How to Activate a New iPad Without Another Device

Set up your new iPad as a standalone device without needing an old iPhone or iPad. Follow these manual activation steps to reach your home screen.

1. Power on and initiate the setup. Press and hold the top power button until the Apple logo appears on the display. Once the device boots, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the Home button to begin the setup sequence.
2. Select language and region. Choose your preferred language and country from the list. The iPad will automatically adjust its settings to match your regional preferences.
3. Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Select a local Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password when prompted. An active internet connection is mandatory to verify the device with Apple servers.
4. Choose manual setup. When prompted to use Quick Start, select the option labeled Set Up Manually at the bottom of the screen. This bypasses the requirement for an existing iPhone or iPad.
5. Configure Face ID or Touch ID. Follow the on-screen prompts to register your biometric authentication method. If you prefer to skip this for now, select Set Up Later in Settings.
6. Sign in with Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID email and password. If you do not have an account, select the option to create a free Apple ID to proceed.
7. Complete initial preferences. Agree to the Terms and Conditions and choose your settings for Siri, Screen Time, and App Analytics. Tap Get Started to finish the process and reach your iPad home screen.