If you got a shiny new smartphone or tablet (perhaps you treated yourself or received it as a gift), you probably want to start playing with it immediately. But first of all it must be set up, and not everyone knows how with Android. In this beginners article, we'll explain step-by-step how to set up your new smartphone. You’ll see: it's easy!
Each Android device is different, and each manufacturer gives its own devices little extras that make it stand out from the crowd of competitors. But deep down Android devices are ultimately quite similar. Here's what you need to do to get going:
1. Insert the SIM card and enter your PIN
If you have a working SIM card already, enter it into the smartphone before your turn it on. You will then be asked in the first step to enter your PIN number, which usually comes in the SIM package. Entering your SIM card can be tricky depending on your device. Sony devices usually have flaps that you need to open, while Nexus phones require a pin to open the slot. Samsung has you enter the SIM under the battery so you need to open the device carefully.
2. Select a language
After the SIM has been inserted and you finally boot up the phone, the first step is choosing a language. A tap on the default language opens a list of all available languages for the system. Select your language from the list and touch Start to continue.
3. Select Wi-Fi network
If you find yourself within range of a wireless network, you can now make the connection. Simply select your network from the list and enter the password if required. Then tap on Connect.
4. Set up/login to Google account (optional)
In order to use your smartphone with Google's apps and services, you need a Google account. For example, if you want to download apps from the Google Play Store or use Gmail for emails. If you already have a Google account, you can enter those details now. Then you will be asked to agree or disagree to some Google services like sharing location data and backing up your information.
If you don't already have a Google account, but would like to set one up, just follow the steps to choose a username and set a password. Make your password memorable, but be sure it's not easy to guess either (usually a mix of letters, numbers and symbols make strong passwords). Remember, you don't need to have a Google account to use the phone, but you will have less functions available to you if you don't, like not being able to install apps from the Play Store (which you will almost certainly want to do at some point). If you would rather not install apps from there, you can also install free and paid apps from alternative app stores.
Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, ask you during the registration whether you want to create an extra account. This is only necessary if you want to use some special services from the company. You can simply skip this step if you don't want an additional account.
Sign into other services (optional)
Many smartphones come with pre-installed software, such as cloud storage services like Dropbox,Box or Google Drive. If you use these services you can now log into them with your existing account, or you can set up an account with them and sign in with that. When you sign up with a cloud service, you'll usually get a few gigabytes of free storage space in the cloud. If you don't use these services, now might be a good time to start because they offer a great way to easily secure valuable content like photos and emails in the cloud, ready for instant access whenever you need them, even if you don't have your phone with you. It’s often wise to backup your data because phones aren’t foolproof and you might delete something accidentally.
Also, if your phone has an SD card slot, it might be a good idea to buy a micro SD card to save pictures and other files on. You can also transfer data to your computer by plugging in your USB cord down the road.
Download apps from the Google Play Store (optional)
The initial setup of the smartphone is now complete. Many smartphones have some simple tutorials to help get you oriented on the phone. For an overview of the apps that have already been installed on your device, have a look at the app drawer. The app drawer is a sliding list of icons for all the apps on your phone. Chances are you'll find it at the bottom of the home screen (the first screen you come to after setup is complete). Look around the app drawer, and if there's any apps you don't have that you want, you can go to Google's Play Store to download them – it will be installed on your phone already. Installing apps is a simple process, and the handset will walk you through anything you need to do (like signing in).
Install software and Android updates
When your Android is turned on for the first time, it might not be running the latest version of the software available for your specific model. For example, your phone could come with Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box, but the Android 5.0 Lollipop update is already available for it. It really depends on the phone.
- Android 5.0 Lollipop update: which phones will get it and when?
To check to see if an update is available, if it doesn’t prompt you to update, you simply go into the settings of your phone. This is found as an app in the app drawer or by going through the notification shade and tapping on the settings icon (usually a cogwheel or a set of tools of some sort). Find the ‘’About Phone’’ tab which is usually located at the bottom of the settings menu and tap on this. It will look different depending on your manufacturer, however you will likely tap on something along the lines of ‘’Check for software updates’’. Make sure that when you do this, you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection and that your battery is at least 50% full as it could take up to a half hour to download and install the entire software update.
The reason why you want to update is because it (usually) always provides much improved functions and features, cleaner-looking designs, and often compatibility with more apps and external devices, like Chromecast or headphones.
Personalize your phone
If you do not like the background image that came with your device, do not despair - every smartphone offers a selection of different backgrounds from which you can choose. The way to do this changes with manufacturer, but look for a Display or Wallpaper option in the Settings Menu. Quite often, if you press on the home screen anywhere for a couple of seconds, a window will appear that lets you change your wallpaper. You can even choose a live wallpaper that moves (and consumes more battery!). You can also add your own images or use photos taken with the camera: perfect for reminding you of the moment you unwrapped your new smartphone!
On some devices, you can also change the font and style of symbols. If none of the options are to your liking, you could try out a new icon pack or test some other backgrounds - of which there are a lot on the net. And if that is still not enough for you, you could try out an alternative launcher which will change the look and functionality of your phone to match your preferences and even your habits. In addition to launchers, there are also lock screen alternatives.
You might want to take baby steps and slowly and not install launchers and lock screen alternatives right off the bat, but don't be afraid to explore the different capabilities that your phone has to offer.
How do you like your new Android smartphone? Did setting up your phone run smoothly?
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