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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) - Activate / Set Up Device

2026-10-22 18:07:02.711

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) - Activate / Set Up Device

Here's how to quickly set up your iPhone SE (3rd Gen).
To avoid potential issues, review the following before activating your Apple® iPhone® SE (3rd Gen):
  • Swapping the SIM card from your previous device may prevent your device from being correctly provisioned for Verizon's 5G network.
  • If the device has been set up with an incorrect Apple ID erase all content and settings.
For business accounts:
  • Wi-Fi is required to activate. This could be a home / work network or a mobile hotspot connection.
  • Open Public Wi-Fi networks that require browser sign-in won't work.
  • For steps on how to activate your eSIM. refer to eSIM for business
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 and hold the
    Power button
     (top-right edge) to power the new iPhone on.
    iPhone SE (3rd Gen) devices do not have a pre-installed 5G SIM card and are recommended to be activated with an eSIM (electronic SIM card).
    If this is an upgrade or your phone wasn't activated after purchase, refer to activate a new iPhone.
  3. From the 'Hello' screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to choose a language then tap your country or region.
  4. From the 'Quick Start' screen, tap
    Set Up Manually
    .
    If you have a previous device running iOS 11 or later, use Quick Start to complete auto sign-in.
  5. Tap the Wi-Fi network; enter the Wi-Fi password, tap
    Join
     (upper-right) then tap
    Next
     once the Wi-Fi network has connected.
    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.
  6. To proceed, review the Data & Privacy info then tap
    Continue
    .
  7. To set up Touch ID, tap
    Continue
     then follow the on-screen instructions.
    To skip this step, tap Set Up Later.
  8. 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
  9. Tap a transfer apps & data option:
    Restoring from a backup can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
  10. 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:
  11. To continue, review the Terms and Conditions then tap
    Agree
    .
  12. To set up your phone with the recommended settings, tap
    Continue
    .
    If you'd like to customize your settings, tap
    Customize Settings
    .
    If Continue is selected, the remaining steps in the activation process will vary.
  13. From the 'Keep Your iPhone Up to Date' screen, tap
    Continue
    .
    If you'd like to manually choose when updates are installed, tap
    Install Updates Manually
     to get the latest features, security, and improvements automatically.
  14. From the 'iMessage & FaceTime' screen, tap 'Continue' or 'Not Now'.
  15. From the 'Location Services' screen, review then tap 'Enable Location Services' or 'Disable Location Services' to continue.
  16. To set up Apple Pay, tap
    Continue
     then follow the on-screen instructions.
    To skip this step, tap
    Set Up Later in Wallet
    .
  17. To set up Siri, tap
    Continue
     then follow the on-screen instructions.
    To skip this step, tap
    Set Up Later in Settings
    .
  18. To receive weekly reports about your screen time and set limits for apps you want to manage, tap
    Continue
    .
    To skip this step, tap
    Set Up Later in Settings
    .
  19. To share app activity and crash data with app developers, tap
    Share with Apple
    .
    If you don't want to share app activity and crash data with app developers, tap
    Don't Share
    .
  20. From the 'Appearance' screen, select a light or dark appearance for your iPhone then tap
    Continue
    .
    Selected when a checkmark is present.
  21. Select the desired Display Zoom then tap
    Continue
    .
    Selected when a checkmark is present.
  22. To begin using your iPhone, Swipe up to get started.
    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 Apple Support page.
  • Accounts (e.g., Gmail email, Cloud, etc.) should be set up after activation (see Related Info section at the bottom of this page).
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) does not have a charging block or earbuds included in the box. If necessary, charging blocks / earbuds can be purchased from any Verizon store or online.