Turn on and set up iPad (2024)

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iPad User Guide

You can turn on and set up your new iPad with an internet connection. You can also set up iPad by connecting it to your computer. If you have another iPhone, an iPad, or an Android device, you can transfer your data to your new iPad.

Note: If your iPad is deployed or managed by a company, school, or other organization, see an administrator or teacher for setup instructions. For general information, see the Apple at Work website or Education website.

Prepare for setup

To make setup as smooth as possible, have the following items available:

  • An internet connection through a Wi-Fi network (you may need the name and password of the network) or cellular data service through a carrier (Wi-Fi + Cellular models)

  • Your Apple ID and password; if you don’t have an AppleID, you can create one during setup

  • Your credit or debit card account information, if you want to add a card to ApplePay during setup

  • Your previous iPad or a backup of your device, if you’re transferring your data to your new device

    Tip: If you don’t have sufficient storage space to back up your device, iCloud will grant you as much as you need to complete a temporary backup, free of charge, for up to three weeks from the purchase of your iPad. On your previous device, go to Settings> General> Transfer or Reset [device]. Tap Get Started, then follow the onscreen instructions.

  • Your Android device, if you’re transferring your Android content

Turn on and set up your iPad

  1. Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.

    Turn on and set up iPad (1)

    If iPad doesn’t turn on, you might need to charge the battery. For more help, see the Apple Support article If your iPad won’t turn on or is frozen.

    Tip: If you’re blind or have low vision, you can triple-click the Home button (on an iPad with a Home button) or triple-click the top button (on other iPad models) to turn on VoiceOver, the screen reader. You can also double-tap the screen with three fingers to turn on Zoom. See Get started with accessibility features on iPad.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • If you have another iPhone or iPad with iOS11, iPadOS13, or later, you can use Quick Start to automatically set up your new device. Bring the two devices close together, then follow the onscreen instructions to securely copy many of your settings, preferences, and iCloudKeychain. You can then restore the rest of your data and content to your new device from your iCloud backup.

      Or, if both devices have iOS12.4, iPadOS13, or later, you can transfer all your data wirelessly from your previous device to your new one. Keep your devices near each other and plugged into power until the migration process is complete.

    • Tap Set Up Manually.

  3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Move from an Android device to iPad

If you have an Android device, you can transfer your data with the Move to iOS app when you first set up your new iPad.

Note: If you already completed setup and want to use Move to iOS, you must erase your iPad and start over, or move your data manually. See the Apple Support article Move content manually from your Android device to your iPhone or iPad.

  1. On your device with Android version 4.0 or later, see the Apple Support article Move from Android to iPhone or iPad and download the Move to iOS app.

  2. On your iPad, do the following:

    • Follow the setup assistant.

    • On the Transfer Your Apps & Data screen, tap From Android.

  3. On the Android device, do the following:

    • Turn on Wi-Fi.

    • Open the Move to iOS app.

    • Follow the onscreen instructions.

WARNING: To avoid injury, read Important safety information for iPad before using iPad.

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Turn on and set up iPad (2024)

FAQs

How do I setup my iPad for the first time? ›

  1. Turn on and set up iPad.
  2. Wake and unlock.
  3. Set up cellular service.
  4. Connect to the internet.
  5. Apple ID and iCloud. Sign in with Apple ID. Use iCloud. Subscribe to iCloud+
  6. Find settings.
  7. Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts.
  8. Learn the meaning of the status icons.

What is the first thing to do when you get a new iPad? ›

Set up your iPhone or iPad
  1. Turn on your iPhone or iPad. ...
  2. Choose the size of text and icons on your phone. ...
  3. Use Quick Start or set up manually. ...
  4. Set up for you or for a child. ...
  5. Restore or transfer your data and apps. ...
  6. Sign in with your Apple ID or another Apple device.
Dec 18, 2023

How do I activate my iPad? ›

With the cable that came with your iPhone or iPad, connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Locate your device on your computer. Wait while your computer detects and activates your iPhone or iPad: If an alert appears that says "Set up as New" or "Restore from Backup," it means your iPhone or iPad is activated.

How to start over with iPad setup? ›

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad. Do one of the following: Prepare your content and settings to transfer to a new iPad: Tap Get Started, then follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish, return to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

How do I turn on my first iPad? ›

Turn on iPad: Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. Turn off iPad: Simultaneously press and hold the top button and either volume button, then drag the slider.

How do I set up a used iPad as new? ›

Go to Settings > [ your name], scroll down, tap Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, then tap Turn Off. Erase all content and settings that contain personal information. If you previously turned on Find My for your iPad, Activation Lock is removed when you erase iPad, making it ready for a new owner.

When you get a new iPad should you charge it first? ›

Your new iPad comes charged right out of the box, but the factory charge may have faded over time. For a full initial charge, the best method is to use the sync/charge cable that came with your iPad and AC power from a wall socket.

How do I transfer to a new iPad? ›

Here's what to do:
  1. Make sure your current iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and that Bluetooth® is on.
  2. Turn on your new iPad, and place it next to your current iPad.
  3. Connect your new device to Wi-Fi or your device's mobile network.
  4. Choose which Apple® ID you'd like to transfer data from, then press Continue.
Apr 25, 2024

Is it difficult to set up a new iPad? ›

iPad has an easy setup process to help you get going when you first turn on your device. Whether you're just getting started or want to make sure you have the basics set up, you're in the right place.

How do I reset my iPad for a new owner? ›

Go back to Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings. If you turned on Find My [device], you might need to enter your Apple ID and password. If your device uses eSIM, choose the option to erase your device and the eSIM profile when asked.

How do you set up an iPad for the first time? ›

If this is your first iPad, select Set Up as New iPad. Otherwise, import the apps and settings from another device, either one you're storing on your computer or one in Apple's iCloud service. If you're restoring from a backup, the iPad asks for your iCloud username and password and which backup you want to use.

How do I set up a new iPad when I already have one? ›

Set up your new iOS device automatically using an iPhone or iPad. If you have another iPhone or iPad with iOS 11, iPadOS 13, or later, you can use Quick Start to automatically set up your new device.

How do I wipe an iPad and start over? ›

Erase your iPhone or iPad and restore it to factory settings
  1. Go to Settings > General > Reset, then tap Erase all Contents and Settings.
  2. Enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
  3. Wait for all content to be safely removed from your device.
Oct 24, 2022

Is a new iPad easy to set up? ›

Setting up a new iPad is quick and easy. If you already have an iPad, you can place it next to your new one to get going even faster.

How do I set up a new iPad for a senior? ›

Setting Up an iPad for Seniors Using Accessibility Settings
  1. Zoom and Magnify. Let's start with the Zoom and Magnifier. ...
  2. Increase or Reduce the Contrast. ...
  3. Voice Commands. ...
  4. Improve the Text Size. ...
  5. Reducing Transparency. ...
  6. Touch Accommodation. ...
  7. Guided Access.

How long does a new iPad take to set up? ›

During the transfer process, Quick Start will take over both devices for several minutes up to two hours, depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi network. Here's what to do: Make sure your current iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and that Bluetooth® is on. Turn on your new iPad, and place it next to your current iPad.

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