How to Set Up a New Android Phone the Right Way

A new phone is exciting, but rushing through setup can mean losing photos, chats or contacts. Follow this checklist to set it up properly.

Before you start

On your old phone:

• Make sure Google backup is on (Settings, search for Backup).
• Back up WhatsApp: Settings, Chats, Chat backup, then Back up.
• Check your photos are backed up in Google Photos.
• Charge both phones and connect them to Wi-Fi.

1. Copy your data

When the new phone asks, choose to copy apps and data from your old phone. You can connect the two with a cable or wirelessly. This brings over your apps, contacts, messages and settings.

2. Sign in to your Google account

Use the same Google account as before, so your contacts, photos and app purchases come with you.

3. Set up security

• Set a screen lock: a PIN, pattern or fingerprint. Don't skip this.
• Turn on Find My Device so you can locate or wipe the phone if it's lost or stolen.
• Turn on two-step verification for your Google account.

4. Restore WhatsApp

Install WhatsApp, verify your number and tap Restore when it offers your backup. Use the same Google account that the backup was saved to.

5. Update everything

Go to Settings and check for system updates, then open the Play Store and update all apps. Updates fix bugs and security problems.

6. Remove apps you don't need

New phones often come with extra apps. Uninstall or disable the ones you won't use. It saves space and battery.

7. Settings worth changing

• Turn off auto-download of videos in WhatsApp to save space and data.
• Set Google Photos to back up on Wi-Fi only if your data plan is small.
• Turn on battery saver to kick in automatically at 20%.
• Check app permissions and turn off location for apps that don't need it.

8. Wipe your old phone

Once everything is on the new phone, do a factory reset on the old one before you sell or give it away. Remove your SIM and memory card first.

Take your time with setup. A careful hour now saves a lot of trouble later.