How to Use a Brand New iPhone

by Alan Bradford
Once you open the iPhone box, you've got some steps you must perform before you can use it.

Once you open the iPhone box, you've got some steps you must perform before you can use it.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images

When you first receive your iPhone from Apple, getting started isn't as simple as turning on your phone and making calls. There are several steps you must perform to activate the iPhone with your cell phone carrier as well as utilize all of the device features. The process can take some time, but it can be a fun and informative way to familiarize yourself with the iPhone. Once the setup is complete, you may find yourself continuing to learn about additional features.

Step 1

Insert the SIM card into the SIM card tray in the side of the iPhone, if necessary. As of April 2011, GSM models have a SIM card slot, but CDMA models don't. A GSM iPhone requires the SIM card for use. For more information about GSM versus CDMA, see the Tips section.

Step 2

Activate your iPhone with your cellular service carrier. The activation process will vary based on which carrier you are using.

Step 3

Register your iPhone with iTunes. To do this, connect your iPhone to your computer using the supplied USB cable and then launch iTunes. Follow the onscreen instructions to associate your iPhone with your Apple ID in iTunes.

Step 4

Configure your email accounts, contact lists and calendar. You cellular phone carrier should have tools for transferring phone contact information from your old cell phone. You can set up email accounts in the Mail app and sync calendar information from many calendar applications.

Step 5

Set up your media libraries in iTunes, if necessary, and sync to your iPhone. If you already have libraries set up in iTunes, you can simply sync them to your iPhone. If not, you must add music, video and other media files to iTunes libraries. Once they are set up, you sync these lists to transfer the media files to your iPhone.

Step 6

Purchase additional media and applications for use on your iPhone. Visit the iTunes store to see what is available for use. Once you purchase additional content, it is downloaded to your computer and added to your iTunes media lists. You can then sync the new content to your iPhone.

Tip

  • GSM and CDMA are technology standards used for mobile phones. As of April 2011, AT&T iPhones use the GSM standard and Verizon iPhones use CDMA.

About the Author

Alan Bradford began his career as a technical writer and editor in 2000. He has worked in a variety of fields, including medical devices, military applications and PC/console game development. Bradford specializes in such topics as computers, PC gaming and family and spiritual life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Diego State University.

Photo Credits

  • Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images