Use this checklist to set up your new Android phone.
Insert your SIM card
Your SIM card is a removable chip that stores important info about your phone. Typically, you receive your SIM card from your mobile carrier.
For most Android users, a SIM card lets your phone:
- Have internet services and other functions that rely on an internet connection, like features for specific apps and services
- Receive Android OS updates when you're not connected to Wi-Fi or a tethered device
- Make or receive calls
- Send or receive text messages
How to insert your SIM card
Important: Many devices will automatically approve your carrier services after you insert your SIM card. If your device shows an error message or if you have any issues with your SIM card or carrier services, get help from your mobile carrier.
- Find your SIM card.
- Open the SIM tray on your device.
- The location of your SIM tray may differ from device to device. For specific questions about how to locate and open your SIM tray, get help from your device manufacturer.
- Place your SIM card in the SIM tray.
- Put the SIM tray back into your device.
Connect to Wi-Fi
You can set your phone to automatically turn on Wi-Fi and connect to a trusted network. When you have Wi-Fi turned on, your phone connects to nearby networks you've connected to before. If you don’t turn on Wi-Fi, your device can only connect to the internet through your mobile carrier. Learn more about Wi-Fi networks on your Android device.
Tip: Connect to the internet to get internet services and other functions like:
- Android OS updates, when you're not connected to your mobile carrier’s internet service or a tethered device
- Features for specific apps and services that rely on an internet connection
How to turn on & connect to Wi-Fi
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
Internet.
- Tap a listed network. Networks that require a password have a Lock
.
Tip: After you connect, the network is "Saved." When your phone is near and Wi-Fi is on, your phone automatically connects to this network.
Copy apps & data
To personalize your new device, you can copy apps, text messages, contacts, photos, and other info from your old device. You may have to verify your Google Account during this process.
To copy apps and data, backup and restore data on your old device first.
Tips:
- When you copy apps and data, it may take several hours. Apps and data aren’t removed from your old device.
- Apps that are only available on iOS aren’t copied to your Android.
- If you transfer apps and data:
- Wirelessly: You must be connected to the internet the entire time.
- With a cord: You must be connected to your old device for the entire transfer process.
- If you don’t copy your apps and data:
- You must manually download and install apps you’ve installed on your old phone from the Play Store.
- Text messages sent and received on your old device aren’t saved.
- You must manually add your saved contacts.
- Your photos aren’t transferred.
Add your Google Account
Your Google Account lets you automatically sync photos, messages, email, and data with other devices that you sign in to with your Google Account.
Sign in to your Google Account to:
- Download apps, books, movies, and shows via Google Play
- Set up backup and restore
- Set up other Google apps and services like Gmail and Google Pay
Tip: You can add multiple Google Accounts to your device.
Create a screen lock
You can set up a screen lock to help secure your Android phone. Learn how to create a screen lock.
Tip: Some devices have a biometric screen lock option. Check with your phone manufacturer for more info.
Add your phone manufacturer or carrier account
Some phone manufacturers and carriers offer specific apps and services to users who are signed in to their carrier account. For more info, get help from your mobile carrier.