iPhone stuck on “It may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID”

by
Apple ID

Setting up a new or reset iPhone comes with its own set of challenges. One of them is that the process might take ages to complete —which shouldn’t be the case. In some instances, the phone might get stuck on “it may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID”. This can be confusing and frustrating, especially when you don’t know why it’s happening or how to fix it.

That’s probably the reason you’re here. Well, worry not. We’ve got you covered with all the right solutions. Keep reading to discover how to set up your iPhone seamlessly.

Why is my new iPhone taking so long to set up?

Usually, setting up a new iPhone is easy and should only take a few minutes, provided you’re not restoring any backups. So, if you encounter any delays with the Apple ID, it could be because of the following reasons:

  • Apple’s system status error.
  • Technical glitch.
  • Poor internet connection.
  • SIM card issues.

Read Also: Face ID is not working after water splashed on your iPhone

How to solve: it may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID iPad/iPhone”

The fixes for this iOS malfunction include:

1. Check your network

Slow internet connection and network interruptions would delay setting up your Apple ID since the information is not being sent to the Apple servers fast. So, the ideal fix, in this case, would be to check the network connection and ensure it’s working.

If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, switch to your cellular network and vice versa. Also, you can try and connect to another Wi-Fi network or hotspot of your friend’s phone. Don’t use public networks though.

2. Check Apple System Status

If your network is working properly but the error message “it may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID” still pops up, it could be that Apple Systems have issues. To be sure, check for yourself.

The light on the side of the servers’ names should be green. A red light means that a server is having issues. It could be overwhelmed or down temporarily. Fortunately, Apple usually fixes such shortcomings on their end within a short time. So, you won’t have to wait long before you try to set up the Apple ID.

3. Force restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is one of the simplest and oldest troubleshooting options for countless iOS issues and glitches. This error is no different. And, since the iPhone screen is stuck on “it may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID”, you should consider a force restart. Use the guides below for different iPhone models:

How to force restart iPhone 8, SE (2nd Generation), and the models with Face ID

  • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
  • Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
  • Press and hold the side button.
  • Release the side button once the Apple logo appears.

How to force restart iPhone 7

  • Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously.
  • Release them at the same time when the Apple logo appears.

How to force restart iPhone 6s, SE (1st Generation), and earlier models

  • Press and hold the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously.
  • Release both of them at the same time when you see the Apple logo.

4. Check your SIM card

iPhone SIM card

If you’re still wondering why is setting up your Apple ID taking so long then you need to check the SIM card. First, remove it and make sure it’s inserted properly.

Reinsert it and push the tray to fit well. If that doesn’t work you can try a different SIM card before reaching out to the SIM carrier in case it’s a complex problem.

Remember to turn off your iPhone before removing the SIM card.

5. Leave the setup to run overnight

This may not be a popular option especially if you want to use the iPhone urgently. But, it works. You simply leave the iPhone to run Apple ID set overnight. Give it as much time as possible so that when morning comes and it hasn’t finished, you’ll know the problem is deeper than time.

6. Bypass Apple ID login

The other effective way to deal with this problem is to avoid logging in to your Apple ID during set-up. Instead, select Forgot Apple ID or Password and opt to set it up later in settings. This allows you to finish the process without any complications.

Once you get to the Home Screen, you can then go to settings and sign in to your Apple ID.

7. Update your iPhone using iTunes

If none of the troubleshooting solutions has worked yet, you should try to update the iPhone through iTunes. Use the following steps:

  • Download the latest version of iTunes on your computer.
  • Put your iPhone in recovery mode.
  • Connect the iPhone to your PC using an original lighting cable.
  • A dialog box stating “there is a problem with the iPhone” should appear on the screen.
  • It’ll have the choice to either “Restore” or “Update”.
  • Click on “Update”.
  • Follow the prompt on the screen to finish the Update.
  • In case it doesn’t work you can start the process again then select “Restore”.

The good thing about this solution is that it will solve other underlying issues before they escalate.

8. Contact Apple Support

The last resort is to reach out to Apple support and tell them about the problem. They’re in a better position to diagnose what you might have missed and fix or advise you accordingly. If you had just bought the iPhone then you might be eligible for a replacement.

Conclusion

That wraps up our guide for fixing iPhone stuck on “it may take a few minutes to set up your Apple ID”. We’ll be glad if one of the solutions works for you, making it possible to finish the setup and use your iPhone.