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Apple iPhone XS / XS Max - Activate / Set Up Device

2026-10-22 18:06:28.961

Apple iPhone XS / XS Max - Activate / Set Up Device

Here's how to complete the initial setup of your iPhone XS and XS Max.
If the device has been set up with an incorrect Apple ID erase all content and settings.
If troubleshooting, don't restore the device until all testing has been completed.
  1. Using your previous iPhone:
    If you don't have a previous iPhone, proceed to step 2.
  2. Press the
    Power button
     (top-right edge) to power the iPhone on.
    If this is an upgrade or your phone was not activated when purchased, refer to the activate a new iPhone.
  3. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to choose language then tap the country or region.
  4. From the Appearance screen select one of the following then tap
    Continue
    :
    • Defualt
    • Medium
    • Large
  5. Tap
    Set Up Without Another Device
    .
    If you have a previous device on iOS 11 or later, use Quick Start to complete auto sign-in.
  6. Tap the Wi-Fi network, enter the Wi-Fi password then tap
    Join
    .
    If activating using eSIM, a Wi-Fi network is required.
    If a Wi-Fi network is not available and activating using a phyiscal SIM card, tap
    Continue Without Wi-Fi
     to activate over the Verizon network.
    Allow a few moments for the activation process to complete.
  7. From the Data & Privacy section, tap
    Continue
    .
  8. From the Set Up iPhone screen select one of the following:
    • Set Up for Myself
    • Set Up for a Child in My Family
  9. To set up Face ID, tap
    Continue
     then follow the on-screen instructions.
    To skip this step, tap
    Set Up Later
    .
  10. Enter a 6-digit passcode then re-enter the passcode.
    To choose a different numeric code, tap
    Passcode Options
     then select from the following options:
    • Custom Alphanumeric Code
    • Customer Numeric Code
    • 4-Digit Numeric Code
  11. From the 'Apps & Data' screen, tap a setup option:
    Restoring from a backup can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
    Remaining steps for activation will vary based on the option selected.
  12. Enter your Apple ID and password then tap
    Next
    .
    If you have an Apple ID already in use on another device, a verification code is sent to that device; you must enter this code to proceed with activation.
    If you don't have an Apple ID or have forgotten your sign-in info, refer to one of the following:
  13. To continue, review the Terms and Conditions then tap
    Agree
    .
  14. To set up your phone with the recommended settings, tap
    Continue
    .
    If you'd like to customize your settings, tap
    Customize
     to continue to personalize your device.
  15. From the Keep Your iPhone Up to Date, tap
    Continue
    .
  16. From the Location Services screen, tap 'Enable Location Services' or ' Disable Location Services'.
    For more information, tap the
    About Location Services & Privacy
     link.
  17. To set up Apple Pay, tap
    Continue
     then follow the on-screen instructions.
    To skip this step, tap
    Set Up Later in Wallet
    .
  18. From the iCloud Keychain screen, tap 'Continue' or 'Don't use iCloud Keychain'.
  19. From the Siri Screen, tap 'Continue' or 'Set Up Later in Settings'.
  20. From the Screen Time screen, tap 'Continue' or ' Set Up Later in Settings'.
  21. From the Analytics screen, tap 'Share with Apple' or 'Don't Share'.
  22. From the App Analytics screen, tap 'Share with App Developers' or 'Don't Share'.
  23. From the Appearance screen, select 'Light' or 'Dark' then tap
    Continue
    .
  24. From the Display Zoom screen, select 'Standard' or 'Zoomed' then tap
    Continue
    .
  26. Once setup is completed, on the Welcome to iPhone screen swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get started using your iPhone; confirm the status bar at the top of the screen changes from No Service to Verizon.
    This process may take 2-3 minutes. If the activation fails, view this support info.
Accounts (e.g., Gmail, Cloud, etc.) should be set up after activating the device (see Related Info section at the bottom of this page).