How to Activate a New iPhone Over Wi-Fi

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Power on the device

   Press and hold the Side button on the right side of the device until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Once the 'Hello' screen displays in multiple languages, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to begin the setup sequence.

   Note: Ensure your device has sufficient battery charge or keep it connected to a power source during activation.
2. 30 sec

   Select language and region

   Choose your preferred language from the list provided. Select your country or region to ensure system settings and date formats are accurate for your location.

3. 1 min

   Connect to a Wi-Fi network

   When prompted to activate the device, select a local Wi-Fi network from the available list. Enter the network password and tap Join to establish the connection required for Apple server verification.

   Note: Avoid using public or captive portal Wi-Fi networks if possible, as they may disrupt the activation process.
4. 1 min

   Activate the iPhone

   Once connected, the iPhone will automatically communicate with Apple activation servers. Wait for the screen to transition to the Data & Privacy page, indicating the device is successfully activated.

5. 1 min

   Set up biometric security

   Follow the on-screen instructions to configure Face ID or Touch ID. Create a strong alphanumeric passcode to serve as your secondary security authentication method.

   Note: You can skip this step, but it is highly recommended for device security.
6. 1 min

   Complete initial setup

   Choose whether to restore data from an existing iCloud backup or set the device up as new. Sign in with your Apple ID to enable services like iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud synchronization to finalize the process.

   Note: If you choose to set it up as new, you can add your Apple ID later within the Settings app.