Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model

Get the iPhone guide you need

by Sam Costello
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
Updated December 10, 2019

The iPhone doesn't come with a printed user guide, but that doesn't mean one doesn't exist. You just need to know where to look for it.

All iPhone models are relatively similar when it comes to their hardware. It's the software that's really different. Apple releases a user guide that covers all models that can run the latest operating system every time there's a major new version of iOS (the operating system that runs on the iPhone).

Apple produces other instructional materials, such as product and safety info and QuickStart user guides, for each model. Identify which model you have below and then download the user guide you need. If you are interested in learning about iOS 11 and whether or not your device is compatible with it, we have an iOS 11 compatibility guide for you.

iPhone User Guide for iOS

This extensive iPhone user guide includes full instructions for how to use your iPhone. If you're looking for a traditional manual, this is it.

Apple produces a new version for every major iOS release. Available editions of the user guide are here.

For more complete information, use the iOS guides to get full directions for all of your phone's features and abilities.

iPhone 11 Series

The 2019 version of the iPhone adds even more cameras and features to the smartphone. These documents provide guidance on how to use all the new tricks, safety information, and more.

Learn more about the iPhone 11 series in iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro: What's The Difference?

iPhone X Series

The iPhone X, and the iPhone XR and XS marked a full decade of Apple smartphones. Here's some more information on this series.

iPhone 7 and 8 Series

Just like with the iPhone 6 and 6S, the documentation for the iPhone 7 and 8 are a single PDF with basic safety information in it. There's also that information for the wireless AirPod earbuds, as well as a quick start for the AirPods. You'll find the most detailed, extensive information in the iOS 11 user guide linked to in the previous section. 

The documentation for the Plus models of these series is also a single document. You won't find much, just some basic safety and warranty details. If you want a more traditional manual, check out the user guides in the first section of this article.

iPhone SE

The iPhone SE looks a lot like the iPhone 5S, but it's stamped with the letters "SE" on the back beneath the iPhone name. That's probably the easiest way to tell which version you have. 

iPhone 6 Series (6 and 6S)

The iPhone 6 line included "S" upgrades and the first "Plus" sized versions of the phone.

The iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus are similar. You won't find much in their documents; it's really for basic legal information. The user guides above are more instructional and for regular users.

Like their larger siblings, the iPhone 6 and 6S are essentially the same device with some minor changes. And, just like those models, the information is almost strictly legal and not designed to help you learn how to use the iPhone.

iPhone 5 Series (5, 5S, and 5C)

The iPhone 5 was the first iPhone with a screen larger than the 3.5 inches the original models sported. This one has a 4-inch screen. At the same time the phone debuted, Apple introduced its new EarPods, replacing the old earbuds that came with the earlier iPhones. Documents here include some quick tips for using the iPhone 5 and instructions for using the EarPods.

You'll know the iPhone 5S as the first iPhone with the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. The available documentation for it is the same kind of basic legal information as for the 6 and 6S series models.

The iPhone 5C can be identified by the brightly colored plastic housing used on its back. It's the same size as the iPhone 5—in fact, except for the housing, it's almost the exact same phone. Like the 5S and 6 series, its download is just legal content.

iPhone 4 Series (4 and 4S)

The iPhone 4 became famous—or, more rightly, infamous—for the "death grip" problem with its antenna. You probably won't find mention of that in either of these downloads. That's OK, just putting a case on your phone solves it.

The iPhone 4S introduced Siri to the world. When this model debuted, it was the only way to get Apple's personal assistant. The downloads here include quick tips for using the phone as well as basic legal info.

iPhone 3G and 3GS

The iPhone 3G's core improvement was support for 3G wireless networks, something the original model lacked. The PDFs here provide legal info and some basic operating tips.

The 3GS model introduced the iPhone's naming pattern to the world. That is, the first model of a new generation is just a number, the second model has an "S" added. In this case, the "S" stood for speed; the 3GS offered a faster processor and faster cellular data, among other things.

Get the details on these models by reading iPhone 3GS Hardware and Software Features and iPhone 3G History and Features.