Setting up an iPad via Wifi
August 18, 2012 7:42 AM Subscribe
Can you set up an iPad via wifi?
I'm sending my iPad 2 to a friend stuck in hospital for an indefinite stay. He has wifi, but no laptop.
It is possible to set up an iPad (including registering an account at Apple...he's a PC person, not Apple) entirely via wifi these days, or do you still need to dock with a computer/iTunes the first time?
If the latter, I guess I won't erase anything; I'll keep the iPad on my account, so the apps remain for his use.
Finally, can anyone suggest a book to send along that explains the ins/outs? He's a bit of a Luddite. Nothing big and super complete; just an easy/simply guide (the sort you'd get for an older person)?
I'm sending my iPad 2 to a friend stuck in hospital for an indefinite stay. He has wifi, but no laptop.
It is possible to set up an iPad (including registering an account at Apple...he's a PC person, not Apple) entirely via wifi these days, or do you still need to dock with a computer/iTunes the first time?
If the latter, I guess I won't erase anything; I'll keep the iPad on my account, so the apps remain for his use.
Finally, can anyone suggest a book to send along that explains the ins/outs? He's a bit of a Luddite. Nothing big and super complete; just an easy/simply guide (the sort you'd get for an older person)?
Best answer: You don't need a computer to set up an iPad anymore, as of iOS 5:
With iOS 5, you no longer need a computer to own an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Activate and set up your device wirelessly, right out of the box. Download free iOS software updates directly on your device. Do more with your apps — like editing your photos or adding new email folders — on your device, without the need for a Mac or PC. And back up and restore your device automatically using iCloud.posted by bcwinters at 7:46 AM on August 18, 2012
Best answer: I was given an ipad by my employer, and I have never ever hooked it up to a computer yet. I add apps regularly.
posted by AugustWest at 7:48 AM on August 18, 2012
posted by AugustWest at 7:48 AM on August 18, 2012
Best answer: Just chiming in that the latest model can be set up without a computer at all, just WiFi, create an Apple ID (or use an existing one) and go.
posted by Brian Puccio at 8:00 AM on August 18, 2012
posted by Brian Puccio at 8:00 AM on August 18, 2012
Response by poster: Awesome. Thanks very much, all.
BTW, I'm considering "iPad Pocket Guide" and "iPad: Visual QuickStart Guide" to accompany.
posted by Quisp Lover at 8:25 AM on August 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
BTW, I'm considering "iPad Pocket Guide" and "iPad: Visual QuickStart Guide" to accompany.
posted by Quisp Lover at 8:25 AM on August 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
If the wifi where you are puts an authenticating proxy between you and the Web, though, you're SOL. You can't get to the wifi settings page without activating, and you can't activate until you've specified which proxy server to use via the wifi settings page.
posted by flabdablet at 9:18 AM on August 18, 2012
posted by flabdablet at 9:18 AM on August 18, 2012
It's not just the latest model. I have an ipad 2 that was set up via wifi. Moreover I've never docked it to my computer (my current computer is an 8 year old PC).
posted by kaybdc at 11:05 AM on August 18, 2012
posted by kaybdc at 11:05 AM on August 18, 2012
Yes. I did not connect my iPad to a computer when setting it up. You can install apps and music from the net servers cloud now.
posted by zippy at 8:22 PM on August 18, 2012
posted by zippy at 8:22 PM on August 18, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by msbrauer at 7:46 AM on August 18, 2012