Guided setup steps when starting a new Android phone or tablet (Samsung, Google or other brands) to use it correctly
Although there is a large variety of Android devices with different specifications startup procedures, in general, they all look alike and, although the menus and buttons may change from brand to brand, the basic characteristics are the same for everyone and it is, therefore, possible to write a unique guide that is generally valid.
Let’s see together how to set up a new Android phone, so as to be immediately operational and start using all the features.
How to set up a new Android phone
The steps to follow are very similar to those of any old generation phone or an iPhone, but obviously the part relating to the first startup of the device changes, which inevitably presents itself differently based on the version of the Android system in use (for example Android 9 or Android 10) and the customization made by the manufacturer.
Insert the SIM card
First of all, we must insert the SIM card which, in many models, is located on a side door that can be opened using the particular pin included in the mobile phone package.
The slot could be that of a microSIM or a nanoSIM, but in this case, it will be sufficient to remove the external part of the new SIM to quickly adapt it to the type of slot present (all new SIMs are in fact prepared with precise cuts for SIM, microSIM, and nano sim).
On Dual SIM models we will find a single slot where you can insert both two SIM and one SIM and a microSD (on models that allow memory expansion).
Check battery charge
Most devices are sold with the battery charged between 20 and 40%, so the phone can be immediately turned on and tested.
In the instructions, we indicate that a full charge cycle should be performed immediately: if we are not too curious and can wait a few hours, we immediately charge the phone (when turned off) and wait until the full charge indication appears; as soon as the phone is charged, start it for the first time without disconnecting the charger and, as soon as the screen appears where to choose the system language, we disconnect the cable to continue with the configuration.
To learn more about battery calibration, we can also read our guide How to calibrate the battery on Android.
First boot Android phone
The first time you turn on an Android phone we will have to choose the language of the system (we obviously choose Italian or Italy) and we will be asked to immediately connect to a nearby Wi-Fi network.
Once connected to the Wi-Fi network whose password we know we wait a few minutes, so we can provide the credentials for a Google account; if we don’t have a Google account we can easily create one on the spot.
On some phones, the possibility of immediately importing data from an old phone is offered (before this screen).
To immediately use the Google account of the old Android device, immediately open the Google app on the latter and say the voice command “OK Google, configure my device” or alternatively go to the path Settings -> Google -> Configure and reset and press on the item Configure a nearby device.
By following the wizard, we will be able to quickly move all of our personal Google account data from the old phone to the new one, without having to take other steps (just keep the two phones within 2 meters, since it works with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi).
If instead, we followed the classic procedure (i.e. manually entering the login credentials to the Google account) we will find ourselves with two screens where you can choose whether to activate the automatic data backup, whether to use the location service integrated into Google and whether to share some information. anonymous on the use of the device.
After this phase, other configuration windows will appear, which change considerably from one phone to another (for example, we will be asked to configure other specific accounts for the manufacturer in use).
In any case, we will arrive at the security systems screen, where we will have to configure an unlock password and the biometric systems supported (if available).
We set all the desired security methods and confirm in the last windows whether or not to activate Google Assistant or Google app notifications (for news, insights, weather, etc.).
After these screens, we will finally have access to the system’s home screen and we can start using the phone!
Update apps and system
Now that the system is ready, the apps that we had on the old phone will be automatically installed, especially if we have given consent to restore a backup from the Google account. If the backup does not proceed and we do not see any apps installed, we open the Google Play Store and proceed with the installation of the apps or updating the ones already present, by pressing at the top left on the menu with the three horizontal lines and then on My apps and games.
To update the entire system to the latest version, let’s go to the app Settings and scroll down to find Phone info so that we can check if there are system updates to install.
In this regard, we can also read our guide Why Android does not update and how to do it.
Retrieve old phone’s address book, calendar, and documents
If we do not notice our old personal data on the new phone, we check that the synchronization of contacts and other personal items is active by taking us on the path Settings -> Accounts and sync -> Google and checking that all the items are checked.
Let’s make sure that the same items are also active on the old phone, so as to transfer everything in a few minutes.
To find out more, we recommend reading our guides to transfer the iPhone address book, photos, and apps to the new Android smartphone is how to synchronize your address book on Android, transfer, and save contacts.
Personalize phone
Once ready, you can use your new phone or tablet and take advantage of one of Android’s strengths: personalization. You can then add applications to the home screen, add widgets, change the wallpaper, change icons, and much more.
In general, to do these things just touch and hold on an empty spot on the screen.
To add apps instead just open the complete list, press on an icon while holding down and move it with your finger on the main screen.
On Android, you can also replace the default interface with a whole new and completely different one, as seen in our guide to best launchers for Android; if instead, we don’t know which widget to use or which background to put, we can read our articles Best Android widgets for your smartphone screen is a Best wallpaper app that changes daily on Android.
Energy-saving battery
Before going to install all the applications you want, there is one more thing to check: battery management. In the settings, it is advisable to disable all the functions that you do not intend to keep active at all times to activate automatic brightness.
These functions can be managed via switches on the notification bar or on the widget “energy-saving control” which should already be present.
To get a longer battery life, you should also take a look at the menu Battery saving, Energy-saving or Battery and performance, so that you can decide which apps should always remain in memory and which ones should leave them “frozen”.
On modern smartphones, we can save a lot of battery by also configuring the automatic Dark Mode or the night mode, so as to reduce the noise for the eyes and obtain greater autonomy.
Install new applications
Of course, from the Play Store, we can install any app needed or that we already used in the past! To get started, we can also try the Essential Android apps to have on your new mobile phone or tablet or install one of the best 10 free android apps, so that you know immediately what to do even if we have never used a smartphone or Android phone before.
Each installed app can be launched from the general list of applications that appears by tapping the button at the bottom center or bottom left.
Other things to learn on an Android smartphone
In addition to valid advice seen so far, we can follow those listed below, mainly dedicated to Android beginners:
- The three dots at the top right usually open the settings of each application.
- The Android notification bar at the top, pull down with your finger, and allow you to see the alerts of new messages or missed calls.
- The back button, at the bottom left (or right), closes the applications, while the central button (in the shape of a house or a circle) opens the home or the Google search screen.
- To open the manager of the open apps we can either use the third lower button (usually two overlapping squares) or scroll from the lower edge to the center.
- Google Assistant is a virtual assistant that provides personalized information, to be configured as seen in the guide How to activate OK Google on Android.
- In many applications, the main menu appears by swiping your finger from the left side of the screen to the right or by pressing the key with three lines at the top right.
- Essential security measures for Android to activate.
Reading all the proposed guides and tips we will quickly become real Android experts.
Conclusions
We don’t have to fear the changes: even if we come from an iPhone or have never used a smartphone before, the Android system has become so simple to set up and use that even a child would be able to set it up in a few minutes (if he has all the information required of course).
If we come from the Apple world, we invite you to read our guide Switch from iPhone to Android, a guide to changing mobile phones.
If, on the other hand, we are not familiar with the settings offered by Android, we can remedy immediately by reading the guide to the main options in Android settings.