Where to Download iPhone Manuals for Every Model

Get the iPhone guide you need

iPhone user guide
image credit: Apple Inc.
by Sam Costello
Updated September 22, 2017

The iPhone doesn't come with a printed user guide, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a guide. 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 more 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 the 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've got a iOS 11 compatibility guide for you.

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iPhone User Guide (PDF)

iPhone user guide
image copyright Apple Inc.

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.

As mentioned earlier, Apple produces a new version for every major iOS release. All available editions of the user guide, in all formats, are linked to from here.

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iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Apple AirPods
image credit: Apple Inc.

Like with other recent models, Apple hasn't put much traditional user guide information into the downloads available for the iPhone 7 series. It's really just some basic safety and legal information for both the phone and the wireless AirPod earbuds, as well as a quick start for the AirPods. You'll find the most detailed, extensive information in the iOS 10 user guide linked to in the previous section. 

Learn more: iPhone 7 Review

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iPhone SE

iPhone SE
image credit: Apple Inc.

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 whether you've got an SE or a 5S. 

Learn more: iPhone SE Review

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iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus

The iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus have their documentation combined into a single PDF, since the two models are very similar. You won't find much in this document; it's really for basic legal information. The user guides above are more instructional and for regular users

  • Safety, Warranty, and Legal Info [PDF] 

Learn more: iPhone 6 Plus Review | iPhone 6S Series Review

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iPhone 6 and 6S

iPhone 6S
image credit Apple Inc.

Like their larger siblings, the iPhone 6 and 6S are grouped together in a single document. And, just like those models, the information is almost strictly legal and not designed to help you learn how to use the iPhone.

Learn more: iPhone 6 Review 

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iPhone 5, 5C, and 5S

iPhone 5S

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.

Learn more: iPhone 5S Review

iPhone 5C

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.

Learn more: iPhone 5C Review

iPhone 5

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 a some quick tips for using the iPhone 5 and instructions for using the EarPods.

Learn more: iPhone 5 Review

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    iPhone 4 and 4S

    iPhone 4S manual
    iPhone 4S. image copyright Apple Inc.

    iPhone 4S

    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.

    Learn more: iPhone 4S Review 

    iPhone 4

    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.

      Learn more: iPhone 4 Review

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        iPhone 3G and 3GS

        iphone 3gs manual
        image copyright Apple Inc.

        iPhone 3GS

        This 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.

          Learn more: iPhone 3GS Review 

          iPhone 3G

          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.

            Learn more: iPhone 3G Review

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