Anyone who received a new Android phone or tablet as a gift or if it had just been purchased, whatever brand or model it is (Samsung, LG, Google, HTC, Huawei or others) must configure it to start using it correctly immediately in all its features and make it perform better. Although there is a large variety of Android devices with different specific boot procedures, in general they are all the same and, although the menus may change from brand to brand, the basic characteristics are the same for everyone and it is therefore possible to write a univocal guide that is generally valid.
1) The SIM Card
First of all you need to insert the SIM card which, in many models, is located on a side door that can be opened using a kind of key included in the mobile phone package.
The slot could be that of a microSIM so, if you have a normal SIM, or try to cut it following some guide to search on Google, or you have to go to the nearest shop of the telephone operator and ask for a new MicroSIM, unfortunately paying 10 EUR.
2) Battery
Most devices are sold with a little battery charge and can therefore be immediately switched on and used.
In the instructions, however, it is recommended to immediately perform a complete charging cycle of 10 or 12 hours.
2) Google account
The first time you turn on an Android phone you are asked to log in with a Google account and follow the configuration wizard necessary to install the apps from the Google Play store which is the official market of every Android smartphone.
If desired, it may be possible to register a new one, but it is much more convenient, if you already use Gmail or any other Google service, use that account so that you can take advantage of the synchronization of Google apps also on your PC.
Depending on the manufacturer, there may also be other steps: for example, Samsung asks to create an account in order to have access to its app store and to be able to automatically update the pre-installed applications.
The initial configuration requires internet connection, therefore, if you do not have a wifi network to access, you must postpone and first connect to the 3G or 4G mobile data network (if you have a data subscription plan).
3) Update the apps and the system
Before you start, open the Google Play Store and any other proprietary application store to check for updates to the pre-installed apps.
Also, open the list of apps, go to Settings and scroll down looking for Info on your phone to check if there are system updates to install.
4) Retrieve the address book and other data of the old phone
In another article there is the guide to transfer the iPhone's address book, photos and apps to the new Android smartphone.
Since Android bases its address book on Gmail, it is convenient to import SIM contacts to the Gmail address book, as explained in the guide on how to synchronize the address book on Android, transfer and save contacts.
READ ALSO: Switch from iPhone to Android, guide to cell phone change
5) Personalize the home screen
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 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 and hold an icon and move it with the finger on the main screen.
On Android you can also replace the default interface with a completely new and completely different one (see the best launchers for Android), although this is better to do it later, after becoming familiar.
6) Battery management
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 features that you do not intend to keep active at all times such as bluetooth, wifi and gps and then activate the automatic brightness.
These functions can be managed via switches on the notification bar or on the " energy saving control " widget which should already be present.
To activate or deactivate the phone's internet connection, it is necessary to go to Settings, under Data usage .
It is also a good idea to go to the advanced WiFi advanced settings menu (by going to the WiFi settings, tap the three dots at the top right) and disable the search for networks even when WiFi is disabled.
As for GPS instead Android has two types of location: one precise with GPS to be used only when using the Google Maps or other satellite navigator, the other instead based on a Google service that can be left active because of low consumption.
7) Learn the basics of Android
- The three dots at the top right usually lead to the settings of each application.
- The Android notification bar at the top pulls down with your finger and allows you to see the alerts of new messages or missed calls.
- The square or double square at the bottom right (or left) allows you to scroll through the latest apps used.
- The back button, at the bottom left (or right), closes the applications.
- Google Now is a virtual assistant that provides personalized information, to be configured separately.
- main options in Android settings
- 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 be activated.
8) Install applications
On the Google Play store you can search for applications and download them for free unless they are paid.
To start, I have described the essential Android Apps to have on the new mobile phone or tablet and the ranking of the best 10 free Android Apps.
Each installed app can be launched from the general list of applications that appears by touching the button at the bottom center or bottom left.
Finally, in another article, there are 7 things to do immediately on the new Android smartphone .
