Lesson 2
Turn It On and Set It Up
Getting a new phone ready is a one-time job. Follow these steps and your phone will be ready to use in just a few minutes.
First, tell us which phone you have
Not sure which you have?
If your phone has an apple on the back, it’s an iPhone. If it has anything else, it’s almost certainly an Android.
Step 1 of 8
Charge your phone first
Plug your phone into its charger before you start. Setting up goes smoother when the battery is full.
If you're moving from an old phone, charge that one too so you can copy things over from it.
Step 2 of 8
Put in the SIM card if you need to
A SIM card is a tiny chip that connects your phone to your phone company so you can make calls. Many new phones already have one inside.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, find the small tray on the side. Use the little metal tool that came in the box (or a straightened paper clip) to gently push into the pinhole and pop the tray out. Lay the SIM card in with the gold side down, then slide the tray back in.
On your Android: On Android, find the small tray on the side of the phone. Use the little metal tool that came in the box (or a straightened paper clip) to gently push into the pinhole and pop the tray out. Lay the SIM card in with the gold side facing down, then slide the tray back in.
The card only fits one way, so never force it. If you move a SIM from an old phone, that old phone will stop getting calls.
Step 3 of 8
Press and hold the power button
The power button turns your phone on. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the screen lights up, then let go.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, the power button (called the side button) is on the right side. You'll see the Apple logo appear.
On your Android: On Android, the power button is usually on the right side or the top edge. You'll see the maker's name or logo appear.
The very first start-up can take a minute. That's normal. Just let it finish.
Step 4 of 8
Follow the welcome screens
Your phone walks you through a few questions, like choosing your language. Tap Next or Start to move ahead each time.
There are no wrong answers here, and you can change any of these later in Settings.
Step 5 of 8
Join your Wi-Fi
Pick your home internet (Wi-Fi) network from the list and type in its password. This lets your phone finish setting up and get its updates.
The Wi-Fi password is usually printed on a sticker on your internet box (router). Capital and small letters matter.
Step 6 of 8
Sign in or create your account
Your phone asks you to sign in to an account that keeps your apps, contacts, and photos safe.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, sign in with your Apple Account (also called an Apple ID), or tap to create one if you don't have it yet.
On your Android: On Android, sign in with your Google Account, or tap to create one if you don't have it yet.
Write your email and password on paper and keep it somewhere safe. You will need it again.
Step 7 of 8
Copy things from your old phone
If you have an old phone, your new phone can copy your contacts, photos, and apps over for you.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, use Quick Start: turn on the new iPhone and hold it near your old one, then follow the prompts. Keep both phones close together and plugged in until it finishes.
On your Android: On Android, choose to restore from your Google Account backup. If both phones are Samsung, you can use the Samsung Smart Switch app instead. Keep both phones close together and plugged in until it finishes.
This can take a while, so start it when you won't need either phone for a bit.
Step 8 of 8
Turn your phone off when you need to
On your iPhone: On iPhone, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the 'slide to power off' slider. Or open Settings, tap General, then Shut Down.
On your Android: On Android, press and hold the power button (on some phones, hold the power and volume-up buttons together), then tap Power off.
Turning your phone off and on again is completely safe and often fixes small glitches.