To turn on an iPhone 17, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Then follow the on-screen setup assistant to connect to the internet, activate cellular service if needed, and choose whether to transfer or restore your data.
Before you begin
Have a Wi-Fi connection available, along with your Apple Account and password. If you plan to move data, keep your previous phone nearby or make sure you can access the backup you want to restore. You can create an Apple Account during setup if you do not already have one. Cellular data is not required for iPhone 14 and later models, according to Apple’s setup guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Payment information is needed only if you choose to add Apple Pay during setup. The iPhone 17 box includes a USB-C charge cable; Apple does not say that an extra accessory is required to set up the phone. See Apple’s iPhone 17 specifications.
Turn on your iPhone 17
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- If the screen stays black, connect the iPhone to power, allow it to charge, then try holding the side button again.
This is Apple’s instruction in its Turn on and set up iPhone guide.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Choose a setup route
Use Quick Start with an iPhone or iPad
Quick Start can configure the new iPhone using a nearby Apple device. The other device must have iOS 11 or later, or iPadOS 13 or later. Keep it unlocked, connected to Wi-Fi, and with Bluetooth enabled. Place it near the iPhone 17 and follow the prompts on both devices. Apple describes the process in its Quick Start transfer instructions.
Set up manually
If you do not have another Apple device to use, choose “Set Up Without Another Device” when prompted, then follow the setup assistant.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Transfer from Android
Choose Apple’s Move to iOS option during the iPhone’s initial setup and follow the instructions on both phones. If you have already completed iPhone setup, Apple says you must erase the iPhone and start again to use Move to iOS, or transfer content manually. Check Apple’s setup guide for the current flow.
Restore a backup or use a wired transfer
If you have an iCloud or computer backup, you can restore it during setup. Apple also lists wired transfer as an option. Follow the prompts for the method you choose; available screens can vary with software and circumstances.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Choose how to transfer data from an old iPhone
During Quick Start, you may be offered an iCloud download or a direct transfer from the old device. Choose based on whether you need to use the new iPhone before all content has arrived:
- Download from iCloud: Apps and data download in the background, so you can start using the iPhone sooner.
- Transfer directly: Keep both devices near each other and connected to power, and wait for the transfer to finish on both before using them.
Apple notes that transfer time depends on the network and the amount of data. Follow its Quick Start instructions if you need to restart or resume the process.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Activate cellular service on iPhone 17
Apple lists iPhone 17 as eSIM-only: it does not support physical SIM cards. Depending on your carrier and region, setup may offer eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer. Other possible methods include scanning a carrier-provided QR code, using the carrier’s app, or visiting a carrier store. The available method is determined by carrier support and location, so contact your carrier if the setup prompt is missing or unclear. Apple explains the options in its eSIM setup guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Finish the setup assistant
Follow the prompts to join Wi-Fi or a cellular network and configure the features you want. The assistant may offer Face ID setup. Apple Pay is optional; add it only if you want to use it and have the required payment information. The exact prompts can differ according to software, carrier, and location.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
Troubleshoot common setup problems
The iPhone will not turn on
Connect it to power and give the battery time to charge, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
The Quick Start prompt disappears
Restart both devices and try again, keeping the older device unlocked, on Wi-Fi, and with Bluetooth enabled. Apple’s Quick Start guide recommends restarting both devices if the prompt goes away.
Quick Start cannot transfer from the current device
Apple says Quick Start transfer from the current device is unavailable if the new iPhone is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business. If the iPhone is managed by an organization, follow your administrator’s setup instructions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →There is no eSIM activation prompt
Do not assume that every carrier supports transfer, a QR code, or another particular activation method. Ask your carrier which eSIM activation route applies to your line and region.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
