Getting a new phone is exciting — but the setup process can be surprisingly time-consuming if you don't know where to start. Whether you've got an iPhone or an Android, doing a few key things at the beginning will save you a lot of hassle later.
Here are the five most important things to do when setting up a new phone.
1. Transfer your contacts, photos and apps from your old phone
Before you do anything else, make sure you transfer everything important from your old phone. On iPhone, use the Quick Start feature or restore from an iCloud backup. On Android, use Google's built-in backup and restore, or the manufacturer's own transfer tool (Samsung Smart Switch, for example).
Don't factory reset or pass on your old phone until you've confirmed that everything has transferred correctly.
2. Set up a secure screen lock
A PIN, password or biometric lock (fingerprint or Face ID) is your first line of defence if your phone is ever lost or stolen. Set this up before you start adding personal information, accounts or payment details.
Avoid simple PINs like 1234 or your date of birth.
3. Sign in to your accounts
Set up your email, Apple ID or Google account, and any other accounts you use regularly. Take this opportunity to check that your password for each account is strong and unique — if you've been using the same password everywhere, now is a good time to start using a password manager.
4. Enable automatic backups
Turn on automatic cloud backup as soon as possible so your photos and data are protected from day one. On iPhone, go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup and turn it on. On Android, go to Settings → Google → Backup and enable it.
5. Install your essential apps and adjust your notifications
Install the apps you actually need rather than everything at once. And take a few minutes to review notification settings — most apps request permission to send notifications by default, but most of them don't need to. Turning off unnecessary notifications immediately makes your phone much less distracting.
Need help with your new phone?
If you'd like someone to guide you through the full setup — including transferring everything from your old device — I offer a New Phone or Tablet Setup service. I'll make sure everything is transferred, configured and ready to use.
The Bytova Home Support Plan is also ideal if you'd like ongoing support as you get to grips with your new device.