Setting up your new iPhone for the first time is probably the most exciting thing you’re going to do that day (week, month). Even though Apple made the whole process straightforward, issues can happen. For example, you may not be able to sign in to your Apple ID, as you get stuck with the “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” message.
If you’ve encountered that problem, keep reading this article for potential solutions.
Table of contents:
- Make sure you’re properly connected to Wi-Fi
- Restart your iPhone
- Leave it overnight
- Set up Apple ID later
What to do when the “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” error appears
If you can’t get past the “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” message, make sure you’re properly connected to Wi-Fi, or give it some more time. Or you can set up your iPhone without an Apple ID, then add it later in settings. More detailed explanations are below.
1. Make sure you’re properly connected to Wi-Fi
Your iPhone requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to complete the whole setup process. If you aren’t connected to the internet, you won’t be able to access your iCloud account, and you could be greeted with the “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” message.
So, before trying anything else, make sure you’re properly connected to Wi-Fi. If there are no Wi-Fi networks in range, proceed to set up your iPhone without your iCloud account. You can add your iCloud account later in Settings (more on that below).
2. Restart your iPhone
Some people suggest that a simple restart may resolve the issue. So, restart your iPhone, and begin the process of signing up again. Maybe it’ll work this time.
I know that restarting any tech is probably the oldest and the most common “troubleshooting method”, that’s been applied since the beginning of time, but you’ll be surprised to see how many times it actually resolves the problem. I guess that’s why everyone tries it after all.
3. Leave it overnight
Some people on the forums recommend simply giving your iPhone some more time. Which usually means leaving it overnight. Now, I know that may be annoying, especially if need to use your iPhone right away (and I know you do), but it eventually worked for some users.
I’m not sure about the logic behind this workaround, but apparently, it works. So, if you can’t find any other solution, consider just letting your iPhone do its thing overnight, and you may wake up to a positive surprise the next morning. That is, of course, if you manage to get some sleep at all.
4. Set up Apple ID later in Settings
If nothing else seems to be working, you can set up your iPhone without your Apple ID, and then add it later. As a matter of fact, some people actually say that they were able to add their Apple ID later without any problems, even though they originally encountered the “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” message. Here’s how to do it:
- On the screen that asks for your Apple ID, tap Forgot password or don’t have an Apple ID?
- Tap Set up Later in Settings.
- Finish setting up your iPhone.
Now that you’re able to access your iPhone, head to Settings, and go Sign in to your iPhone; Enter your credentials, tap Next, enter your passcode, and you’re and you should have no further problems.
That’s about it. I hope at least one of these solutions helped you get rid of the “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” message. If you have any questions, suggestions, or maybe know about some other workaround, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
