Top 5 Things to Do After You Get a New Smartphone

Getting a new smartphone is definitely exciting, especially if it’s a big upgrade from your old one. However, before you fully explore your new phone’s capabilities, there are some things you need to do first to ensure that it will work properly and deliver top performance. Here’s a checklist to serve as your guide:

Check the Box

When you buy a smart phone, Philippines’ tech retail salespersons will unbox your purchase for you in-store. This is their way of showing you that everything—from the user manual to the SIM ejector tool—is where it should be. They will even test the camera in front of you and ask you to test the earphones.

When you buy a smartphone online, you need to do the same thing as soon as the package arrives. Check the seal if it’s still intact, then itemize the contents of the box. Aside from the user manual, most smartphones nowadays come with a charging cord, charging adapter, and earphones. As mentioned, there should also be a SIM ejector tool so you can safely pop open the SIM and SD card tray. Some manufacturers also include a free silicone case.

You should also check the documents that come in the box. The most important one is the warranty information, so you can have the phone repaired or replaced if anything happens within the specified period.

Inspect the Phone Itself

Once you’ve completed the inspection of the box’s contents, you should follow up with a complete check of the phone. First, check the buttons if they’re responding properly and if they feel firm when pressed. If there’s a fingerprint scanner, see if it detects your biometrics within a reasonable time (on-screen scanners are usually slower than external scanners). 

If there’s a removable battery, check if it fits snugly in the slot and if the terminals are clean. Finally, take a look at the phone’s body and camera lenses if there are any scratches or any other noticeable damage. It’s highly unlikely, but it’s still a good idea to check just in case.

Set Up Your Phone

After making sure that the phone, its accessories, and documents are in good order, you can now start setting up your phone. Insert the SIM card and SD card (if you have one and if the phone has expandable storage), and then turn the phone on. Most will be about halfway charged; if you expect the set-up process to take a while, it’s a good idea to charge it first.

Then, connect your phone to a secure WiFi network and start linking your accounts. Antivirus software isn’t absolutely necessary, but you can also install one if you want for some added protection. Another nice-to-have if you can afford it is your carrier’s device protection in case your phone gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

You should also activate your phone’s security features, particularly the lock screen. Choose a strong PIN or password and activate fingerprint security if it’s available.

Remove Bloatware

Most phones nowadays come with a lot of preloaded apps and services. Some may be useful to you, while others might not. To maximize your phone’s storage space and performance, it’s best to uninstall those you don’t want or need (these are often called “bloatware” by tech experts).

Do note, however, that there are some things that you may not be able to uninstall. If this is the case, you can put these apps in deep sleep or disable them so they don’t take up too much of your phone’s resources.

Transfer Your Data

You probably have a lot of files in your old phone, including hundreds if not thousands of photos. Fortunately, you can preserve all of them by transferring your data to your new device. Some phone manufacturers allow you to copy files directly using Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC. You can also connect the old phone to your laptop and other smart devices to make the task easier.

There are also “phone clone” apps that import your files, as well as all your previously downloaded apps, contacts, text messages, and call history.

Extra Tip: Get a Phone Case

You’ve already spent a few thousand bucks on your new smartphone; what’s a couple hundred more to keep it in good shape, right? As mentioned, most manufacturers now include a free silicone case with each smartphone. However, these are only mostly good for superficial damage like scratches. If you want to protect your phone from accidental drops, you need a sturdy case.

You can also purchase screen protectors to prevent scratches on the screen. Just remember that they can make the display appear less bright, so manage your expectations.

Last but certainly not least, learn how to troubleshoot your new smartphone. This way, if something goes wrong, you have an idea what to do. You can find the most basic procedures in your phone’s user manual, but there are also plenty of guides online.

Once you’ve done all of the above, you’re now ready to enjoy and use your new smart phone to the fullest!