How to setup and start using your new iPhone, iPad, or iPad mini

If you just got a new iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or iPad mini, tore it out of its box, turned it on, and... are wondering just what to do next, don't worry -- iMore's here to help. Thanks to the introduction of iCloud whether this is your first iOS device ever, or just the latest in a long line, it's easier than ever to set it up as a brand new gear or restore it from a backup of your old gear, and get going.

"Just works" is just the worst when it doesn't, so instead of wasting time, check out our help and how-to tutorials below, so you can start spending time with your iPhone, iPod, or iPad as fast as possible, including iCloud, Siri, iMessage, Notification Center, and much, much more. (Including the best free apps and games for iPhone and iPad!)

And hey, if you already know everything there is to know about iOS, just bookmark this page and share it with family and friends who don't. We'll do the heavy lifting so you can spend your holidays having fun!

iOS 6

iCloud: The ultimate guide

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How to set up, back up, restore, and update using iCloud How to set up and use iCloud mail, contacts, and calendars How to set up and use iTunes in the Cloud How to set up and use iTunes Match

How to set up and use Photo Stream How to set up and use Documents in the Cloud How to set up and use Find my iPad How to set up and use Find my Friends

Siri: The ultimate guide

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How to set up, configure, secure, and start using Siri How to call, message, and email your contacts using Siri How to set alarms and timers using Siri How to set reminders and update task and to-do lists using Siri How to create, view, update, and cancel calendar events using Siri How to check stocks and exchanges using SiriHow to create and update notes using SiriHow to check the weather and view forecasts using Siri How to play and control music using Siri

How to find Map locations and get directions using SiriHow to search the web, get answers, and find restaurants using SiriHow to find movie locations, showtimes, reviews, ratings, and trailers using Siri How to look up sports scores and schedules, team rosters, and player stats using Siri How to find restaurants, read reviews, and make reservations using Siri How to open apps using SiriHow to shop for Apple products using Siri

Notification Center: The ultimate guide

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How to find, access, and clear Lock screen, Notification Center, banner, and popup notifications How to set up and use Notification Center's Do Not Disturb mode How to disable Notification Center banners, popups, badges, and sounds

How to enable, disable, and configure the Weather, Stocks, and Sharing widgets in Notification Center How to sort and organize alerts in Notification Center on iPhone and iPad How to quickly update your Twitter and Facebook status from Notification Center

iMessage: The ultimate guide

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How to enable and activate (or re-activate) iMessage How to add additional email addresses to iMessage How to enable read-reciepts for iMessage How to copy, forward, and delete iMessages How to increase privacy with iMessage How to send texts using iMessage

How to send photos using iMessage How to send videos using iMessage How to send contact cards using iMessage How to send map locations using iMessage How to send Voice Memos with iMessage

Photography: The ultimate guide

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How to get started with photography How to make your photography more striking with the “rule of thirds”How to make your photographs more powerful with negative space How to take amazing macros How to take stunning panoramas How to take awesome HDR photos How to take great looking portraits How to take fantastic photos of your kids

How to take dreamy photos of your newborn baby How to take irresistible photos of your pets How to take spectacular photos of your car How to use iPhoto to darken and add drama to your photography How to use iPhoto to polish and perfect your portraits All Camera app how-tos All Photos app how-tos Photography forum

iPhone, iPod, and iPad extras

iPhone and iPad Accessories, cases, cables, and more
iPhone and iPad Retina wallpapers
Best free iPhone apps and best free iPhone games
Best free iPad apps and best free iPad games

How to get more help with your new iPhone, iPod, or iPad

Still have questions? Need more specific answers? Just want to chat with the best iOS and Apple community on the internet? Here's where you should go:

iMore forums

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.