Your First iPad: Wi-Fi Setup, Gmail, Wallpaper, and iPhone Syncing

If you received an iPad mainly to read the newspaper, you can keep the setup simple. You do not have to sync everything with your phone.

Can I use it at home without monthly charges?

Connect to home Wi-Fi under Settings > Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi use itself does not require a separate iPad cellular subscription. A cellular-capable iPad can work without activating cellular service. Newspaper subscriptions, app purchases and optional services can have their own charges, so review those separately.

First setup

1. Charge the device, switch it on and follow the prompts.
2. Connect to your home Wi-Fi network.
3. Sign in with an Apple Account if needed for apps.
4. Open or install your newspaper’s app, then sign in with the newspaper account.

If you received your iPad through a promotion, check the original terms for ownership and subscription requirements. If it asks for a previous owner’s Apple Account, contact the provider instead of trying to bypass the lock.

Should I use the same Apple Account as my iPhone?

Using the same Apple Account can make selected purchases and information available on both devices. You control many options under Settings > your name > iCloud. If iCloud Photos is enabled on both devices, they can show the same photo library, not two independent backups. Deleting a synced photo on one device can delete it on the other. To use the iPad primarily as a newspaper reader, leave unnecessary syncing options off.

Change or delete a wallpaper

Open Settings > Wallpaper to select a new wallpaper. On supported versions of iPadOS, touch and hold the Lock Screen, authenticate if asked, swipe to an old wallpaper, swipe up and tap the trash icon. Exact controls vary by model and software version.

Read Gmail in Apple’s Mail app

1. Open Settings and search for Mail Accounts.
2. Choose Add Account, then Google.
3. Sign in and complete Google’s verification.
4. Enable Mail and open the Mail app.

You can also use the Gmail app or a browser. There is no requirement to switch mail apps.

Can another person help manage my iPad?

A trusted person can assist in person or by an appropriate screen-sharing tool. Do not hand over your Apple Account password or verification codes. If you need another person to handle financial, medical or account matters, use that service’s authorized-access process where available.