Setting up your iPad

First time using your refurbished iPad? Here’s how to get started, move your stuff across, and pair an Apple Pencil.

First switch-on

Hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. iPadOS walks you through language, Wi-Fi, and Apple ID. Allow 5–10 minutes the first time.

Moving your data across

Use Quick Start from your old iPad or iPhone — both devices need iPadOS/iOS 12.4 or later.

1. Place both devices next to each other (both unlocked).
2. Quick Start appears on the old device — tap Continue.
3. Hover the new iPad over the old device’s camera and follow the animation.
4. Choose Transfer from iPad for fastest results — no iCloud space needed.

Without the old device, restore from an iCloud backup during setup instead.

Signing in to Apple ID

Your refurbished iPad is fully wiped and not linked to anyone else’s Apple ID. Sign in with yours during setup, or skip and add later in Settings → Apple ID.

Wi-Fi vs Cellular iPads

Wi-Fi iPads only connect via Wi-Fi. Cellular iPads have a SIM tray (or eSIM) for mobile data. You can tell which yours is by looking at the back — Cellular models have a plastic strip at the top for the antenna.

For Cellular: pop your data SIM into the tray, or contact your network for an eSIM QR code to scan from Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM.

Pairing an Apple Pencil

• Apple Pencil (1st gen): remove the cap and plug the Lightning end directly into the iPad’s port — tap Pair when it appears.
• Apple Pencil (2nd gen): magnetically attach to the long edge of supported iPads — pair prompt appears automatically.
• Apple Pencil USB-C: connect with a USB-C cable to the iPad’s USB-C port.

Setting up Face ID or Touch ID

Setup will offer Face ID (Pro models with a Liquid Retina display) or Touch ID (most other iPads — sensor lives in the top button or home button). Follow the on-screen prompts.

Model-specific guides are in the advice centre.