New iPad? Here’s everything you need to get your newest tablet up and running! We want to make sure you get the most value from your experience as a user and that you use your iPad to its fullest. Hence, we’ve laid out everything in easy-to-follow tips. We’ve got the tips that you’ll need—from your first login, to restoring from another tablet, mastering iPadOS gestures—and more.
If this is your first device in the Apple ecosystem, welcome to the family. We’ll walk you through the steps to getting started. After that, you’ll have a blast learning all about the great features on your new Apple iPad.
Read on as highlight helpful tips on how to use your iPad:
Restore Your Old Backup if You Have One and Get to Know iCloud
Are you upgrading to a new iPad from a previous model? If so, you can transfer your settings and data on your new device by restoring from an iTunes backup. Alternatively, you could perform this task with iCloud, provided you wanted to take a wireless approach, and it’s correctly set up.
You’ll be asked whether you’re restoring from a backup when you start your iPad for the first time – the question pops up on the setup screen. Don’t sweat if you answer incorrectly—it’s possible to erase existing content in the settings and double back to start the process once more.
For those about to set up their first-ever iPad but have an iPhone or a MacBook, iCloud will help streamline the process.
Here’s what else you need to know:
- The following programs and apps can be synced using your Apple ID:
- Contacts
- Cloud-stored documents
- Calendars
- Safari bookmarks
- Photos in Photo Stream
- Notes app files.
- The Apple ID also receives FaceTime calls and iMessages. However, setting up and deactivating both requires separate app settings.
- Your iPad will also be connected to your iTunes and App Store Content through your Apple ID.
- Your iCloud ID can remain separate if you want to use a different Apple ID (e.g., if you’re using a family member’s account)
- Merely enter a different ID into iTunes or the App store, and your iCloud ID will stay the same for everything else.
Leaving Android? Check out the ‘Move to iOS App.’
Taking the leap from Android to Mac is a significant step. They both present two contrasting user experiences. But we do think you’ll live to celebrate your decision to switch, as Apple’s products and features bring a lot to the table.
One way to start your iOS experience on the correct path is by successfully transferring your Android device’s data over to your iPad. The app best suited to this task is called ‘Move To iOS.’
Ready to transfer to iPadOS? Download the Move to iOS app to get help switching from your Android device to your new iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Check it out here.
Set Up A Passcode—Face ID or Touch ID
The fingerprint reader found in an Apple device’s home button is known as the Touch ID. Some iPads are still using this technology – and yours might be too. In which case, set it up so you can quickly unlock it while ensuring it’s secure. And take steps to make your payment processing hassle-free.
Any iPad Pro model from 2018 and beyond possess Face ID. It’s a facial recognition feature used to unlock your phone. Furthermore, this function allows you to open Apple Pay for mobile transactions and lets you purchase through the App Store. This step drastically bolsters your iPad’s security, so don’t skip it.
You’ll be asked to set up a manual passcode too. This is an extra layer of security that you should incorporate.
Make sure the ‘Find My’ App is Set Up
By keeping your ‘Find my iPad’ app turned on, you’ll be able to locate your new device if it’s been lost in your house – or any other location, for that matter.
Before you can find a lost device, find friends and family members, or share your location, you need to set up the ‘Find My’ App. After you set up Find My, you can locate a lost or stolen device, or even help a friend find their missing device. You can also share your location with friends, family, and contacts, ask to follow a friend’s location, or get directions to a friend’s location.
Set this feature up on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, by opening the Settings app. Tap on ‘Find My iPad’ after scrolling down, and then turn on the feature. In the instance that your device goes missing, you merely must enable the ‘Send Last Location’ option to figure out your device’s whereabouts. This feature works even when the battery is low.
Configure Display Settings
A critical first act when setting up your iPad is configuring your display settings. This will customize your device to be more bespoke and customized to your needs as a user. Below, we’ll highlight some of these configurations:
Truetone
No matter the lighting in a given room, you can make your iPad’s display appear more neutral with Truetone. The feature accomplishes this feat by adjusting the screen’s intensity and colour.
Your enjoyment of this tool depends on your visual preferences. Namely, those who like to be more hands-on with their brightness levels shouldn’t use Truetone.
To turn this feature on, follow this sequence:
Settings > Display and Brightness > True Tone
Night shift
Nighttime and bright screens aren’t a mix that’s always conducive to better ocular health. Fortunately, with your iPad, a feature called Nightshift allows you to adjust your display’s colour in the dark, mitigating the strain on your eyes.
To turn this feature on, follow this sequence:
Settings > Display and Brightness > Night Shift
Master iOS Gestures
Here’s the list of gestures you should know if you’re going to get the most value from your new iPad:
Going Home Means Flicking Up. Going back to your home screen is simple and straightforward. Merely flick upward from the bottom of the display.
Slightly Swiping Upward Brings You to the Dock. The Dock will show itself once you’ve begun to swipe upward. Don’t swipe too far, or else you’ll shoot right past the Dock.
Keep Swiping Upward to Access the App Switcher. After you see the Dock, you must continue to swipe and then hold for a second. You’ll then notice the App Switcher.
Find the Control Centre by Swiping Down from the Right Edge. You’ll notice the battery percentage, Wi-Fi signal, and other statuses on the right edge of your display. Swipe down from the right corner, and the Control Centre will show itself.
Want even more iPad gestures? Get more out of iPad with some of the most often overlooked gestures. If you’re not familiar them, we’ll reintroduce them to you—and share how you can leverage their functionality to boost your productivity. Check them out here.
Conclusion
When you purchase an iPad, you’re opening yourself up to an array of apps, games, and features that can fill your free time with endless enjoyment.
But there’s a learning curve involved when you begin using this Apple powered device. Without knowing how to set up and use this product in the most streamlined way, you won’t enjoy it as much. Thus, the value brought forth by your iPad will be drastically hampered.
Therefore, you should follow the tips suggested in the blog to get the most valuable return on your new investment.
