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2 Ways to Fix iPhone Stuck on Setting Up Your Apple ID

Quick Tips
  • Ensure you have an active internet connection since it’s required to set up your Apple ID.
  • Insert a SIM card into the phone before setting it up to begin the activation process.
  • Try using a different Wi-Fi network or Apple ID if your current one doesn’t work.

Fix 1: Force Restart the iPhone to Reset the Setup Process

If your new iPhone is taking forever to set up, there might be a glitch or issue with the setup process preventing it from proceeding to the next step. The best solution to this problem is to force restart your iPhone.

  • For iPhone 6s or lower:

Press and hold the Home and Power buttons simultaneously. Release them when you see the Apple logo on the screen.

  • For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:

Press and hold the Volume down key and the Power button. Release them when you see the Apple logo on the screen.

  • For iPhone 8 and higher:

Press and release the Volume up key, press and release the Volume down key, and then press and hold the Side/Power button till you see the Apple logo on the screen.

Fix 2: Update or Restore iOS

Since your iPhone isn’t set up, you can’t update or reset it via the Settings app. Instead, you can use iTunes on Windows or Finder on Mac.

Note: We will perform the steps using Finder on Mac but the procedure remains the same for iTunes on Windows.

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your Mac/PC via a lightning/USB-C cable.

Step 2: Access the iPhone via the sidebar on Finder if you have a Mac. If you’re using iTunes, open the app and click on your iPhone.

Step 3: Now, click on Check for Update.

If an update is available, select Install, and your iPhone will be updated to the latest iOS version.

However, if your iPhone is already on the latest iOS version, your only option is to restore it.

Step 4: Click on Restore iPhone. Follow the on-screen instructions, and the restore process will begin shortly.

Once your iPhone is restored, it will be reset, and you can start over from the beginning. This time, hopefully, your iPhone should be set up without any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does setting up an Apple ID take on an iPhone?

Generally, logging in to your Apple ID and setting up your iPhone only takes a few seconds, or at most, 1-2 minutes. If it’s taking longer than that, there’s probably something wrong.

2. How to add an Apple ID to an iPhone?

You will be given the option to add and log in to your Apple ID while setting up the iPhone for the first time. If you want to add it later on, you can do so via the Settings app.

3. How to set up an Apple account?

When you’re asked to log in to your Apple ID during the setup process, you will also see an option to create a new Apple ID if you don’t already have one. Select this option to set up an Apple account.

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Last updated on 29 August, 2024

2 Comments

  1. Today I bought an iPhone 11, switched from Android to iPhone, the iPhone loads and loads for a very long time logging into Apple ID, other buttons do not work, please help

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