Got a New Phone? Here’s What You Should Do First
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Getting a new phone is exciting. Faster speed, better camera, more storage.
But before you start downloading apps and taking photos, there are a few important things you should do to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you set up your new phone properly.
1. Back Up Your Old Phone First
Before switching devices, make sure your old phone is fully backed up.
Depending on your device, this could mean:
iCloud backup (for iPhone)
Google backup (for Android)
Manual backup to a computer
This ensures your:
Contacts
Photos
Messages
App data
Notes
are safely transferred.
Even if you think everything is synced, it’s always better to double-check.
2. Sign In and Update Your Software
When setting up your new phone:
Sign in with your Apple ID or Google account
Update to the latest software version
Install security updates immediately
Software updates often fix bugs and improve battery life, so it’s best to do this early.
3. Check Your SIM or eSIM
Once your phone is powered on, check your mobile connection.
Are you using:
A physical SIM card?
A digital eSIM?
If you’re using a physical SIM: Simply move the SIM card from your old phone to your new one.
If you’re using an eSIM: You may need to reinstall or request a new eSIM profile, depending on your provider and device.
If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to confirm before deleting anything from your old phone.
4. Reinstall Important Apps
After logging in:
Install banking apps
Messaging apps
Authentication apps (like 2FA apps)
Transport or ticketing apps
Travel or navigation apps
Important tip:If you use an authentication app (like Google Authenticator), transfer those codes before resetting your old phone.
5. Adjust Privacy and Security Settings
A new phone is a good opportunity to review:
Face ID / fingerprint setup
App permissions
Location settings
Screen lock timeout
Find My Device settings
These small steps protect your personal data.
6. Test Everything Before Resetting Your Old Phone
Before wiping your old device, make sure:
Calls and SMS are working
Mobile data is active
WhatsApp or messaging apps are restored
Banking apps log in successfully
Photos and contacts are visible
Only reset your old phone after you confirm everything is working properly.
7. If You’re Travelling Soon
If you’re planning a trip and setting up a new phone:
Install your travel apps early
Download offline maps
Set up roaming or a travel eSIM in advance
Sorting this out before you leave avoids airport stress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Factory resetting too early
Deleting your eSIM without confirming transfer
Forgetting to move authentication apps
Not checking if contacts fully synced
A few extra minutes of preparation can save hours of troubleshooting later.
Final Thoughts
A new phone should feel exciting, not stressful.
Back up properly, check your mobile setup, transfer important apps carefully, and test everything before resetting your old device.
With a little preparation, switching phones can be smooth and hassle-free.


