8 must-do steps to set up a new iPad

Suppose you recently bought or received a brand-new iPad. Congratulations — getting new tech is always exciting. I still love my recently acquired iPad Pro. Still, underneath all that excitement, knowing where to start when setting up your new iPad can be daunting. To help you, here’s a list of eight things I recommend everyone do when they’re setting up a new iPad.

1 Transfer your data

The best place to start

First and foremost, when setting up a new iPad, I recommend transferring the data from your previous device if you have one. If you don’t have an existing iPad, you can optionally transfer content from an iPhone or Android device. During your iPad’s initial setup up, Apple provides you with four ways to transfer data: iCloud backup, computer backup, directly from another iPad, or from an Android device. As a support article, Apple has instructions on its transfer methods. Remember that if you’ve already set up your iPad, you’ll need to erase it before restoring from any of these options, as they can only be done before exiting the setup assistant.

2 Set up Touch ID or Face ID

It’s secure and convenient

While using a passcode exclusively may feel more secure than a biometric, this isn’t actually the case. Using Touch IDand Face ID helps to keep your passcode confidential while being less likely to be cracked technologically. Plus, using a biometric is much quicker than typing a code every time.

Even if you aren’t a passcode user, Touch ID or Face ID can streamline the process of securely accessing your device enough to help convince you to use a passcode. Biometrics also don’t sync between new devices, so you’ll need to re-scan your fingerprint or face for a new device anyway.

To configure Touch ID or Face ID:

1. Launch Settings.
2. Tap Touch ID & Passcode or Face ID & Passcode.
3. Select Add a Fingerprint… or Set Up Face ID.
4. Follow the prompts.

3 Check for a software update

Make sure you’re up to date

Next up in the iPad setup journey is verifying that your software is up to date. Ensuring your iPad is on the latest version of iPadOS helps protect you against vulnerabilities, patch bugs, and provides you with new features!

To verify your iPad is up-to-date:

1. Launch Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Tap Download and Install if there’s a pending update to be completed, and follow any remaining prompts.

4 Configure your email accounts

It’s not just for emails

If you’re anything like me, you have several email accounts. Between various projects, they seem to accumulate. Frustratingly, Apple doesn’t sync email account passwords between devices via iCloud. Every time you set up a new device, you must re-enter your password to access your emails, contacts, calendars, and notes that may be linked to a particular account.