The First Things to Do When You Get a New Smartphone

Why the First Hour Matters

Unboxing a new smartphone feels exciting, but what you do in the first hour determines how secure, organized, and trouble-free that device will be for the next several years. Factory settings are built for broad compatibility — not for your specific needs. Taking time upfront to configure security, storage, and preferences means you're not scrambling to fix problems later.

This checklist walks through every meaningful first step, organized by category so you can work through it systematically. Whether you're switching from a different platform or simply upgrading, the fundamentals apply across Android and iOS devices. For a detailed look at moving your existing data across, see our guide to transferring everything to a new phone.

The Setup Checklist

Work through these items in order — earlier steps, like installing updates and locking down security, create the foundation everything else builds on.

Security and Privacy: Go Deeper

The checklist above covers the basics, but smartphones contain a surprising number of security and privacy controls that most people never review. App permissions are a key area: many apps request access to your location, microphone, contacts, or camera by default, and those permissions persist until you revoke them.

After completing initial setup, it's worth spending an extra 10–15 minutes auditing what each installed app can access. Both Android and iOS allow you to review permissions app-by-app or category-by-category in Settings. Our overview of phone security settings most people never touch covers specific controls worth reviewing that go well beyond the default setup wizard.

Software updates deserve special attention. Updates don't just add features — they patch vulnerabilities that could otherwise expose your personal data. For a thorough explanation of what updates actually change and how support timelines work, see our complete picture on smartphone OS updates.

Building Good Long-Term Habits

Getting set up correctly is a one-time task, but keeping a phone running well is an ongoing practice. Regularly clearing cached data, monitoring storage, and staying current with app updates all extend the useful life of your device. Our smartphone maintenance guide outlines what a sustainable, practical care routine actually looks like over time.

Think of today's setup as laying the foundation. The habits you build from here determine whether your phone stays fast, secure, and reliable — or becomes a source of frustration within a year.