If you have a new Android smartphone or tablet and you want to know how you can configure it in the best way possible, you’ve come to the right place. All in all, the process of setting up a new device can seem a little daunting. Don’t worry, though: we’ll guide you through each step, explaining what you should do.
Most Android phones and tablets will guide you step-by-step through the setup process. The experience may differ slightly depending on the brand of your device and which version of Android it is running.
So, check below how you can configure your new Android device.
How to configure a new Android phone in 2023? Photographer: Nicolas Muller
Below, see how you might be setting up a new Android device.
1. Select a language
When turning on your smartphone for the first time, it will ask you to select a language. In this step you can also select vision and voice modes if you need the accessibility features to be activated while using the phone. Once that’s done, tap To start to go to the next screen.
2. Add SIM card
Here you will be asked to connect to a mobile network. You can do this by putting a SIM card in your phone. In the package there is likely to be an ejector tool to remove the tray and place the SIM card in the SIM slot.
At the moment, most modern smartphones support a nano SIM chip, the smallest size available on the market. Insert the SIM card you just got or the one form your old phone. If your device is unlocked for use, the phone must recognize the SIM card and thus give you access to your mobile plan.
Some phones allow you to choose to download an eSIM instead of inserting a physical SIM. If you don’t have a SIM card or don’t want an eSIM, tap Ignore to set up your phone without a mobile network connection using Wi-Fi only.
3. Connect to WiFi
You can connect to WiFi no matter you have added a SIM card to your phone or not. Tap the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to, then enter the network password. Ready. So your phone will connect to Wi-Fi and proceed with the setup.
you can choose to configure offline, if you want, but you won’t be able to log into your Google Account without a Wi-Fi connection mobile data, for example. In addition, it will not be possible to download applications and use the phone online.
4. Copy data from old phone
In this step, the phone will give you the option to copy apps and data from your old phone. This includes your Google Account as well as data such as text messages, photos, videos, apps and settings.
Here, you have 3 options: You can select do not copy here if you want to set up your phone as new without old data or Unable to use old device, if you don’t have access to your old phone. Or, you can copy the data by tapping Advance.
When choosing to copy data, the new smartphone will suggest that you connect the old device to the new one via a cable. If you have a cable with the correct two port connections, tap Advance and follow the on-screen instructions.
On the other hand, if you don’t have the right cable, you can copy your data some other way. tap on No cable? or copy without cable. The setup will give you different options depending on which one you choose. This step can take several minutes, depending on the amount of data you want to move.
5. Add a Google Account
No matter which option you choose in the last step, at some point your phone will ask you to sign in to your Google Account. And if you don’t have a Google account yet, you can create one.
This will give you a necessary Gmail email address to use on an Android phone. Then you can select what you want to copy from your old phone.
6. Accept Google settings
After copying data from another phone or skipping this step, your Google Account will be added to the phone. Here, the configuration will be done as you wish: it is possible to activate things like location services, verification of applications and whether to send usage and diagnostic data to Google.
you need to select Yes for find and scan apps if you want all services to work properly on your phone. Here, it is important to emphasize: you need to say yes if you want the applications used, such as Google Maps, to work. tap on To accept when you have selected what you want.
7. Accept or Deny Google One Backup
With a Google account, you can activate the backup of the entire device with the One service. This is a service built into your free Google account that backs up your phone’s data and settings to Google’s cloud servers. If you ever lose your phone, you can use this cloud backup to restore your data and settings to a new phone.
8. Set a PIN code
Now you can set a PIN code. This is recommended as it prevents someone from unlocking your phone if you misplace it. By default Android will ask you to set a PIN number of at least 4 digits. However, the higher the number you choose, the better.
If you tap Screen Lock Options, you can alternatively choose to set a pattern design or a password. Enter your choice twice as instructed on the screen to proceed.
9. Configure the fingerprint
Some phones have built-in fingerprint sensors that allow you to unlock your phone with your thumb or fingerprint, as well as authorize things like in-app payments. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up your fingerprint.
10. Continue setup or leave it for later
Many Android phones at this stage will ask you if you want to continue the setup. This will include things like setting up Google Wallet for debit and credit card payments, selecting your phone text size, and more.
you can tap on Continue or Sign out and get reminder. The latter will make sure you get a notification later to do this step.
11. You’re done!
Ready. Now your new Android smartphone is set up. Wait a few minutes for all files and applications to download. After that, your smartphone will be ready to use.
