How to setup and start using your new iPad mini or iPad

If you just got your new iPad mini or iPad 4, tore it out of its box, turned it on, and... are wondering just what to do next, don't worry, iMore's here to help! Thanks to the introduction of iCloud whether this is your first iPad, or just the latest in a long line, it's easier than ever to set it up as a brand new iPad or restore it from a backup of your old iPad, and get going.

"Just works" is just the worst when it doesn't, so instead of wasting time, check out our help and how-to tutorials below, so you can start spending time with your iPad mini or iPad as fast as possible. And hey, if you already know everything there is to know about the iPad, just bookmark this page and share it with family and friends who don't. We'll do the heavy lifting so you don't have to!

iCloud: The ultimate guide

Swipe to scroll horizontally

How to set up, back up, restore, and update using iCloud How to set up and use iCloud mail, contacts, and calendars How to set up and use iTunes in the Cloud How to set up and use iTunes Match

How to set up and use Photo Stream How to set up and use Documents in the Cloud How to set up and use Find my iPad How to set up and use Find my Friends

Siri: The ultimate guide

Swipe to scroll horizontally

How to set up, configure, secure, and start using Siri How to call, message, and email your contacts using Siri How to set alarms and timers using Siri How to set reminders and update task and to-do lists using Siri How to create, view, update, and cancel calendar events using SiriHow to create and update notes using SiriHow to check the weather and view forecasts using Siri How to play and control music using Siri

How to find Map locations and get directions using SiriHow to search the web and get answers using SiriHow to find restaurants, read reviews, and make reservations using Siri How to look up sports scores and schedules, team rosters, and player stats using Siri How to find movie locations, showtimes, reviews, ratings, and trailers using Siri

Notification Center: The ultimate guide

Swipe to scroll horizontally

How to find, access, and clear Lock screen, Notification Center, banner, and popup notifications How to set up and use Notification Center's Do Not Disturb mode How to disable Notification Center banners, popups, badges, and sounds

How to enable, disable, and configure the Weather, Stocks, and Sharing widgets in Notification Center How to sort and organize alerts in Notification Center on iPhone and iPad How to quickly update your Twitter and Facebook status from Notification Center

iMessage: The ultimate guide

Swipe to scroll horizontally

How to enable and activate (or re-activate) iMessage How to add additional email addresses to iMessage How to enable read-reciepts for iMessage How to copy, forward, and delete iMessages How to increase privacy with iMessage How to send texts using iMessage

How to send photos using iMessage How to send videos using iMessage How to send contact cards using iMessage How to send map locations using iMessage How to send Voice Memos with iMessage

Photography: The ultimate guide

Swipe to scroll horizontally

How to get started with photography How to make your photography more striking with the “rule of thirds”How to make your photographs more powerful with negative space How to take amazing macros How to take stunning panoramas How to take awesome HDR photos How to take great looking portraits How to take fantastic photos of your kids

How to take dreamy photos of your newborn baby How to take irresistible photos of your pets How to take spectacular photos of your car How to use iPhoto to darken and add drama to your photography How to use iPhoto to polish and perfect your portraits All Camera app how-tos All Photos app how-tos Photography forum

How to get more help with iPad

Have more questions or run into more problems with your iPad? Here's where to get help:

iOS 6: Complete feature guide
iPad: Accessories, cases, cables, and more
iPad: Retina wallpapers
iPad: Everything you need to know
iPad 4: All help and how-to tips
iPad 4: Help and discussion forum

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.