How to set up and use 2025 iPad for an 80-year-old user?

About 10 years ago we bought ipads at Best Buy. Set up in store. Never worked properly. Just bought two 2025 ipads direct from Apple. Have zero idea how to set them up and use them. I am 80, unsure what to do. Is there a pdf manual that i can study for me and wife? Should I drive to nearest Apple store (60 miles away) and have them set them up? Please help. Very unhappy at the moment.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Hep with 2025 ipad

iPhone 14, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 17, 2025 8:21 AM

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6 replies

Dec 17, 2025 8:24 AM in response to GrayFox46

GrayFox46 wrote:

About 10 years ago we bought ipads at Best Buy. Set up in store. Never worked properly. Just bought two 2025 ipads direct from Apple. Have zero idea how to set them up and use them. I am 80, unsure what to do. Is there a pdf manual that i can study for me and wife? Should I drive to nearest Apple store (60 miles away) and have them set them up? Please help. Very unhappy at the moment.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Hep with 2025 ipad

Read here Turn on and set up iPad - Apple Support

And what exactly are you unhappy about?

Dec 17, 2025 8:28 AM in response to GrayFox46

Here are some resources to get you started:


Turn on and set up iPad - Apple Support

Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

iPad User Guide - Apple Support


I'd suggest you try doing it yourself before making a 120-mile round trip (unless you really want the day out!). You may be surprised at your ability to get things set up.


You can also contact Apple Support for help. There is a link at the bottom left of every page of this forum.


iPad - Official Apple Support


And, you can post back here with any questions. Most of us are not teenagers born with an iPad in one hand and a phone in the other. ;-)


Remember that, aside from smashing it to bits or spilling coffee all over it, you are highly unlikely to do any permanent damage. So, even if you try and fail, you're no worse off and can still go to the Apple Store if you need to.




Dec 17, 2025 8:41 AM in response to GrayFox46

Just as an addition to the excellent advice already provided, make sure you each have your own Apple Account.

Do not share an Apple Account for any reason as things can and will get very messy then.


The first thing to do is just to turn it on. The iPad will guide you through set up itself. It's a fairly simple thing.


For more help as mentioned you can always read the User Guide and the tons of support documents available.


click here ➜ IPad Setup basics - Apple Support


Dec 17, 2025 3:46 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thank you. We each have our own emails as required by social security and bcbs. I have iPhone 14 and wife has iPhone 16. Among other problems, the iMessage app on the phone not not syncd with our old iPads. We’ve lived with this for years. Which helps to explain our frustration. Getting too old to deal with this stuff. I’m sure the young kids at Apple Store can figure it out.

How to set up and use 2025 iPad for an 80-year-old user?

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