Setup basics

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.

The Quick Start setup screen, with directions to bring your current iPhone or iPad near your new iPad to get set up. There’s also an option to set up your device manually.

Transfer your apps and info onto your new iPad

When you first turn on your iPad and begin the setup process, you can wirelessly transfer many of your apps, settings, and content from your previous iPad directly to your new iPad—just bring the two devices close together, then follow the onscreen instructions.

The Settings sidebar is on the left side of the screen and Wi-Fi is selected. On the right side of the screen, Wi-Fi is turned on, and a network is selected.

Connect to Wi-Fi and set up cellular service

To connect your iPad to your home Wi-Fi network, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, turn on Wi-Fi, then choose your network. iPad automatically connects to the internet whenever you’re home.

If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular model, you can activate cellular service on your iPad using an eSIM (go to Settings > Cellular Data). Or, install a nano-SIM provided by your carrier.

The Settings screen, with the Apple ID sign-in dialog in the middle of the screen.

Sign in with your Apple ID

Your Apple ID is the account you use to access Apple services such as Apple Music, FaceTime, iCloud, and iMessage. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you can create one.

To sign in with your Apple ID, go to Settings > Sign in to your iPad. To verify that you’re signed in, go to Settings > [your name]; your Apple ID appears below your name.

The Settings sidebar is on the left side of the screen and Touch ID & Passcode is selected. On the right side of the screen are options to choose which features can be unlocked using Touch ID. iPad Unlock, iTunes & App Store, Wallet & Apple Pay, and Password Autofill are all turned off.

Set up Face ID or Touch ID

You can use Face ID (face recognition) or Touch ID (your fingerprint), to securely unlock your iPad, sign in to many apps, and make purchases. For your security, Face ID and Touch ID data doesn’t leave your device and isn’t saved anywhere else.

Depending on your iPad model, do one of the following:

Set up Face ID: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set up Face ID, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Set up Touch ID: Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Add a Fingerprint, then follow the onscreen instructions.

The Settings sidebar is on the left side of the screen and the top option with the user’s name is selected. On the right side of the screen are options to choose which Find My features to turn on. Find My iPad, Find My network, and Send Last Location are turned on.

Turn on Find My iPad

You can locate your iPad if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My, tap Find My iPad, then turn on Find My iPad.

You can see the location of your devices in the Find My app . If you lose your iPad and don’t have access to the Find My app, you can locate your device using Find Devices on iCloud.com.

The Settings screen with the user’s name selected at the top of the sidebar on the left side of the screen. On the right side of the screen are the options for iCloud settings including the iCloud storage meter and a list of apps and features, including Photos, iCloud Drive, iCloud Mail, and Passwords and Keychain.

Back up your data with iCloud

iCloud helps you keep your important info safe and in sync across your devices. If you replace or lose your iPad, or it’s damaged or stolen, your photos, videos, backups, and more remain secure in iCloud.

To turn on or change the features you want to use with iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

Want to learn more? Check out Turn on and set up iPad, Set up cellular service on iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular models), Connect iPad to the internet, Locate a device in Find My on iPad, and Use iCloud on iPad.

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iPad User Guide