> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.skimwire.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to set up a new iPad mini with Quick Start from another Apple device - URL: https://www.skimwire.com/how-to-set-up-new-ipad-mini-quick-start/ - Published: 2026-11-06T20:38:31.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-06T20:38:31.000Z - Description: Put the new mini next to your unlocked iPhone or iPad, follow Quick Start, enter your passcode, then transfer directly or restore from iCloud. - Author: Skimwire Staff - Tags: How-To, Gadgets **Quick answer:** Turn on the new iPad mini, put it next to your unlocked iPhone or iPad with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, follow the Quick Start prompt, scan the animation, enter your current device's passcode on the new mini, then choose Transfer from iPhone/iPad or Download from iCloud. ## The skim - Apple's [Quick Start](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102659?ref=skimwire.com) copies settings (and optionally your data) from an iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 / iPadOS 13 or later. - Direct device-to-device transfer needs both gadgets nearby and plugged in until it finishes. iCloud restore lets you use the new mini while apps download in the background. - The [OLED iPad mini is on sale today](https://www.skimwire.com/oled-ipad-mini-available-today/) starting at $699, so this is the setup path most buyers will see unboxing. ## Before you start - **Update the old device** to the latest iOS or iPadOS you can. Apple says Quick Start works best when both devices are current. - **Connect the current device to Wi-Fi and turn Bluetooth on.** Unlock it and stay on the Home Screen. - **Charge both devices** (or keep them plugged in). Large transfers can take a while. - **Know your Apple Account password** and the passcode on your current device. - **School or work devices:** if the new iPad is enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager, Quick Start can't transfer from your personal device. ## How to set up a new iPad mini with Quick Start 1. **Turn on the new iPad mini.** Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears, then wait for the Hello screen. Follow Apple's [setup overview](https://support.apple.com/en-us/105132?ref=skimwire.com) if you need the manual path later. 2. **Place the new mini next to your current iPhone or iPad.** Keep both unlocked/nearby. Your current device should show a Quick Start prompt to set up the new iPad. If the prompt disappears, restart both devices and try again. 3. **Follow the animation / pairing step.** Hold your current device over the new iPad to scan the animation (or follow the onscreen pairing instructions Apple shows for your software version). 4. **Enter your current device's passcode** on the new iPad when asked. 5. **Connect to Wi-Fi** (or use cellular on a Wi-Fi + Cellular model) so the mini can activate. 6. **Set up Face ID or Touch ID** if your model supports it and create a passcode when prompted. (Current iPad mini models use Touch ID in the top button.) 7. **Choose how to move your data:** - **Transfer from iPhone / iPad** — copies data directly. Keep both devices near each other and plugged in until the transfer finishes. You can't freely use either until it's done. - **Download from iCloud** — restores from an iCloud backup so you can start using the mini while apps and data download in the background. Make sure you have a recent backup first. 8. **Sign in with your Apple Account** when asked and finish the remaining screens (Siri, Screen Time, appearance, Apple Intelligence prompts if offered). 9. **Keep the devices nearby and charging** until Apple says the migration is complete. ## Device notes for the new OLED iPad mini - Wi-Fi models activate over Wi-Fi. Cellular models may ask you to set up an eSIM or confirm carrier service during activation. - Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) pair after setup — they aren't part of Quick Start. - If you're setting the mini up for a child, Apple's setup flow lets you choose "for a child" and walk through Family Sharing / parental controls. ## Troubleshooting - **No Quick Start prompt:** confirm Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, both devices are unlocked/nearby, software is up to date, then restart both. - **Can't activate / no Wi-Fi:** move closer to the router, try another network, or use cellular on a cellular model. Apple's activation help is linked from the setup screen. - **Transfer seems stuck:** leave both plugged in and nearby. Big libraries take time; Apple warns transfers can vary with network conditions and data size. - **Already finished setup and want a do-over:** erase the iPad (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content and Settings), then run Quick Start again from Hello. ## FAQ **Do I need the same Apple Account on both devices?** You'll sign in with your Apple Account during setup. Quick Start is designed to move you onto the new device with that account's data and purchases. **Can I set up without another Apple device?** Yes. On the Quick Start screen choose Set Up Without Another Device, then restore from iCloud or a computer backup, transfer from Android, or Don't Transfer Anything — per [Apple's setup guide](https://support.apple.com/en-us/105132?ref=skimwire.com). **Is direct transfer better than iCloud?** Direct transfer is simplest if both devices can sit together until it finishes. iCloud is better if you need to use the new mini right away or your old device can't stay nearby. **Will Quick Start move my Apple Pencil pairings and Smart Folio settings?** Apps, accounts and most settings come across with your data choice. Accessories usually need a fresh Bluetooth / magnetic attach after setup. *Sources:* [*Apple Support: Use Quick Start to transfer data to a new iPhone or iPad*](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102659?ref=skimwire.com) *(updated Sept. 14, 2026),* [*Set up your iPhone or iPad*](https://support.apple.com/en-us/105132?ref=skimwire.com)*,* [*Apple Newsroom iPad mini*](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/10/apple-gives-ipad-mini-its-biggest-update-ever/?ref=skimwire.com)*.*