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 screen, with options to set up your iPad by bringing it close to another iPhone or iPad, or setting it up without another device.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6758C0F05C38883A170CE6F4/6758C0F55C38883A170CE700/en_US/d2d79148ccbe1b5939ec696f91c71bfb.png)
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 screen showing available Wi-Fi networks.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6758C0F05C38883A170CE6F4/6758C0F55C38883A170CE700/en_US/f303e908e2debe5bd0e83b2161ea99fc.png)
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 your Wi-Fi network 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 on supported iPad models, install a nano-SIM provided by your carrier.
![The Settings screen, with the Apple Account sign-in dialog in the middle of the screen.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6758C0F05C38883A170CE6F4/6758C0F55C38883A170CE700/en_US/57d028d89956b01b4140e2ae8fa28f59.png)
Sign in to your Apple Account
You use your Apple Account to access to Apple services such as the App Store, the iTunes Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, FaceTime, iCloud, iMessage, and more.
To sign in to your Apple Account, go to Settings > Apple Account. If you have an iPhone (with iOS 17 or later) or another iPad (with iPadOS 17 or later), you can simply bring your iPad near your other device. Otherwise, you can manually sign in. To verify that you’re signed in, go to Settings
> [your name]; your Apple Account appears below your name.
![A screen showing settings for Touch ID & Passcode, with options to add a fingerprint and turn passcode on.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6758C0F05C38883A170CE6F4/6758C0F55C38883A170CE700/en_US/b7d2f77bcc94b428c5dc89525893146a.png)
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, tap Set up Face ID, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Set up Touch ID: Go to Settings
> Touch ID & Passcode, tap Add a Fingerprint, then follow the onscreen instructions.
![A screen showing settings for the Find My app, with options to turn on Find My iPad and Share My Location.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6758C0F05C38883A170CE6F4/6758C0F55C38883A170CE700/en_US/30acb74847999a04ea245c86ac1c5245.png)
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 iCloud settings screen showing the iCloud storage meter and a list of apps and features, including Photos, iCloud Drive, and iCloud Mail that can be used with iCloud.](https://help.apple.com/assets/6758C0F05C38883A170CE6F4/6758C0F55C38883A170CE700/en_US/0c69cd3c743da70692efcd84c300db2a.png)
Store your data in 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.
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