Top 10 Must-Do Steps for Your New iPhone: Get Started the Right Way!
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Congrats on snagging that shiny new iPhone. Over 1.382 billion consumers worldwide currently own/use iPhones. Kuo reports that Apple sold 9.8 million iPhone 16 Pros and 17.1 million iPhone 16 Pro Max devices in the first weekend of presales. As always, they remain a hit.
There’s no denying the excitement of unboxing Apple’s latest masterpiece. But wait. Before you jump straight into selfies and endless TikTok scrolls, there are a few must-do steps to make the most of your new device.
Back Up Your Old Phone First
Before you say goodbye to your trusty old device, ensure everything—photos, files, and contacts—is safely backed up. Use either iCloud or iTunes to transfer all your data.
According to Apple, more than 850 million people around the world use iCloud to store their files, making data transfer a breeze.
Set Up Face ID or Touch ID
Say hello to high-tech security! Setting up Face ID (or Touch ID for older models) is crucial. Not only does it keep your phone secure, but it also makes unlocking your iPhone feel like magic.
Don’t forget to sync Face ID with apps like mobile banking for added convenience and security.
Update to the Latest iOS Version
Make sure your iPhone has the latest iOS version installed for optimal performance. Updating your software helps remove bugs and ensures all the hottest features are available.
iOS updates aren’t just about new emojis—they often patch critical security vulnerabilities, too.
Customize Your Control Center
Your Control Center is your quick gateway to Wi-Fi, music, and even Apple HomeKit settings. Jump into Settings → Control Center to add shortcuts for what you use most, like screen recording or dark mode.
Turn on Find My iPhone
Accidentally misplacing your phone happens—don’t panic. Turning on “Find My iPhone” ensures you won’t lose sleep over it.
You can track your device’s location, remotely lock it, or erase its data if necessary. Reports show that Find My iPhone has helped recover millions of lost devices globally.
Set Up Apple Pay
Cut the clutter—ditch those bulky wallets. With Apple Pay, you can make secure payments through your iPhone and Apple Watch. You can also add credit, debit, and even transit cards through the Wallet app.
According to the PYMNTS Intelligence report, Apple Pay growth has been strong in the U.S., growing 41% between 2021 and 2024.
Organize Your Apps
There’s no better time for a digital detox than a brand-new phone. Instead of stuffing your home screen with endless apps, create folders and use App Library to streamline navigation.
Widgets are a game-changer. Add widgets for calendar events, Spotify playlists, movie streaming apps, or weather updates to make your screen functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Master Your Camera Settings
The iPhone camera is legendary, and for good reason. Head to settings and explore options like HDR, ProRAW, or 4K video recording.
Want that perfect shot? Enable portrait mode and experiment with lighting effects.
Sync with Your Other Apple Devices
Already own an Apple Watch, AirPods, or a Mac? Sync them all together for that seamless Apple ecosystem experience.
Handoff lets you start an email on your iPhone and finish it on your Mac without missing a beat. Over 84% of Apple users in the U.S. own more than one Apple product.
Check Out Apple’s Freebie Features
Don’t sleep on the free stuff. Your iPhone has perks like 3 months of Apple Music, one month of Apple Arcade, and an iCloud+ trial for new users. Take advantage of these gifts.
Even if you’re not a gamer, Apple Arcade has hidden gems that are perfect for winding down after a long day.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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