I set up a new phone pretty typically — whether or not it’s transferring to a new every day driver or secondary phone, or setting up one of many new greatest Android telephones to assessment. Since I’m a creature of behavior, I like to make sure that switching units isn’t too jarring, so I have created a little bit of a routine when it involves setting up a new system.

Whereas I could tweak my method relying on whether or not I plan to make use of the phone as my new every day driver or as a secondary system (corresponding to a digicam smartphone), these are the important steps I take with each phone.

Many Android producers provide a phone clone utility that copies the info immediately out of your earlier system. Nonetheless, I desire utilizing my Google account to revive a backup from my essential system for a variety of causes. Firstly, the cloning utilities on smartphones typically require the new and previous phone to be linked or close to one another for a while. Which means I typically really feel like I can’t use both phone in the course of the switch, which cuts me off from things like my chats and notifications. A minor problem, however nonetheless.

Secondly, when restoring apps from my unique phone, I am capable of choose which of them to put in. That is a nice function, since I typically accrue apps that I take a look at for work that I don’t essentially use anymore however neglect to uninstall.

Moreover, restoring a backup from a Google account consists of most of the useful options of cloning your phone, corresponding to copying over SMS messages, contacts, system settings, and name historical past. And since I use Google Password Supervisor, syncing my Google account with the new phone additionally provides me entry to the login particulars I use for varied apps. Nonetheless, I have discovered that my mileage could differ relying on which producers I’m switching between. In circumstances the place my login particulars haven’t transferred, I use the Chrome app to entry the password supervisor.

There was a time that Android skins felt very related, however through the years I’ve observed extra fragmentation when it involves the default consumer interface (UI). So each time I set up a new smartphone, I be certain that to regulate the UI’s settings to my ultimate setup.

This consists of three-button navigation, everlasting darkish mode, switching to Eye Consolation mode, selecting an app drawer for my house display if it’s not on by default, and switching my management panel shortcuts to these I use essentially the most. Many of the modifications I make are to stop my smartphone from triggering my migraines, however a few of them are additionally attributable to habits I’ve constructed up after over a decade of utilizing Android telephones.

A latest annoyance I’ve discovered with some Android phone manufacturers is the try to modify customers to a cut up notification panel by default. On some Android skins, there’s no solution to change again to a mixed notification and management panel, which actually frustrates me. However when the choice is there, I change to the mixed view. For instance, when I not too long ago set up the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, I switched again to the mixed notification view in One UI 7.

Regardless that I’ve tried to maneuver away from Google Pictures by self-hosting Immich as an alternative, I nonetheless haven’t made the transition totally. That is partially attributable to how Google Pictures incorporates into my workflow, since I typically take images on my phone after which entry them by means of the net to obtain and add them to a put up I’m engaged on, for instance.

So, at the least for now, Google Pictures stays an important utility for me. I again up images throughout all my units, even when I’m simply utilizing the phone for a two-week assessment interval — particularly since I typically use assessment units to take photos of scenic areas and my pets. This additionally implies that the images I take with these units are added to my Recollections, which is considered one of my favourite Google Pictures options.

For those who’ve used Android, you’ll be very acquainted with bloatware — the non-essential, pre-installed apps that OEMs embody on their units. I discover that this step is especially wanted when it involves mid-range and finances smartphones, which are inclined to pack in a lot extra bloat.

Typically these apps are OEM instruments that I by no means use attributable to preferring cross-platform apps as an alternative. However I’ve additionally discovered loads of social media apps, video games, and workplace software program come pre-installed on units whether or not you employ them or not.

The place attainable, I uninstall any app or sport that I don’t use. After all, some bloatware can’t be uninstalled. On this case, I attempt to see if I can archive or disable the app in order that I don’t obtain prompts to make use of it as an alternative of my most popular software program.

To ensure that I begin receiving necessary notifications on my new system, I signal into my most-used apps as quickly as attainable. These are normally my Gmail, Asana, and Slack accounts. Nonetheless, if the phone is my new every day driver, I be certain that to log into WhatsApp and restore my chat backup.

If an app isn’t integral to getting work notifications or communications from my contacts, I’ll take my time signing into it when I really use it. For instance, I don’t rush when it involves signing into my social media apps, particularly since I go weeks with out utilizing some platforms.

However lacking a Slack notification or an necessary e-mail to my secondary Gmail account (which is completely different to my backup account) implies that I may miss necessary details about work or assignments. So I be certain that to signal into these as quickly as attainable.

Whereas two-factor authentication (2FA) undoubtedly has its advantages, I always fear about switching units and now not accessing my authenticator app. Whereas I initially solely used Microsoft Authenticator for my Microsoft account, over time, I started including another apps and web sites to the software.

However I quickly realized that the app doesn’t routinely sync with the linked Microsoft account, that means the completely different built-in providers don’t transfer over when you check in on a new system. I ultimately discovered that I first wanted to create a backup on my previous system, then restore that account backup on the new system.

Now, each time I set up a new smartphone, I be certain that to revive the account backup in order that I can entry my linked providers. For those who use a 2FA or multi-factor authentication (MFA) app, ensure you switch your credentials so that you simply don’t lose entry.

I’m typically juggling multiple smartphone at a time, however I be certain that to observe sure steps when setting them up. This makes switching between units simpler for me, whereas additionally offering me with the perfect expertise when I change my essential system. Too many occasions I’ve been caught out by not having the correct settings or information on the smartphone I’m utilizing, which might grow to be a difficulty when my different units usually are not round.

Most individuals solely have one smartphone to take care of, however these steps are useful no matter what number of units you’re utilizing. Simply be certain that to manufacturing facility reset your previous phone in the event you plan to promote it or give it away, when you’re sure you may have all the required info you want from it.