and Always-On display
Camera:
- Triple 48 MP wide, ultra-wide, & telephoto cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 6X optical zoom range; 15x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB; 1 TB.

iPhone 14 Pro

(Starting at $999)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A16 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Two active eSIMs, stores eight or more eSIMs (no physical SIM)
Other Features: Dynamic Island, ProMotion technology, and Always-On display
Camera:
- Triple 48 MP wide, ultra-wide, & telephoto cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 6X optical zoom range; 15x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB; 1 TB.

iPhone 14

(Starting at $799)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Two active eSIMs, stores eight or more eSIMs (no physical SIM)
Camera:
- Double 12 MP wide & ultra-wide
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 2X optical zoom range; 5x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB.

iPhone 14 Plus

(Starting at $899)

Display Size: 6.7-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Two active eSIMs, stores eight or more eSIMs (no physical SIM)
Camera:
- Double 12 MP wide & ultra-wide
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 2X optical zoom range; 5x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB.

iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

(Starting at $429)

Display Size: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Lightning port
Security: Touch ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- 12 MP main
- Deep Fusion
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 1X optical zoom range; 3 digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to one meter for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 128 GB; 256 GB.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.7-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Triple 12 MP wide, ultra-wide, & telephoto cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 6X optical zoom range; 15x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB; 1 TB.

iPhone 13 Pro

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Triple 12 MP wide, ultra-wide, & telephoto cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 6X optical zoom range; 15x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB; 1 TB.

iPhone 13

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide & ultra-wide
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 6X optical zoom range; 15x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB.

iPhone 13 mini

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 5.4-inch Super Retina XHR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip with 16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide & ultra-wide
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 6X optical zoom range; 15x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Photographic Styles
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to six meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone 12 Pro Max

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.7-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port • Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Triple 12 MP wide, ultra-wide, & telephoto cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 5X optical zoom range; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to two meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone 12 Pro

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port. • Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Other Features: LiDAR
Camera:
- Triple 12 MP wide, ultra-wide, & telephoto cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Night Mode Portraits
- Apple ProRAW
- Dual Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 4X optical zoom range; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to two meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 128 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone 12

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port. • Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide & ultra-wide cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 2X optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to two meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 128 GB; 256 GB

iPhone 12 mini

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 5G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port.
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide & ultra-wide cameras
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Optical Image Stabilization
- Smart HDR
- 2X optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 Water resistance in up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 128 GB; 256 GB

iPhone 11 Pro Max

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras
- 60 percent greater dynamic range for photo color (com- pared to iPhone X)
- Smart HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2X optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to 2 meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone 11 Pro

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras
- 60 percent greater dynamic range for photo color (com- pared to iPhone X)
- Smart HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2X optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to 2 meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone 11

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port.
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras
- 60 percent greater dynamic range for photo color (compared to iPhone X)
- Smart HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2X optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to 2 meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone XS Max

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port.
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras
- 60 percent greater dynamic range for photo color (compared to iPhone X)
- Smart HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2X optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: Water resistance in up to 2 meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone XS

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
Dual SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras
- 60 percent greater dynamic range for photo color (com- pared to iPhone X)
- Smart HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2x optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
- Video: 4K video recording with extended dynamic range and four microphones for stereo recording
Water & Dust Resistant: IP68 water resistance in up to two meters for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB; 512 GB

iPhone XR

(Starting at $499)

Display Size: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
Dual SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM
Camera:
- 12 MP camera
- Smart HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 5x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Portrait Lighting
- Animoji & Memoji
Water & Dust Resistant: IP67 water resistance in up to one meter for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 128 GB; 256 GB

iPhone X

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display
Processor: A11 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Face ID
SIM: Nano-SIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras
- Auto HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2x optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode
- Portrait Lighting
Water & Dust Resistant: IP67 water resistance in up to one meter for up to 30 minutes
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB

iPhone 8 Plus

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 5.8-inch widescreen Retina HD display
Processor: A11 Bionic chip Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Touch ID
SIM: Nano-SIM
Camera:
- Dual 12 MP wide-angle & telephoto cameras o Auto HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 2x optical zoom; 10x digital zoom
- Live photos
- Portrait mode
- Portrait Lighting
Water & Dust Resistant: IP67 water resistance in up to one meter for up to 30 minutes.
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB

iPhone 8

(Available from Resellers)

Display Size: 4.7-inch widescreen Retina HD display
Processor: A11 Bionic chip Neural Engine
Connectivity: 4G
Charging: Wireless and Lightning port
Security: Touch ID
SIM: Nano-SIM
Camera:
- 12 MP camera
- Auto HDR
- Wide Color Capture
- 5x digital zoom
- Live photos
Water & Dust Resistant: IP67 water resistance in up to one meter for up to 30 minutes.
Storage: 64 GB; 256 GB

If you have an older model that isn’t included here, you can learn more about it on Apple’s websites. We recommend using a device from this list because it can run the latest iOS which is best for security. Older devices and software versions may not have all the features mentioned in this guide or have slightly different buttons and icons.

Setting Up Your Device

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a new iPhone—now what?

Whether this is your first iPhone or an upgrade, you'll want to make the setup process as easy as possible. That means you will want to be connected to a Wi-Fi network and have your Apple ID and password ready (or have one in mind if you will be creating an Apple ID for the first time). You'll also need to choose a carrier.

Most of this guide is for anyone to go through in order, but the next two sections are a choice: if this is your first time setting up an iPhone and you want to go through the whole process, the First Time Setup for Beginners is for you. If you have owned an iPhone or Android phone and want to transfer data to your iPhone, skip to Move Your Phone Number (SIM Card) to Your New iPhone, then select the method you prefer for transferring your data.

First-Time Setup for iPhone Beginners

Welcome to your very first iPhone! This section is ideal for those who have never owned a smartphone (iPhone or Android) before. We will walk through the first-time setup process.

Set Up Your Carrier and Service

Remember, your phone won't be able to make calls right out of the box. It requires a SIM card from a carrier (or a digital SIM). You may have purchased your phone from Walmart or Best Buy, the Apple website, an online store like eBay, or directly from the carrier of your choice. If you've already set up an account with your carrier to establish your cellular service, then you can visit your carrier's store to have them assign you a phone number, activate your account, and install the SIM card for your new iPhone. You may be able to do this online at your carrier’s website. If so, they’ll mail you the SIM card. We’ll show you how to install a new SIM card yourself in Move Your Phone Number (SIM Card) to a New iPhone

Note: The iPhone X series or later supports Dual SIM using a nano-SIM and an eSIM. This means your phone can support two separate data plans. To learn more about your eSIM and set it up, talk to your cell carrier company.

Power on Your Device

First thing's first, you power on your device.

1. Power on your iPhone by pressing down and holding the Side button (unless you have the iPhone SE, in which case you will press and hold the Sleep/Wake button along the top of your device).

You'll see "Hello" in many languages appear on your screen. If it doesn't, that means you need to charge your phone first.

Begin Setup Process

When the Quick Start menu pops up (after you've selected the language you want to use and the region where you live), you will need to select Set Up Manually.

You'll then need to enter your Wi-Fi information in order to continue the setup process and review the Data & Privacy disclaimer.

Set Up Touch ID or Face ID

Depending on which iPhone model you have, you will then have one of two authentication options to set up: Face ID or Touch ID.

2. If you have a model with a Home button, then you will have the option to set up Touch ID, a feature that allows you to unlock your iPhone with your fingerprint. Setting this up is done by repeatedly placing your finger on your Home button.

3. If you have an iPhone without a Home button, then you will have the option to set up Face ID, which allows you to unlock your phone with—you guessed it—your face! This is done by holding your iPhone in front of your face while unlocking your device.

If at any time your iPhone doesn't register your fingerprint or your face (for whatever reason), no worries. You can still enter a passcode, which you will set up after you've set up Touch ID/Face ID.

You can use Touch ID and Face ID for more than just unlocking your device. You can use them to make purchases with Apple Pay and even open apps with sensitive information (like your banking app or journaling app). It's a great feature that we definitely recommend. However, you can also opt out of Touch ID/Face ID and just use a passcode.

Create a Passcode

When it's time to create your passcode, you'll be given the option to create a 6-digit passcode. If 6 digits is too many for you to remember or seems too few for your preferred security level, then can choose another option:

4. Tap Passcode Options.

5. Select from one of:

a. 4-Digit Numeric Code (the least secure)
b. Custom Numeric Code (this is the same 6-digit code)
c. Custom Alphanumeric Code (the most secure)

Whichever passcode option you pick, you'll be prompted to re-enter the passcode on the next screen.

Set Up Your Apple ID

Now you’ll have to log in to your iPhone with an Apple ID. If you don’t have one, then you’ll create one.

6. On the Apps & Data screen, you'll see a few different options. Because this is your first iPhone, you will need to select Don't Transfer Apps & Data.

7. You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password. Since you don’t have one yet, you’ll select Forgot Password or Don’t Have an Apple ID.

Creating an Apple ID and an Apple ID password are essential parts of being an iPhone user. It is the account that gives you access to all of Apple's services, including the iTunes and App Store, Apple's free text and video messaging services (iMessage and FaceTime) and Find My iPhone to help you locate your misplaced or stolen phone. It also allows you to access Apple's cloud storage system, iCloud.

8. Select Create a Free Apple ID.

9. After entering your name and birthday, you'll choose your Apple ID, which is always an email address. I recommend choosing an email account that you use frequently and won't forget.

10. When picking a password, choose something with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This password is for your Apple ID, which is shared across Apple devices.

11. Once you've set it up, a verification text will be sent to your phone. Enter the code from the text and enter your Apple ID and password to complete the process.

Later, once your iPhone is set up, you'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password on your iPhone. Then you'll see your ID account located along the top when you open your Settings app.

While it's simple to retrieve a forgotten Apple ID or password (which we'll show you how to do later), it's inconvenient, and you'll be asked for it frequently. Better to choose something that's easy for you to remember.

To learn more about Apple ID, navigate to Section 5.

Enable Siri and Other Services

Finally, you'll be asked to enable a few more of Apple’s services:

Apple's password manager: iCloud Keychain
Apple's digital assistant Siri
Apple Pay
Screen Time
Automatic app updates
And more

Set up whatever features you like. You can enable any of them later if you change your mind. And that’s it! You’ve set up your new iPhone. You’ll see your Home screen and all the built-in Apps. Some of Apple’s apps may have to download from the App Store, which they’ll do automatically. They’ll appear dark as they download, but in a few short minutes your iPhone will be ready to go.

Move Your Phone Number (SIM Card) to Your iPhone

To get started with a new iPhone, first, you'll need to make sure you've switched your phone number to your new phone. You can do this by transferring your old phone's SIM card to the new device or by bringing your phone to your carrier to have them set up your new SIM card for you.

To transfer your SIM card yourself:

Use a paperclip to open the slot, which is located on the side of your iPhone. It's usually on the same side as your Sleep/Wake button, but not always.
Remove the SIM card from the SIM tray.
Pop the SIM card into the tray 3 for your new iPhone, and place it into the phone.
If the SIM card is not the same 4 size, do not force it into the slot; bring your phone into your carrier's store.

If you would like to avoid the hassle of switching the SIM card out yourself (which I do), then no worries! If you trade your devices in via a carrier, then somebody will switch out your SIM card for you.

Transfer Data from an Old iPhone to a New iPhone

You’ll want to copy your contacts, photos, and other data from your old phone to your new one. The next few sections outline how to do that in various ways. You’ll only need to do it once, so pick the way that works best for you. Apple made this process fairly easy and painless, so you’ll have your new iPhone set up just like the old one in no time

Using Quick Start

Use this method if you haven’t got a recent iCloud backup or if your internet connection is slow.

If your current device is running iOS 11 or later, you can use Quick Start to automatically transfer settings and other data from your current device to your new one directly using a wireless connection between the two devices! It's pretty simple:

First, make sure that you have Bluetooth enabled on your old device.
Then just set your new iPhone next to your current one, and the Quick Start screen will pop up on your current device.
An animation will appear on your new iPhone's screen. Hold your current iPhone over your new iPhone. Center the circle that appears on your current iPhone over the animation that appears on your new iPhone.
A message will pop up stating, "Finish On New Device." You will then need to enter the passcode for your old device on your new device.
Next, follow the instructions for setting up Touch ID/Face ID and enter the password for your Apple ID account.
Finally, you'll be asked whether you want 6 to restore your new iPhone from an iCloud backup. Instead, select Transfer from iPhone.
Your iPhone will then offer a series of choices for different features. Choose whatever you like.
Finally, your iPhone will transfer all the data 8 from the old device to the new one. This can take an hour or more!
When it finishes, you’ll have two iPhones with all the same data. Don’t forget to wipe your old iPhone before you recycle, sell, or give it away!

Remember, you must keep your two devices next to each other while information is transferring. Be sure that you won't need your iPhone for a bit!

Using iCloud Backup

This method of transferring data to your new iPhone is the most thorough and the fastest, but only if you have a good strong internet connection. Restoring from an iCloud backup can make the new device feel almost exactly like the old one in less than an hour.

It is optional but recommended to create a new iCloud Backup on your old iPhone:

Connect your old device to Wi-Fi.
Then go to Settings.
Tap your name at the top.
Tap iCloud.
Select iCloud Backup.
From there, you'll need to make sure iCloud Backup is toggled on, and then you'll need to tap Back Up Now.
Wait for the backup to complete.

On your new iPhone:

Turn your iPhone on by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.
Select Set Up Manually.
Enter your Wi-Fi information.
Set up Face ID/Touch ID and your passcode.
On the Apps & Data page, select Restore from iCloud Backup and then enter your Apple ID and password.
You'll have a chance to select which iCloud backup you wish to use (probably the most recent).
You'll then have a chance to change some settings imported from that backup. Your iPhone will reboot during this process.
Then you'll be prompted to set up other services such as Apple's digital assistant Siri, Apple Pay, Screen Time, automatic app updates, etc. Set up whatever features you like. You can always set them up later if you want.
Your iPhone will run a long Restore from iCloud process, then reboot again, and you'll finally see your familiar Home screen from your last device

You can start using all of Apple’s built-in apps right away, but your iPhone will need to connect to the App Store to download all of the apps you had installed on your last device. It will do that automatically, but it can take some time for it to systematically download them all.

Using a Local Backup on a Mac

This method is perfect if you don’t use iCloud backup or don’t have enough space
in your iCloud, and you have a Mac computer available with enough space to make
a backup of your iPhone. Note: These steps assume you have a Mac running macOS Catalina or later. If your Mac is running an older macOS, then follow the steps for Using a Local Backup on a Windows PC (below).

If you've chosen to use your Mac to set up your new iPhone, great! But first, you need to make a backup of your previous device on your local computer.

To create a local backup of your old iPhone:

Connect your old iPhone to your computer with the charging cable.
A popup on your old iPhone will ask if you'd like to trust the computer. Tap Trust.
On your Mac, select your device from the left side of any finder window.
Look for the Backups section on the General tab.
The default for storing your backup is iCloud. If you'd like to create a local backup, select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Computer (Mac or PC).
If you want to save Health and Activity or Apple Watch data, then select Encrypt iPhone Backup and create a password.
Finally, select Back Up Now.

Now here's how you transfer your local backup to your new device:

First thing's first, you power on your device by pressing down and holding the Side button. You'll see "Hello" in many languages appear on your screen. If it doesn't, that means you need to charge your phone first.
When you reach the Quick Start screen, tap Set Up Manually.
Once you reach the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from Mac or PC from the menu and tap Next.
You will be prompted to connect your new device to the computer you just used to create the iTunes backup from your old device.
On your computer, navigate to your iPhone from the locations bar in the Finder. Click Trust on your Mac.
Select Restore from this Backup and select the backup you want to restore from (you can make sure it's the most recent backup by checking the date listed next to it).
If you encrypted your data, then you will be prompted for a password. Enter your encryption password and select Set Password.

Once the restore process is 16 done, you'll complete the rest of the steps on your iPhone, and a screen will appear indicating when the restoration is complete.

Using a Local Backup on a Windows Computer

Use this method if you don’t have enough space in your iCloud or you don’t use iCloud, and you have a Windows computer available with enough space to hold a backup of your iPhone.

Note: These steps also work if you have a Mac running a version of macOS that is older than Catalina.

First, create a local backup of your old iPhone:

On your computer, open the Microsoft Store and download an updated version of iTunes.
Next, connect your old device to your computer using the USB cable and then open the desktop version of iTunes. A pop-up will ask if you want to trust the iPhone. Click Yes on your iPhone and on your Computer.
Select the tiny phone icon from the top left of the iTunes window.
The default for storing your backup is iCloud. If you'd like to create a local backup, look for the heading that says Automatically Back Up and select This Computer.
If you want to save Health and Activity or Apple Watch data, then select Encrypt iPhone Backup and create a password.
Finally, select Back Up Now. From the Summary screen, check and make sure your device is listed under Device Backups. If it is, then congratulations! Your backup was successful.

Now here's how you transfer your local backup to your new device:

First thing's first, you power on your device by pressing down and holding the Sleep/Wake button.
When you reach the Quick Start screen, tap Set Up Manually.
Once you reach the Apps & Data screen, select Restore from Mac or PC from the menu and tap Next.
You will be prompted to connect your new device to the same computer you recently used to create an iTunes backup from your old device.
On your computer, Open iTunes.
Select your iPhone by clicking the tiny Phone icon at the top left.
Select Restore from this Backup and select the backup you want to restore from (you can make sure it's the most recent backup by checking the date listed next to it).
If you encrypted your data, then you will be prompted for a password. Enter your encryption password and select Continue. Once the restore process is done, you'll complete the rest of the steps on your iPhone, and a screen will appear indicating when the restoration is complete.

Now you know all the ways to copy your data from an old iPhone to a new one. Most of these techniques work just as well if you’ve lost your iPhone or damaged it, and had to get a new one: you can restore the data from a recent iCloud backup or local backup and it will be like nothing happened.

Transfer from Android to a New iPhone

If you're making the switch from an Android device to the world of Apple, great job! We love our Apple devices, and we feel like you'll be happy with your decision. To help you along on your journey, Apple has created the Move to iOS (free) app, which you can download from the Google Play store. It will help you bring your contacts, texts, mail accounts, calendars, photos, videos, and bookmarks to your new iPhone, so you don't have to start from scratch. The only thing you won't be able to transfer is your apps and app data since Android and Apple have different app stores. To get started:

First, download the Move to iOS app from the Google Play store.
On your Android device, be sure that you're connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into power. Sometimes outside signals interrupt the transfer, so it can be helpful to turn your Android phone to Airplane mode while staying connected to your Wi-Fi.
When that's done, turn on your new iPhone. You turn on your iPhone by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button on the side.
On the Quick Start page tap Set Up Manually.
Once you reach the Apps & Data screen, select Move Data from Android.
Next, open the Move to iOS app on your Android device and tap Continue.
On your Android device, you'll be asked to allow the Move to iOS app to access your location, messages, and other 7 data. You'll need to allow this since it is exactly this data that the app will be transferring to your new iPhone.
Once you agree to the terms and conditions, tap Continue on the Find Your Code screen.
Then, on your new iPhone, tap Continue on the Move from Android screen. Wait for a code to appear on your iOS de vice. Once it does, enter that code on your Android device.
Eventually, the Transfer Data screen will appear on your Android device.
From this screen, select the content you want to transfer and then tap Continue.
Leave both devices alone to finish transferring data. Once the data is finished transferring, tap Done on your Android device.

You’ve done it! Your data has transferred to your new iPhone. You now have two copies of your data, one on your Android and one on your new iPhone. Don’t forget to wipe your Android before you recycle, sell, or gift it.