How to fix iPhone 16 Pro Max Stuck on Setup?

FIXED SOLUTION WITHOUT DATA LOSS

Hello everyone, I faced the same issue on my iPhone 13 Pro Max while it was charging. The device went into a continuous boot loop. I contacted Apple customer service, and they advised me to update the device via iTunes on my Windows laptop. However, when I tried to update, it failed due to an error.

They then suggested uninstalling iTunes and installing the “Apple Devices” app on my laptop to attempt the update from there. Unfortunately, that method didn’t work either.

Later, through this forum, I learned about Apple Configurator. Someone had used it to reset their device, but I was concerned about data loss since my data is very important.

Instead of resetting, I followed a simple step in Apple Configurator, as shown in the attached image, and successfully recovered all my data. Please note that Apple Configurator is only available on Mac, so you’ll need a Mac to use it.

thank me on insta @arsalanbakal

See earlier post in this thread from

mahadev164

try my way here How to fix iPhone 16 Pro Max Stuck on Set… - Apple Community

I was not as fortunate, even after restarting the new iPhone 16Pro. It would not see the the old iPhone 14 Pro, which was right next to it so I had to do the set set up from the iCloud instead of from the old phone. It’s copying a bunch of stuff from the cloud right now. I was able to send it receive phone calls while this is happening so I guess things are going to be good, but usually it works a little better

Just got my iPhone 16 (not a pro model). Setup started nice. Both phones did what they were supposed to do until the cellular activation screen. When I hit the continue button, like others, I got the spinning wheel that never went away. So I tried to force restart. After restart, it would never see my old iPhone 13 (like it did the first time). I had to restart again and tell it to erase iOS and start over. Then it next saw my old phone but when it got to the activation screen, now it had a different option for "transferring the number" and when I selected that, it told me I could not transfer to this phone. Now what do I do???? I have NO phone.

This did not work for me. Both phones were on the latest iOS 18 release and both fully charged and plugged in. I finally got the phones to transfer data but then had to wade through AT&Ts site to figure out how to re-do the eSIM activation (which you can do online with a wifi connection). TERRIBLE experience Apple. Worst in all the years since iPhone 3 that I've been upgrading and transferring data.

For me old device ( 11 pro max to 16 pro max ) did complete the transfer but new device is still stuck. Thinking should wait for some more time than restarting again.

interesting is I can receive a call on new device so transfer must be in progress.

iPhone 16 Pro Max (at the direction of Apple Support) was returned for a replacement. My 1 tb phone would not even power on - completely dead screen). I ordered two, the other 512 gb - which was also non-functional, however, it turned on but stuck on hello till the battery ran down while phone kept getting hotter and hotter. Support directed me to return the 1 tb for a replacement. Today nearly a week after return, after calling Apple, and being disconnected when the agent couldn't answer the question), I find that the replacement phone will not be received until October 17-22. Ordered on first morning, 9-13 at 8 a.m. (EST), delivererd 9-20, returned on 21st. It's as if I have just gone onto the Apple site and ordered a phone today - get in line! Have been using Apple products for years - what a fiasco this has turned out to be with this release. No wonder there is no Apple Intelligence available on release, especially when Apple can't even provide a product that turns on or if it does, freezes and is bricked. I have returned and cancelled the purchase of the 512 tb. I am sure Apple is not concerned, but this is definitely a "BAD APPLE."

Same thing happened to me. Tried to force restart. Tried hard. tried recovery mode. It didn’t even show up on my computer. Phone feels like it’s about to burst into flames and I don’t even have the option to try and put in a passcode or restart my phone, worst glitch ever. And now I have no service on my 13 Pro because it’s on a phone I can’t even open. Ended up having to head down to Verizon after Apple made it seem like it was something I was doing wrong. Verizon let me know I wasn’t the first one to come to them with this issue. They basically told me all they could do was return my phone under warranty and send me back a like new version. Insane honestly, I never even got to use the phone, at all. Now I’m stuck in this contract, but when it’s over, I’m done with Apple. Not the first time I’m had an issue that just has no solution.

I have a brand new 16 plus, same issue as others here - stuck on hello screen, can't swipe up or do anything. It's charging but battery is going down and it's super hot. I just made an appointment for tomorrow at an Apple support location which is a very long drive so hopefully they can do something helpful like give a replacement.

Update on my new phone that wouldn't get past the hello screen - Apple support had my phone overnight and concluded it was stuck on a "reconnecting" screen and somehow reset it. They said there would be a fee but after discussion, they waived it. A brand new phone I had for only a few hours that I couldn't set up and they wanted to charge me!

Same thing, but the reset saved the day ! Thank you chipotlecaleb

try my way How to fix iPhone 16 Pro Max Stuck on Set… - Apple Community

iPhone 16 Pro Max is also stuck on "Cellular Setup Complete". I have not restarted yet. My iPhone 13 Pro Max is still stuck on "Finish on New iPhone". Both are just spinning. I have received a couple of phone calls on the iPhone 16 but declined them.

Was it stuck on both devices when you guys restarted the 16?

I had same issue but iPhone 16 Pro just flashes the unlock keypad screen and the slide to turn off screen for a millisecond, never allowing me to sign on past the hello opening screen or turn off completely to reset. Now it is just a "hello" brick. Apple support couldn't help and offered an Apple Store appointment for end of next week. I will be looking at Samsung probably and give up my 4 HomePods gen1, iMac, iWatch Ultra 2, Apple TV, and iPad Pro. I am too frustrated.