Get started with the iPhone 5

21.09.2012
Congratulations, you've braved the lines, delivery wait times, or in-store negotiations to snag yourself a brand-new iPhone 5. But before you get to playing with your new device, you'll probably want to get to know it and set it up. Thanks to iOS 6's step-by-step activation process, Apple's made it pretty simple to get started; but just in case you need some extra help, we've put together a comprehensive guide for activating your new iPhone, transferring data from your old phone, and some suggestions for exploring its new features.

Meet your iPhone 5

Get acquainted with the iPhone 5's hardware features: every button, switch, slot, port, and plug. Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, the aluminum-and-glass iPhone 5 eschews a button-heavy design in favor of simple controls and a slim figure: It's a mere 7.6mm thick and weighs only 112 grams. Here's a quick rundown of all the features on the device's exterior.

On/Off Button

Press the On/Off button to turn the device's screen on or off. You can still take calls, play music, and receive notifications with it off, but the screen stays blank until you wake it by pressing this button or the Home button. To turn the device off, hold the On/Off button down until the screen dims and the red Slide To Power Off slider appears. Slide your finger across the switch, and the iPhone powers down. (To turn your device back on, press and hold this button again until the Apple logo appears.)

You can also decline or silence calls, alerts, and alarms with the On/Off button; press it once to silence an incoming alert or call; press it twice in succession to send the caller to voicemail.