iPhone Transfer Stuck on Setting Up Apple ID? [Top 6 Ways]

There's no hiding the excitement of unwrapping your new iPhone. But before all that can happen, you need to transfer your old iPhone to a new iPhone and set up your Apple ID - a task that takes just a few minutes to complete.

However, some iPhone users are experiencing the issue of “iPhone transfer stuck on setting up Apple ID”. Why does this happen? Well, this guide will explore why this issue occurs and share the best ways to help you bypass the Apple ID settings screen on any iPhone, including the latest iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.

Why Is iPhone TransferStuck on Setting Up Apple ID?

iPhone transfer stuck at setting up Apple ID can stem from several potential issues. Here are some of the most common reasons to be aware of:

• Unstable Internet Connection: If your connection is weak or intermittent, your iPhone may be stuck on the setup screen for an extended period. 
• Improper SIM Card Insertion: Problems occur when a SIM card is not properly inserted into the new iPhone, causing the iPhone to freeze during the setup process.
• Overloaded Apple Servers: When a large number of users try to activate their devices at the same time, Apple's activation servers may become overwhelmed.
• System Glitches: Sometimes, a software bug or system failure can be the culprit, causing your iPhone to get stuck on the Apple ID settings page.

How to Fix New iPhone Transfer Stuck on Setting up Apple ID

There are several ways to help you fix an iPhone transfer stuck on setting up Apple ID. Keep reading to discover the best ways!

Way 1. Force Restart Your iPhone

A simple but effective way to fix “new iPhone transfer stuck on setting up Apple ID” is to force restart your iPhone. This way shuts down your iPhone without saving any active processes and is perfect for fixing unresponsive behavior caused by software glitches. Here's how to force a restart of your iPhone:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

After the iPhone reboots, you can follow the on-screen instructions to continue setting up Apple ID.

Way 2. Reinsert Your iPhone SIM Card

Another effective way to fix a new iPhone transfer stuck at setting up Apple ID is to reinsert the SIM card. If your iPhone does not detect an active SIM card, it will not be able to connect to the cellular network, which may prevent the Apple ID setup from completing. Follow the steps below to insert the SIM card correctly:

• Turn off your iPhone > Locate the small hole next to the SIM card slot.
• Insert a small tool (such as a needle, pin, or paper clip) into the hole and gently press to eject the SIM card tray.
• Remove the SIM card and place it back in the tray with the gold contacts facing down.
• Slide the tray back onto the iPhone > Turn the iPhone back on and check to see if the problem has been resolved.

If your iPhone is still stuck on the Apple ID settings screen, it may be time to explore more advanced troubleshooting ways.

Way 3. Reset Network Settings

If your new iPhone remains on the Apple ID settings screen after reinserting the SIM card, try to reset the network settings. To fix this issue, you can go to Settings > General > Transfer and Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings to reset network settings on your iPhone.

Way 4. Set Up with a Different Apple ID

If you're having trouble setting up your iPhone with your current Apple ID, it may be due to security restrictions or other limitations. In this case, trying to set up your device with a different Apple ID may solve the problem. You can use a friend's Apple ID, or you can create a new Apple ID just for that purpose.

Rest assured that you can always switch back to your original Apple ID later by going to Settings and editing your contact information.

Way 5. Check Apple System Status

If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple ID Settings screen, it may be due to a problem with Apple services. In this case, you can visit the Apple System Status page to verify if there is an ongoing outage.

On this page, you will see a list of Apple services. Find your Apple ID and check its status indicator. A red light indicates a problem with the service. If this is the case, you will need to wait until the issue is resolved before attempting to set it up again.

Way 6. Restore Your iPhone via iTunes

If you meet the issue of “iPhone stuck on setting up Apple ID during transfer”, trying to restore your iPhone via iTunes may be an effective solution. This way resolves most software issues, including your iPhone being stuck during the setup process.

Note✍: Using iTunes Recovery will erase all data and settings from your iPhone, including any errors that caused the setup issue. Before that, you’d better make a full iPhone backup to avoid data loss.

Follow the steps below to restore your iPhone via iTunes:

Step 1. Launch the latest version of iTunes on your Windows PC, and then connect your iPhone using a USB or lightning cable.

Step 2. Put your iPhone into Recovery Mode manually:

• For iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button, then press the Volume Down button. Press and hold the side button until the Connect to iTunes screen appears.
• For iPhone 7: Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Connect to iTunes screen appears.
• For iPhone 6 and earlier: Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons until you see the Connect to iTunes screen.

Step 3. On your computer, iTunes will display a dialog box. Select the Restore option and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your iPhone from a backup.

iTunes will restore your device to the last backup and update it to the latest software version, resolving the issue of your iPhone freezing during the Apple ID setup.

Bonus Tip: Selectively Backup Important Data from iPhone to PC

There are multiple ways to fix “iPhone stuck on setting up Apple ID while transfer”. Some ways will fix the problem without causing any data loss, while others (such as restoring via iTunes) will delete all your files and personal information. To avoid data loss, always back up your iPhone data to a PC before attempting any fix.

AOMEI FoneBackup is a great tool for iOS users that lets you back up important files from your iPhone to any PC. With the help of AOMEI FoneBackup, you can back up more than 18 types of data, including messages, contacts, photos, videos, WhatsApp, app data, etc.. The backup process takes place over USB, so no Wi-Fi or Internet connection is required.

To selectively back up your iPhone to a PC using AOMEI FoneBackup, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download AOMEI FoneBackup on your PC and connect your iPhone to your computer using a compatible USB cable. You may need to tap Trust on your iPhone.

Step 2. On the AOMEI FoneBackup home screen, select Phone Backup, then Selective Backup, and click Get Started to begin the process.

Step 3. Click the icon to select specific files to back up and then click OK.

Step 4. Select the desired storage path and click Start Backup to begin the process.

Once the backup is complete, you can access the Backup History screen to find, view, and delete backup files.

Also shown here, AOMEI FoneBackup is one of the best iOS to PC file transfer software that helps you transfer files from iPhone to PC, making it easy to edit and browse iPhone files directly on your computer.

The Bottom Line

In summary, a variety of factors can cause “iPhone transfer stuck on setting up Apple ID”, and determining the root cause will help you apply the appropriate methods to fix this issue. If any problems occur, remember to back up your iPhone data before attempting any fixes.