New iPhone Setup Checklist: 5 Things to Do First (iPhone 18 Pro and Duo)

Five settings to turn on the day you get a new iPhone. They protect you if it's lost or stolen, keep it updated, and help in an emergency. Paths are for iOS 27.

1. Find My

Lets you locate, lock or erase the iPhone if it's lost.

Settings › your name › Find My › Find My iPhone

2. Stolen Device Protection

Requires Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive changes away from home and adds a security delay. It needs two-factor authentication and Find My on. On iPhone Duo the menu is Touch ID & Passcode.

Settings › Face ID & Passcode › Stolen Device Protection

3. Automatic updates

Security fixes install without you remembering.

Settings › General › Software Update › Automatic Updates

4. Medical ID

Shows allergies, medications and emergency contacts on the lock screen to first responders.

Health app › your profile › Medical ID

5. Charge limit

On iPhone 15 and later, stop charging below 100% to reduce battery wear.

Settings › Battery › Charging

Sources

Apple iPhone User Guide for iOS 27; Apple Support: About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone.

FAQ

Is Stolen Device Protection already on?

Apple says it might be turned on by default. Check the setting to be sure.

I moved data from my old iPhone. Do I still need this?

Yes, check each one. Some settings carry over and some don't.