This guide will show you how to set up iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus properly. We’ll show you which iPhone 8 settings to choose and help you understand why iPhone 8 wants to know your location and share other data.
We’ll also cover how long it takes to set up the iPhone 8 so you can take the right amount of time before starting the process at home. This guide assumes your iPhone 8 was shipped to you or you need to reinstall it after you get it from the store.
Often times, when you buy the iPhone 8 from a store or a carrier, they install it for you. They may ask you some of these questions or choose the most common options. If you’ve been sent an iPhone 8, it’s possible to take it to a store for help, but if that’s your plan, you might get better service if you buy in-store.
How Long Does iPhone 8 Setup Take?
iPhone 8 installation takes about 10 to 15 minutes without any problems and takes longer to restore.
You can set up the iPhone 8 in about 5 to 10 minutes. After the initial setup is complete, you can start downloading apps, sending texts and making calls. If you want to restore from iCloud or iTunes, iPhone 8 setup will take a little longer.
Most users restore from a backup as it brings everything to your iPhone even where your apps are on the home screen when you use iCloud Restore. If we’re trying to get rid of an issue with an old phone or moving to a smaller storage size like on the iPhone 8 Plus, we usually choose to set up as a new iPhone.
When you choose to use the iCloud Restore plan for at least an hour or two to download apps and data, but you don’t have to stay near your computer while it happens. If you choose iTunes Restore, your iPhone should be plugged in for this time. Schedule 30 to 60 minutes for an iTunes restore.
How to Set Up iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus
Watch the video above to see how you can get the iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus out of the box. There’s a new Quick Setup method that automatically transfers some of your settings to the new iPhone, but we’ll focus on the options you should choose if you’re doing it manually. In the video above, we examine what the options mean and what they do.
Backup Your iPhone
The first thing to do is hopefully already done. You will want to back up iPhone to iCloud or iTunes so that your information is safe.
This backup is also how to restore it to your iPhone 8 after it completes the setup process.
Activate Your iPhone 8
You need to insert your SIM into the new iPhone 8 or turn off your old iPhone if it came with a SIM. Activation should only take a minute or two and will likely be an easy process. In some cases, you will need the billing zip code and the last four digits of the primary account holder’s SSN. If you have any problems, you can call your carrier and they will assist you over the phone in a few minutes.
Choose iPhone 8 Installation Method
Choose how you want to set up your iPhone 8.
After activating your device, you need to choose how you want to set up the iPhone 8. You have four choices and there are no wrong answers. Your choice will depend on whether you have a backup, where it is located, whether you come from Android or whether you want to start from scratch.
Choose the option that corresponds to your best backup, or come from Android if you don’t want to start fresh like we did when upgrading to an iPhone 8 with less storage.
Choose iPhone 8 Options to Finish Installation
Choose Express Settings or manually select iPhone 8 options.
You can choose to use quick settings when choosing your iPhone 8 options, or you can choose what happens manually. Here’s a look at some of the options you should enable or bypass.
- Sign in to your Apple ID and accept the terms and conditions if necessary.
- Setup Touch ID – Train at least one finger to lock and unlock your iPhone.
- Configure your Home Button vibration feedback.
- If you want to use this service, turn on Apple Pay and set it up.
- Activate Siri – Exercise with Hey Siri now or later.
- True Tone Display – This is on by default, but you can turn it off later.
- Choose Standard or Zoomed Display
- Share Location – This lets apps know where to show nearby places and weather.
- Share Data with Apple and Developers – Decide if you want device information to be shared with these resources.
- Enter your account passwords as required so you can connect to your accounts.
Some apps may require you to sign in again and reinstall services. You will need to pair your Apple Watch with your old iPhone and re-pair it with your new iPhone, which can be problematic, so take at least 30 minutes to switch your Apple Watch to a new iPhone.