Got a New Phone? Here’s How to Set It Up the Right Way

Getting a new phone is exciting. Setting it up correctly is what actually makes it feel new.

Most people rush through setup, transfer their apps, and move on. But skipping a few important steps can lead to poor battery life, slow speeds, security issues, or paying way too much for a phone plan that doesn’t fit anymore.

This guide walks you through how to set up a new phone the right way, in the right order, so it works better from day one.

1. Before You Turn It On (This Saves Time Later)

Before powering on your new phone, take a few minutes to get organized. It makes the rest of the setup faster and smoother.

Make sure you:

• Fully charge your new phone
  
  
• Keep your old phone nearby
  
  
• Know your Apple ID or Google account login
  
  
• Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network
  
  
• Check whether you’ll be using a physical SIM card or an eSIM

Starting setup on Wi-Fi instead of cellular helps avoid errors and speeds up data transfer.

2. Transfer Your Data the Easy Way

Modern phones make switching devices much easier than it used to be, as long as you use the built-in tools during setup.

If you’re switching phones:

• iPhone to iPhone: Use Apple’s Quick Start
  
  
• Android to Android: Use Google’s data transfer tool
  
  
• iPhone to Android: Use the Switch to Android app
  
  
• Android to iPhone: Use the Move to iOS app

These tools usually transfer:

• Contacts
  
  
• Photos and videos
  
  
• Messages
  
  
• App data (for most apps)

Some apps, especially banking or work-related apps, may require you to log in again for security reasons. That’s normal.

3. Set Up Security Before You Forget

Security is one of the most important parts of new phone setup, and it’s easiest to do right away.

Take a few minutes to:

• Set a strong passcode or PIN
  
  
• Enable Face ID or fingerprint unlock
  
  
• Turn on automatic cloud backups
  
  
• Activate device tracking (Find My iPhone or Find My Device)
  
  
• Install the latest software update

Doing this now helps protect your data if your phone is lost or stolen and prevents issues down the line.

4. Optimize Battery Life, Storage, and Performance

New phones are fast, but a few small adjustments can keep them running smoothly for much longer.

Helpful optimizations include:

• Turning on battery optimization or adaptive battery settings
  
  
• Removing pre-installed apps you don’t use
  
  
• Limiting background app refresh
  
  
• Checking storage settings so photos and videos don’t fill up your phone
  
  
• Adjusting notification settings to reduce unnecessary battery drain

These changes can noticeably improve battery life and overall performance.

5. Install the Apps You Actually Use

Once the basics are set, focus on installing only the apps you need right away.

Start with:

• Messaging and email
  
  
• Maps and navigation
  
  
• Banking and payment apps
  
  
• Social media
  
  
• Streaming services
  
  
• Two-factor authentication apps

You don’t need to install everything on day one. Keeping things simple at the start helps your phone run better.

6. Test Your Coverage and Speed (Most People Skip This Step)

Here’s something many people don’t realize:

A new phone doesn’t automatically mean better service.

Before settling in, take time to:

• Test your mobile data speed
  
  
• Check signal strength in the places you spend the most time
  
  
• Make a few calls on cellular (not Wi-Fi)
  
  
• Try loading apps and web pages on the go

If your phone still feels slow or drops calls, the issue usually isn’t the phone itself. It’s the network your plan uses in your area.

7. Make Sure Your Phone Plan Actually Fits Your New Phone

This is one of the most overlooked parts of getting a new phone.

Many people upgrade their device but:

• Stay on an outdated phone plan
  
  
• Pay for more data than they use
  
  
• Deal with poor coverage where they live
  
  
• Miss out on better and cheaper options available nearby

Phone plan performance depends heavily on location, not just the brand name on your bill.

That’s why it’s worth checking Goji.

Goji helps you:

• See which networks actually work best where you live
  
  
• Compare phone plans based on your location and usage
  
  
• Find options that offer better coverage or lower prices
  
  
• Avoid guessing or spending hours comparing carriers

Before committing to another year on the same plan, use Goji to see what works best in your area.

8. New Phone Setup Checklist

Before you’re fully done, make sure you’ve:

• Transferred your data
  
  
• Enabled backups
  
  
• Set up security
  
  
• Optimized battery and storage
  
  
• Installed essential apps
  
  
• Tested coverage and speed
  
  
• Checked whether your phone plan still makes sense

FAQs

How long does it take to set up a new phone?

Most people can finish setting up a new phone in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much data they’re transferring.

Should I switch phone plans when I get a new phone?

Not always, but it’s a smart time to check. New phones can use data differently, and coverage varies by location. Many people discover they’re overpaying after upgrading.

Do new phones use more data than older phones?

They often do. Higher-quality video, faster apps, and background syncing can all increase data usage.

What if my coverage is worse on my new phone?

That usually points to a network or plan issue, not a problem with the phone itself. Coverage depends on how strong a carrier is where you live.

What’s the easiest way to find a better phone plan?

Using Goji is one of the fastest ways to compare plans based on your actual location and needs, without guessing or visiting carrier stores.