The first hour with a new phone is the best time to set it up well. These steps protect you if it is lost, and make the next phone easy. If you are moving from an old phone, see moving to a new phone first for bringing your data across.
1. Sign in with the right account
Use your own Google account (Android) or Apple Account (iPhone), not one a shop created for you. If a shop sets up the phone, make sure you know the email and password before you leave. A phone locked to an account you cannot access becomes useless after a reset. See creating a Gmail account.
2. Screen lock
Set a 6-digit PIN or a password, plus fingerprint or face unlock. Avoid patterns: they are easy to see over your shoulder and leave smudge marks.
3. Find My Device
- Android: Settings, Google, Find My Device, turn on.
- iPhone: Settings, your name, Find My, turn on Find My iPhone and Send Last Location.
4. SIM PIN
Put a PIN on your SIM card, so a thief cannot put it in another phone to receive your codes. On Android search Settings for SIM lock; on iPhone Settings, Mobile Service, SIM PIN. You will need the SIM's default PIN, which is printed on the card holder the SIM came on; if you do not know it, ask your network before trying, because too many wrong tries lock the SIM.
5. Backups
- Photos: Google Photos or iCloud Photos, set to back up on Wi-Fi only if you are on a bundle.
- Contacts: save them to your Google or Apple account, not to the SIM or "phone only".
- WhatsApp: Settings, Chats, Chat backup, to Google Drive or iCloud.
See backing up your photos and contacts.
6. Record the IMEI
Dial *#06#, and email the number to yourself. You need it if the phone is stolen.
7. Remove what you do not need
New Android phones, especially budget ones, come with many pre-installed apps and notifications. Uninstall or disable what you will not use, and turn off notifications from apps that only advertise. This saves storage, data and battery.
8. Protect the money apps
Set separate PINs on MoMo and banking apps, different from your screen lock. Turn on two-step verification on WhatsApp, Google and Facebook.
9. Protect the hardware
A case with raised edges and a tempered-glass screen protector cost a fraction of a screen repair. Keep the box and receipt: you need them for warranty and to prove ownership.