The first thing you want to do when you buy a new iPhone is to set up the device very quickly so you can start using it.
But while setting up and iPhone is usually a very simple process that doesn’t require a lot of input, sometimes it can get stuck.
This can be frustrating, particularly because you want to use your new iPhone as quickly as possible.
But before you send the device back to the store, keep reading to find out the best ways to fix an iPhone that is frozen during the setup.
Let’s start with the main reasons why the set-up process may be stuck.
Why the New iPhone Is Stuck on Setup
The setup process can get stuck in numerous ways. Before we look at why this happens, the following are some of the common scenarios that may characterize this problem:
- The iPhone is stuck on “Data and Privacy” screen
- The device is stuck on the Apple ID setup
- The device gets stuck on “take a few minutes to setup” screen
- The device gets stuck on the Wi-Fi setup screen
- The device is stuck on “Terms and Conditions
These problems can be caused by one or more of the following:
- A temporary glitch or bug in the iOS system
- An inactive or unstable internet connection
- An unsupported SIM
- A problem with the iOS software
- Interrupted or corrupt iOS update
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix iPhone Frozen during Setup
The following are some of the most effective solutions to try when an iPhone get stuck during setup:
Force Restart your iPhone
The most common cause of this issue is a system bug or a minor glitch in the system. And, force restarting your iPhone is likely the best way to get rid of these bugs. You can force restart your iPhone, using the steps below:
For iPhone 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8 and SE (2nd Generation):
- Step 1: Press and release the Volume up button.
- Step 2: Then press and release the Volume Down button.
- Step 3: Then press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple Logo appears on the screen.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Step 1: Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time.
- Step 2: Release the buttons when you see the Apple Logo.
For iPhone 6s and iPhone SE (1st Generation):
- Step 1: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the home button at the same time.
- Step 2: Release both buttons when the Apple Logo appears.
Choose Another Wi-Fi Network to Connect
You will also have problems setting up the device if the network connection you are using is unstable or not working at all.
In this case, you can try to connect to a different network during the setup process. Here’s what you can do:
- Step 1: Make sure that your Wi-Fi is working by checking it on another device.
- Step 2: When you get to the “Choose a Wi-Fi Network” screen, select “Choose Another Network” and select the new network that you have verified works.
Once it is connected, the device should be able to complete the activation process and start working just fine.
Set up new iPhone Through iTunes/Finder
If you are still unable to setup the device, you can connect it to the computer and use iTunes/Finder to complete the installation process. Here’s how to do that:
- Step 1: Begin by making sure that you have the latest version of iTunes/Finder installed on your computer.
- Step 2: Then, make sure that the computer is connected to a good, strong and reliable Wi-Fi network.
- Step 3: Connect the iPhone to the computer and once iTunes/Finder detects it, choose “Set up as New” and click “Continue.”
Then, just follow the on-screen instructions on the iPhone’s screen to complete the process.
Repair iPhone System Issues with TinyFix
You can also fix a device that is stuck during setup by putting the deice in and out of recovery mode.
To avoid having to go through the often-complicated process of putting the device in recovery mode using the physical buttons, we recommend using TinyFix.
With this tool you can enter and exit recovery mode in a single click.
Download and install TinyFix on to your computer and then follow these steps to repair the device by putting it in and out of recovery mode:
Step 1: Launch TinyFix on your computer and then use the device’s original USB/Lightning cable to connect the device to the computer.
Step 2: Once the program detects the device, click on “Enter Recovery Mode.”
Step 3: In a few seconds, the device will successfully enter recovery mode and you should see the “Enter Recovery Mode successfully” message on the screen.
Step 4: Then click on “Exit Recovery Mode”to get your device out of Recovery Mode and let it boot, to get rid of the iPhone stuck on the setup screen.
Restore iOS in Recovery Mode
The final solution is reinstalling the iOS and you should only try it if none of the other solutions work.
To do this, you will need to connect the iPhone to your computer and use iTunes, so make sure that the version of iTunes you have is updated.
Then, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect the iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.
Step 2: Then, depending on your iPhone model, use these steps to put the device in recovery mode:
- For iPhone 8 and later: Press and release the Volume up button, press and release the Volume down button and then press and hold the Side/Power button. Continue to press the Power button until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
- For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side/Power button and the Volume down button at the same time. Continue to hold both buttons until you see the “Connect to iTunes” screen.
- For iPhone 6s and earlier: Press and hold the Home and Power button at the same time until the “Connect to iTunes” screen appears.
Step 2: When a message pops up in iTunes, click on “Update” and iTunes will reinstall the iOS without deleting any of the data on the device.
Choose “Restore” only if “Update” doesn’t work as “Restore” will erase all the data on the device.
Wrapping Up
The problem of an iPhone that gets stuck in the setup process can be very easily resolved using one of the solutions above.
While it is not uncommon, it is also not a serious problem and you should be able to get the device working normally again fairly soon.