Here’s how to set up a new iPhone properly to ensure a three- to five-year lifetime, give or take, of happiness. First, Back Up Your Old Phone1 / 3 Chevron Chevron Screenshot courtesy of Simon HillStart by backing up your old phone. The simplest method is to back up to iCloud by going to Settings, scrolling down to iCloud, iCloud Backup, and then tapping Back Up Now. Setting Up Your New iPhonePhotograph: Simon HillUse the little metal SIM card tool to open your phone and stick your SIM card into your new iPhone. Skip this step if you are using an eSIM—iPhones in the US have been eSIM-only for several years, and more global iPhone models are ditching the physical SIM card.