How do I get into a new iPhone that will not finish setup?
Answer
Read the exact setup screen first. If it asks for a previous Apple ID, that is Activation Lock and needs those credentials or removal by the previous owner. If it is stuck on Hello/setup, force-restart and continue with Wi-Fi and a trusted Apple ID. If it asks for a passcode you never set, the phone may not be truly new or erased.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Activation Lock cannot be removed by paid bypass tools. Use the previous owner’s Apple ID removal or return the device if you cannot unlock it legitimately.
- Restoring the iPhone erases data on the device; on a truly new phone that is usually fine, but confirm first if anything was already set up.
Follow these steps
Identify the exact setup block
Power on the iPhone and write down the exact screen text: Activation Lock / previous Apple ID, passcode entry, Wi-Fi selection, or a stuck Hello screen with no further prompts.
You should see: You know whether this is Activation Lock, a passcode, a network issue, or a frozen setup flow.
Handle Activation Lock if shown
If the iPhone asks for a previous owner’s Apple ID, sign in with those credentials or have that person remove the device from their Apple ID / Find My account. A factory reset will not bypass this.
You should see: Either the phone activates with the correct Apple ID, or you confirm the previous owner must release it.
Continue normal setup when not locked
If there is no previous-owner lock, connect to Wi-Fi, force-restart the iPhone if the Hello screen is frozen, and continue setup with your own Apple ID. Choose Set Up as New iPhone if you do not need a quick start transfer yet.
You should see: Setup proceeds past the stuck screen to Home Screen or the next legitimate Apple setup step.
Use a computer restore only if setup stays broken
If the iPhone still cannot complete setup and you control any Apple ID lock, connect to a Mac or PC and restore with Finder or Apple Devices / iTunes recovery mode, then activate with your Apple ID.
You should see: The iPhone reinstalls iOS and can be set up, or Activation Lock appears and makes the ownership problem clear.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether setup asks for a previous Apple ID, a passcode, a Wi-Fi network, or simply stays on the Hello / swipe-up screen with no progress.
Before you change anything: Confirm whether the iPhone is brand new sealed or bought used/refurbished. Have the Apple ID you intend to use, plus Wi-Fi access. Do not erase again until you know whether Activation Lock is present. Never share Apple ID passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.