Here is a guide to complete your iPhone setup as compiled by iSource. To get started, you need the following ready.

  • Recent version iTunes for Mac or PC
  • Lightning to USB cable
  • Apple ID
  • Wi-Fi
  • Old device for transferring data and contacts

iPhone handset offers configuration options that form part of the basic and standard set-up process which starts when the device is powered. Its walkthrough is quite straightforward. But some details are covered for clarifications:

1. Turn on / Wake up your new iPhone by holding down the Sleep / Power button in the top right corner. When the screen lights-up, swipe the slider to the right across the screen.

2. Set the location or home country where you will be using your iPhone.

3. Select the language you want the phone to work. This won't prevent you from using your phone whenever you will want to go to other countries. It determines your home country.

4. Connect to a Wi-Fi Network, if available. But this is not required if you have a hotspot where you are activating your new gadget, connect to it and enter the passcode.

5. Provide account details. This is a new step introduced in iOS 7. It's largely to reduce theft by making it more difficult to reactivate stolen devices. Start by confirming the phone number on screen is the number assigned to your iPhone. Tap Next. Then enter your billing zip code, last four digits of your social security number. This is a security step as a thief would not know your billing zipcode and your social security number. Without these two, no one will be able to open and use your phone. Tap Next. Your iPhone will have some communication with your phone company, verify your info and you will then be asked to agree to some terms. Tap Agree and your phone will be activated.

6. Enable/Disable Location Services by Default - is the iPhone's GPS features allowing you to get driving directions, movies and restaurants nearby and other location-based information. If this is off, a lot of useful functionality of your iPhone will not be working.

7. iPhone Setup Option

  • Setup as New iPhone - choose this if you are a new user of iPhone, iPad or iPod.
  • Restore from iCloud Backup - if you haven't had an iOS device before, this does apply to you. However, if you are using iCloud to have your data, apps and other content backed up from other devices, chose this to download the data from iCloud to your iPhone.
  • Restore from iTunes backup-only if you have iPhone, iPod or iPad before. You can install your apps, music, settings and other data on your iPhone (assuming you have backups from your PC). This isn't required-you have the option to create a new one-but this is an alternative for a smooth transition to a new device.

8. Sign-in with your Apple ID or create a new one - your existing Apple login ID can be useful for a lot of things from iTunes to iCloud. You can create an Apple ID by tapping the button to create a new one following the onscreen prompts with your personal basic information.

9. Tick to agree to Apple's terms and conditions.

10. Choose whether or not to sync the device with iCloud. Apple offers this to allow customers to do many things.

11. Enable Find my iPhone. This is strongly recommended for all iPhone users to do this. It allows you to use the phone's built-in GPS to locate a stolen iPhone. For 5S owners: Touch ID is the fingerprint scanner built into the 5S's Home button that allows you to unlock the phone and do online shopping at iTunes and App Stores with fingerprints. Setup now and follow instructions.

12. Security Features. Choose which phone numbers and email addresses will be linked to your Apple ID.

13. Choose whether to require a 4-digit passcode to unlock phone, and create it here. This final security option prevents anyone who does not know from using your device, a good idea that works well with TouchID.

14. Enable/Disable Siri. This is the iPhone's digital assistant which you can talk to perform actions.

15. Tick/Untick "allows your device to send diagnostic to Apple". It is about sharing your basic information to Apple about how your phone behaves and perhaps it will help them improve the overall experience. This is optional.

16.Tap Get Started on the following screen. You have just completed your activation!

Restoring a New iPhone With iCloud Backup

Your iPhone data can be restored from iCloud when setting-up a new device or after you have erased from a device with Settings->General->Reset->Erase all Content. Then you will be prompted by Setup Assistant if a new iPhone to setup as new phone or restore from backup. However, there are times you wish to restore your device from an existing iCloud Backup, it is easy to perform it as part of your new iPhone's main setup setting. Following the instructions below will enable you to restore a new iPhone with iCloud backup.

1. Follow steps 1-5 above (Setting-up a new iPhone).

2. Select the option Restore from iCloud Backup.

3. Enter your Apple Login credentials.

4. Agree on Apple's Terms and Conditions and confirm when prompted again.

5. Choose the recent backup you wish to restore to your iPhone. iCloud now begin downloading old devices settings to your new iPhone. Apps and other media files will take some time but the device should be accessible during this time.

6. Have fun with your new iPhone!

Restoring New iPhone With iTunes Backup

If you failed to save iCloud backups but have recently backed-up an older device via iTunes, you can restore settings, data and apps at any time by connecting to your PC and choosing this option during initial setup. To begin with:

1. Complete steps 1-5 in the above section How to setup as new iPhone.

2. Select Restore from iTunes Backup

3. Tick Agree to Apple's Terms and Conditions. Confirm when prompted again.

4. Connect the iPhone to your PC with a Lightning-to-USB (or 30-pin-to-USB for older models) cable if you haven't already.

5. Select and Restore from iTunes Backup (if you have a new or erased iPhone).

6. This process will take some few minutes - Enjoy your new iPhone.

Additional Tips

Powering your phone for the first time, it is a wise idea to "train" the battery by completing the power cycle and allowing it to drain all the way to zero percent before fully recharging it. By doing this, it improves battery life and longevity.

iOS 7 contains many shortcuts and gestures that greatly improve user experience. The iOS keyboard contains its own selection of shortcuts and secrets. Check those out.