Did they give you a new Android mobile Or are you about to start using one? In the first few days you'll probably explore it and discover new things, but there are a series of essential initial adjustments what you should do to get the most out of it, keep your information secure, avoid unnecessary hassles, and get it just right from the start. In this advanced guide, we explain, in a detailed and organized way, all the settings, tips, and tricks you should know, based on expert recommendations and best practices from advanced users and specialized websites.
First steps when turning on your new mobile phone
When you first turn on your Android smartphone, you should pay attention to a series of key steps that will determine your experience with the device. These steps, far from being a simple routine, are the foundation for maintaining order, avoiding headaches, and ensuring that your phone adapts to you, and not the other way around.
- Installing the SIM card and turning it onFirst, insert your carrier's SIM card into the slot. This way, you'll be able to associate your number, enjoy calls, and take advantage of the mobile data network. If your phone supports dual SIM, you can decide which line to use for each task.
- Select language and regionThe setup wizard will guide you through selecting your system language and country/region, which will affect time formats, currency, access to certain services, and network compatibility.
- Wi-Fi network connectionConnect to a trusted Wi-Fi network (preferably your home network) so your device can download updates and apps without using your mobile data plan. It's recommended that you enter your Wi-Fi password during this initial step.
- Google Account Association: You'll have the option to sign in with a Google account (a vital requirement for Android). This gives you access to the Google Play store, backup, contacts, calendar, Gmail, Drive, and many more features. You can create a new account if you don't have one or sign in with your existing one.
- Manufacturer Account Setup: Some manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.) also require the creation of a separate account for their specific services, such as cloud storage, locating your phone in case of theft, or accessing official support forums.
Import your data and apps from your old phone
One of the great current advantages is the possibility of migrate your data, contacts, photos, messages, app history and settings from your previous phone, even if it was an iPhone.
- Via cable or wireless transferMost Androids include wizards for transferring data using a USB cable or wireless connection. Simply connect both devices and follow the on-screen instructions to copy contacts, images, call history, and even compatible apps. For more details, check out our Guide on how to reset and restore Android.
- Restoring a cloud backupIf your previous phone was an Android, you probably had Google Drive backup enabled. When you sign in to your account, you'll be able to restore app data, text messages, calendar, wallpapers, and some preferences.
- Manual transferFor certain very specific content, or if the automatic system doesn't detect all your apps, you can install them manually from Google Play, export files via Bluetooth, email, messaging tools, or cloud services. To learn how to better manage these processes, we recommend visiting hidden settings on android.
Basic service and synchronization configuration
Using your Android phone is closely tied to cloud services. It's essential to understand what you're syncing and how to do it:
- Contacts, calendar and email: Make sure your contacts, calendar, and email are correctly associated with your Google account so they're backed up and can be recovered whenever you change devices.
- Automatic backupGo to 'Settings' > 'Google' > 'Backup' and make sure Google Drive backup is enabled. This will back up your apps, history, Wi-Fi, and important settings.
- Synchronizing additional accountsIf you use additional email accounts (Outlook, Yahoo, or corporate email), add each one under 'Settings' > 'Accounts' to integrate your data and make it easier to access from your mobile device.
Operating system and app update
A step that many people skip and that's essential for your digital security and for having the latest features.
- Check for pending system updates: Go to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Software Update' or find the corresponding option on your phone. Update the operating system before installing new apps. You can also check how to turn off the phone from settings to better manage updates.
- Update pre-installed apps from Google Play to fix bugs and take advantage of new features.
Essential security: screen lock and more
Protecting your smartphone is a priority. Modern unlocking methods combine safety and comfort. Configure one or more of the following methods:
- PIN, password or patternChoose a secure numeric, alphanumeric code, or unlock pattern. Avoid obvious combinations and consider using a long password for added protection.
- Fingerprint: Take advantage of the biometric sensor, registering several different fingerprints if it allows to avoid being locked out if you damage a finger.
- facial recognitionOn supported models, set up Face Unlock, ensuring it only unlocks when your eyes are open (this option can be found in your security settings). To learn more about managing these features, check out the fingerprint unlock feature in WhatsApp.
- Unlock by Smart Lock: Allows you to keep your phone unlocked when you are in trusted locations, connected to specific Bluetooth devices, or when you are carrying your phone.
Also, check out these advanced security settings:
- Find my device: Activate this function ('Settings' > 'Google' > 'Security' > 'Find my device') to locate, ring, lock or erase your phone in case of loss or theft from mobile locator.
- Encryption and data protection: By default, most modern mobile phones already encrypt local storage.
- Setting up SOS and emergency contacts: Go to 'Settings' > 'Safety & Emergency' to add contacts to call or send alerts automatically in case of an accident or emergency.
Customize the Android interface and experience
Once you've secured your device, it's time to make it yours. Android allows for incredible visual and functional customization:
- Wallpaper and themes: Change your wallpaper from 'Settings' > 'Display' > 'Wallpaper'. Some devices allow you to choose themes, change interface colors, icons, fonts, and even animations.
- Widgets: Long press on the desktop to add interactive widgets, useful for viewing the time, weather, tasks, or controlling music without opening apps.
- Organizing desktops and folders: Group apps into folders, drag and drop them to organize by frequency or type, and remove unnecessary shortcuts.
- Third-party launchersIf you're looking for a radical change in appearance or customization options, install launchers like Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, etc. from Google Play, which offer advanced gestures and almost unlimited customization.
- Shortcuts and quick settings: Customize the 'quick settings' menu (accessible by swiping down from the top bar) to keep features like Bluetooth, flashlight, airplane mode, and more handy. You can move, add, or remove shortcuts on most phones.
Optimizing the display: brightness, text, and special modes
- Screen brightness: Adjust the brightness from the top bar or in 'Settings' > 'Display' > 'Brightness'. Automatic brightness adapts the brightness to the environment, saving battery and protecting your eyes, although you may prefer a manual adjustment if you're looking for more battery life. You can also check how to get the settings icon back to better manage brightness.
- Dark modeMany Androids allow you to activate dark mode, which reduces eye strain and saves power, especially on AMOLED displays.
- Text and element sizeIf you have difficulty reading or prefer large icons, go to 'Settings' > 'Display' > 'Font Size' and 'Display Size'. Adjust until you find a balance between comfort and screen space.
Advanced notification and sound settings
Controlling which notifications you receive on a new phone is vital to avoid distractions and consume less battery. Modern Android systems allow for a granular and personalized management of notifications and sounds:
- Management by application: In 'Settings' > 'Notifications' you can turn notifications on or off for each app or even control what type of notifications you want to receive (messages, promotions, silent alerts, etc.).
- Sounds and vibrations: Change ringtones, alerts, and notifications from 'Settings' > 'Sound'. Set different volumes for different situations and configure vibration to your liking.
- Do not disturb and priority mode: Use 'Do Not Disturb' mode so that only urgent sounds or notifications (such as calls from favorite contacts) can bypass the silence, ideal for evenings or meetings.
- Notification channels: In supported apps, you can separate critical notifications from less important ones and mute them individually.
Uninstall or disable bloatware and unnecessary apps
New phones, especially those from carriers and some manufacturers, come with pre-installed apps that take up space and can slow down performance. We recommend:
- Uninstall unwanted pre-installed apps: Go to 'Settings' > 'Apps,' tap on the one you don't use, and delete or disable it if it doesn't allow you to uninstall it. For more tips, check out how to manage apps in our .
- Order in apps and desktops: Keep only essential shortcuts and apps visible for an intuitive and efficient experience.
Privacy and Permissions Settings
- permission controlFrom 'Settings' > 'Apps' or 'Security & Privacy', check the permissions your apps have: location, microphone, camera, contacts, and so on, and revoke any that aren't necessary for basic functionality. To improve your management, check out our guide at .
- Privacy in Google services: You can decide whether to send diagnostic data, allow ad personalization, or share data between apps for personalized recommendations.
- Managing location history, web and app activity: Sign in with your Google account to myaccount.google.com to fine-tune what activity is saved and adjust your privacy.
Battery and performance optimization from the start
The first few hours of use are ideal for applying settings that will improve battery life and system speed:
- Energy save mode: Activate power saving mode in 'Settings' > 'Battery' to reduce consumption when the level is low or to extend battery life.
- Controlling background apps: Restricts the apps that can run in the background except for essential ones (messaging, calls, etc.) to save battery and data. You can also learn how to use Google Translate in any app to facilitate communication.
- Disabling unnecessary animations and servicesIf you're looking for even better performance, you can reduce or eliminate animations in 'Developer Options', or disable services like Nearby Share, NFC, or syncs that you don't use.
File transfer and management between mobile and computer
- Link to PC/WindowsInstall "Your Phone" (or "Phone Link") on Windows and the corresponding app on Android to receive notifications, reply to messages, access photos, and manage calls from your PC. For better file management, also check out the features of Android 10.
- Use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) and file management apps to move photos, documents, and videos between devices.
- USB wired connection: Allows you to transfer large files directly to your computer or even use your phone as an external drive.
Advanced Settings: Backup and Restore
Avoid losing your most valuable data by enabling automatic backups:
- Backup to Google Drive: Includes apps, call history, settings, contacts, calendar, SMS messages, photos, and videos if you have Google Photos set up. For enhanced security, you can also check advanced Android tutorials.
- Manufacturer's extra options: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and others offer their own cloud backup systems, which you can activate in addition to Google.
- Manual backup: : Perform it periodically from 'Settings' > 'Google' > 'Backup'.
- Export critical data (such as contacts, documents, and media) to an SD card or external storage for extra backup.
Tips and tricks for advanced users
- Custom quick settings: : Pull down the top panel and tap “Edit” to move or remove shortcuts (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, flashlight, data saver…).
- Proxy and VPN SettingsIf you're using a private network or require anonymity, set up VPN from 'Settings' > 'Connections'.
- Mobile data management: Activate usage alerts and automatic limits to avoid surprises on your bill. You can view usage by app and restrict background usage to improve battery life. For advanced management, see .
- Customize the keyboard and dictionaries: Install other keyboards (Gboard, Swiftkey) from Google Play if you're looking for multilingual desktops, advanced gestures, or custom emojis.
- Parental Controls and Family CenterIf the phone will be used by minors, set up parental controls from 'Settings' or using it to limit apps, schedules, and manage content.
Additional Safety and Privacy Tips
- Review permissions granted after installing apps: When installing new apps, review the permissions they request (location, camera, microphone, etc.) and limit them to what is strictly necessary.
- Geolocation: Decide whether your phone can be located at all times or only when using certain apps. You can disable this from the quick panel or in 'Settings' > 'Location'.
- Screen lock and sensitive notifications: Set so that notifications with sensitive content are not displayed on the lock screen until you unlock your device.
- Emergency and SOS contacts: Add people to automatically notify in case of an accident or emergency. Available under 'Security and Emergency'.
- Advanced Privacy Control: Access your Google account options to manage location history, search, voice, and app data.
Frequently asked questions and common problems when using a new mobile phone
- Some contacts or messages are not appearingMake sure the Google account used is the same as the one on your old phone and check your backup. Repeat the sync manually if necessary.
- I don't receive notifications from some appsCheck notification and battery permissions for these apps, and review your "Do Not Disturb" settings. To better manage your settings, check out our .
- The mobile is slowThis may be due to massive update and restore processes after the initial startup. Wait for the sync to complete and restart.
- I can't uninstall pre-installed apps: Some apps can only be disabled. Do this from 'Settings' > 'Apps' to stop them from taking up resources and sending notifications.
- I want to change my Google account: You can add additional accounts from 'Settings' > 'Accounts' and, if necessary, remove the primary account (although you will lose features associated with that account).
After doing all these thorough initial adjustments Your Android phone will be ready to accompany you in your daily life with the best security, optimization, and convenience. Take your time with each section to get it completely to your liking, and remember that if you have any questions, you can return to the settings and modify any detail in the future. A well-tuned phone from day one extends its useful life, saves battery life, and will prevent future problems.