The estimated reading time for this post is 8 minutes
Congratulations if you just got a new smartphone or tablet. You’re probably thrilled about your new device, but after the thrill wears off just a bit, you may be wondering how to get started using it. Everyone may be telling you how easy your device is to use, but you still need to know where to begin.
Take a few minutes to set up your device now and learn about it so you can start using it/playing with it quickly.
First Steps
If your device didn’t come charged, plug it into an outlet until it’s fully charged. If your device arrived partially charged, you can go ahead and set it up and take care of charging it later.
Android
If you got an Android device, your first step is to set up a Google account if you don’t already have one. You can set up your Google account from your device or your computer.
Log into your Google account from your Android device on the first screen. Logging into your Google account gives you access to Google Play, where you can get apps, books, videos, music and other content for your device. (Note that Google Play was called the Android Market until earlier this year.) Your Google account will also work on other Google services such as Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, Google +, etc.
For step-by-step instructions on setting up your Android device, check out This Is What You Should Do After Taking Your Android Phone Out Of The Box For The First Time. Android comes in many different versions, called by dessert names such as Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean or versions 2.X, 4.x, etc. The instructions given in the linked article will apply to your phone or tablet no matter what version you have, though your screen might look slightly different from the images in the article.
You can get Android apps from the Amazon Appstore as well as from Google Play.
iPhone/iPad
If you have never had an Apple ID, now is the time to set one up. You can do that from your device or from your computer at the Apple website.
Apple gives you two choices to set up your iDevice: you can sync your files to iTunes on your computer or to iCloud. I’m old school on this, I prefer to sync to iTunes on my computer as that helps me manage my many apps better, as well as my music, video and other content.
Your iPhone and iPad will walk you through the steps to set up the device. If you need more information, Apple has guides to help you: Get Started with your iPhone and Get Started with your iPad. iMore, a valuable resource for all things iPhone and iPad, has an extensive guide on setting up your devices that will tell you everything you need to know: How to setup and start using your new iPhone, iPad, or iPad mini.
Windows Phone
You will first need to set up a Microsoft account. You can set that up from your computer or from the phone. With this account, you will be able to get an Outlook email account, SkyDrive (a cloud storage service), get apps from the Windows Phone Store, get Xbox games and music, etc.
Microsoft has instructions to set up your new Windows Phone at their Get Started with Windows Phone 8 page.
Know How to Silence Your Device
Learning how to silence your device is essential and should be one of the first things you figure out about your device. Your affection for your device will quickly transform to hatred if it starts making noises at particularly embarrassing or inconvenient times. Check out How to Silence Your Phone for advice on how to make sure your phone doesn’t make noises at inopportune times. Although the article was written for phones, the instructions apply to tablets as well.
Apps
Your new device works best with apps. In fact, it’s pretty much a waste of money without apps. It’s not like having a car without gas, but it’s like having a car you can only drive to the end of your driveway and back.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on apps. Many apps are free and the basic apps are generally free as well. The Amazon Appstore has a free app of the day every day. iTunes is now giving away a free app every week and Google Play often has promotions for free apps and apps on sale.
Start with the basic apps. If you visit a site frequently on your computer, see if there is an app available for that site. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and other sites have their own free apps. You might find other apps that connect to these sites that you like better, but download the basic ones first to get you started.
If you don’t want to get distracted, avoid putting game apps on your device. But if you want your device to be a handy diversion for yourself or your kids, download some fun game apps. Check out the classics such as Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, Peggle, Plants vs. Zombies, Words with Friends, SongPop and Fruit Ninja.
Download news apps such as Zite, Pulse and Flipboard. Check to see if newspapers and magazines you’re subscribed to have apps so you can read them on the go. Often these apps are free with your paid print subscription and have interactive features that bring a new dimension to your reading. If you want new subscriptions, check out Zinio, a service for digital (and print) subscriptions.
For other content, download Netflix and Kindle apps.
Download Google Maps if you have an iDevice.
Check out my article, My 10 Favorite iPad Apps! for some ideas on apps to get you started if you have an iPad.
Join the Club
No matter which device you got, you’ve just joined a club. You instantly have something in common with others who own the same device. Compare notes, tips and tricks. Get and share advice on favorite apps, settings, etc. People enjoy sharing their favorite apps with others so you’ll never be at a loss for discussion topics when you’re around someone else with the same device.
By joining the club, though, you have also inherited an instant rivalry with those using different devices. After you’re done with smack talk over whose device is better, try to find common ground. Chances are that a favorite app may be available on more than one platform. Learn from each other as best you can.
Settings
Take a few minutes to explore the Settings of your device. Don’t worry, you won’t break your device and your settings can be undone. But part of setting up your device is customizing it the way you want to and by digging around in Settings, you may find options you didn’t know existed.
Accessories
Case
You may want to protect your device by getting a case. Some people like their device to be naked to display its beauty, others like to protect their device or have a case with added functions. Whether you want your case to be fashionable or functional, try to get one that protects both the front and back of your device.
Charging
Keeping your device charged may take on a new importance. You may want to get an extra charge cord, if you don’t have one already. The iPhone and iPad lightning connector is new so chances are you don’t have an extra one stashed away somewhere. Android and Windows devices have micro USB connectors which are fairly common. You may have some extra cords around the house already.
Make sure to get a power cord for your car so you can keep your device charged on the go. If you’re away from an electrical outlet all day, consider getting an extra battery (if you have a removable battery) or an external battery pack.
Insurance/Extended Warranty
If you’re the clumsy type or just nervous about damaging your device, you may want to consider buying an extended warranty. Carriers offer insurance plans or you can get a warranty from Apple (for iDevices) or from third party companies such as Square Trade. Be sure to research companies before you buy to make sure you have adequate protection for the best price.
Check out these articles for more information:
- Top 5 iPhone 5 Warranty Options Compared
- Top 5 New iPad Warranty and Insurance Options Compared
- Choosing the Best Phone Insurance
Higher Learning
In no time at all you will have mastered the basics of your device, but if you need extra help or want to learn more, there are lots of resources available for you to take your knowledge to a higher level. Search Wonder of Tech articles using the search box in the sidebar at the top.
The Missing Manual series of books gives clear explanations and helpful hints about devices. Download the Kindle version of the Missing Manual for your device onto your device and have it handy whenever you need guidance about using it.
Listen to podcasts about your device to discover helpful hints, app advice and breaking news about your device.
You may be able to get hands-on help by taking local classes. Getting Schooled in Tech! tells you about classes available to help you learn everything from the basics to more advanced skills with your devices.
Bottom Line
Getting a new device may seem fun, overwhelming, or a bit of both. By taking some time to learn about your device, you can make the most of it, enjoy it and make it useful. Your device may be mostly for entertainment, work, or a combination of both. Whatever you’ll be using it for, you’ll put your device to the best use by learning about it. The next time you meet someone who has the same device, you may be the teacher instead of the student!
Have you gotten a new device lately? Have you been looking for guidance to get started? Do you have any advice for new users of your favorite tech device? Let us know in the Comments section below!
*Lower gadget image by adamr of freedigitalphotos.net
Hi Carolyn
Great information shared !
Your have covered the points in such a way that there is nothing that is left untouched
My heart is with ipad but mind goes with windows tab….I’m confused. Will sort that out.
Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Sapna, I can certainly undertand your dilemma. Both are worthy tablets, but you may want to wait until the Surface Pro comes out next month to decide which one to get.
I just finished ordering the iPad mini – supposedly for my daughter, but she knows we are sharing the new toy. I plan to go back to the post you did on drawing/painting apps for iPads and download those toys.
Good advice on learning how to silence your phone – on my Android, it’s not as simple as it was on my old non-smart phone.
I’ve starting using Evernote regularly – good for when I’m waiting, but my brain is still thinking.
Hi Leora, That’s very exciting news! I’m so glad you will be getting the iPad Mini. You and your daughter will really enjoy it. The drawing apps will be fun, and you’ll find it handy to have Evernote with you wherever you go.
Yes, I am of the firm belief that you shouldn’t leave the house with your device until you know how to silence it. You never know when you will absolutely need to have your device silent.
Enjoy your iPad Mini, Leora!
Hi Carolyn,
I had Chinese students as guests and we played Yahtzee on Christmas Day. After i had add up my score, I noticed they were using their Android phones to add up theirs! The fun part was the photograph when Simon offered to show one of them, how to set the timer on her camera. All the menus were in Chinese! All the students seem to be enjoying their first Christmas in England. One comment on Facebook, was ‘we never know what will happen next!’ We ended the evening, with the English guest getting paper plates with their names written on in Chinese with a gold pen!
Happy New Year!
Hi Mike, What a memorable Christmas! That sounds as if it was a lot of fun. Our Chinese students had iPhones and it was cool for me to see the phones with the Chinese characters.
Happy New Year to you too, Mike!
Hi Carolyn
Thank you for this great guide. All I need now is a Tablet or a new smartphone 😉 I love the snow you have added to your blog. I did not notice it at first, but I guess that is what makes it work that great without stealing focus from your posts.
Hi Thomas, That would be a good first step! If and when you get a smartphone and/or tablet, you will thoroughly enjoy the experience.
For some reason, I thought you had a Windows phone already, but I must be remembering wrong.
I love this snowflake effect. I was going to disable it after Christmas, but I’m thinking I’ll keep it until New Year’s. 🙂
No Carolyn you are not remembering wrong. I do have a HTC Radar with Windows Phone 7.5, but I don’t have a tablet yet. I just ment that this guide is to get started with a new device. It is always fun to turn on a new device and learn to use it, but sometimes it can be a struggle to learn it all.
Okay, Thomas, I thought so. Sorry I misunderstood your comment. You’re right, there is a big thrill at getting a new device, but there is always a bit of hesitation when you’re trying to figure out how to actually use it! 😉
Nice, 2 thumbs up for this brilliant info. Would you like to suggest some Android (Smartphone) that are High End but Cheaper? I personally Hate Apple.
Hi Patam, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I recommend you check out the LG Spectrum 2. I recently reviewed that phone and was very impressed with its features and low price. LG Spectrum 2 – An Android Phone with Features from the Future
Hello Carolyn nice blog you have, aw gadgets ladies love it. Yes most people will always tell you have simple it is to use a device but what they don’t understand is for most this is their first ever owning a smartphone or tablet.
Our technology is advancing as we speak, so sometimes its hard for us to keep up because just when you think you’ve learned it all the cycle starts all over again.
I enjoy seeing the older generation with smartphones and tablets, because I think it’s a good thing to help keep the mind functional and also keep them busy.
Thank so much for a great post I enjoy it so much. Have a wonderful day Carolyn.
RobG
Hi RobG, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, most people today don’t yet have a smartphone. I just spoke with someone today who said he was very behind because he just got his first iPhone. But he’s not behind, he’s actually ahead of the game!
Good point, as familiar as we might be with tech, chances are that there will be an innovation that will change everything and make us learn everything all over again. Do we see this as exciting or frustrating? Our attitude may determine everything.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, RobG!
Hey Carolyn, this is a very helpful post!
The only reason that keeps me from getting myself an iphone is my carelessness but now I think after reading this I could handle a smartphone!
Thank you.
Hi Jenna, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech. Yes, it’s important to take good care of your iPhone. Buying the phone, even with a contract, is expensive, so make your purchase decision carefully.
I hope you enjoy your new iPhone, Jenna!
Hi Carolyn, Your post reminded me to look into JellyBean – I have it on my new Droid DNA but don’t know what it is yet. I’ve heard of it but don’t know what it does. It is not easy transferring all your apps and settings into a new phone. The contacts are easy now that they save them for you but the other “stuff” is not easy. It takes time. You are right, it can be overwhelming. So far I love the new phone, it’s much faster on the net.
Hi Lisa, Congratulations on your new phone! The Droid DNA has been getting great reviews. Jelly Bean is the 4.x version of Android. Here is an article explaining all about it and why it’s an improvement over previous versions: Android Jelly Bean review.
Yes, it can be overwhelming but just take it one step at a time. If you still have your old phone you can use that to guide you to your favorite apps to re-download.
Thanks for detailing all the points.I do not have an iPad so far.I am planning to buy an iPad mini but i am confused whether i should go for the cellular one or the Wifi one because the cellular one means more bucks.What do i do?or should i go for an Android tablet?What is your take on this?
Hi Keith, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! The cellular iPad Mini is more expensive not just to purchase it, but also requires a monthly fee if you want to use your cellular data connection. If you think you will be away from Wi-Fi when you’ll be using your iPad Mini, then the investment may be worthwhile. But if you’re around Wi-Fi mostly you may not need a cellular connection. The problem is that you can’t upgrade to having a cellular connection after you purchase your Mini.
Good luck in making your decision, Keith!
Hi Carolyn
I’ve had my iPhone 4S for some time now but I know there are things I don’t know how to use still!
I’d not heard of iMore so I’ll definitely check that out.
I’ve thought about taking out insurance on my phone but it seemed quite pricey at the time I upgraded. I guess if you consider the price of replacing the iPhone though it’s probably worth it.
Hi Tim, Good point, even if you’ve had your device for a while, there is still value in learning about it. With upgraded operating systems, such as iOS 6, your phone can now do things that it couldn’t do when you first got it.
Buying insurance on your phone is a personal decision, based upon your tolerance for risk. But people should know that there are options besides just the insurance that carriers offer. Many people don’t realize that the real cost of replacing a smartphone is the full value, much more than a carrier charges with a contract.
I think you’ll really enjoy iMore. The website is loaded with information which is presented in a very clear manner.
What a post Carolyn! 🙂 🙂 Truely awesome! =D>
I don’t prefer smartphones. Basically I don’t like working on such small screens.. But tablets are surely a better option! 🙂 The day I will buy a tab, this post will be the 1st one which I will read.. B-)
Hi Zanil, Yes, many people don’t like the smaller screen of a smartphone, but some smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note II, are getting nearly as big as tablets.
Happy new year, Zanil. Thanks for all of your comments and support this year! 🙂
Happy New Year to you too Carolyn! 🙂 I wish you an awesomely rocking year ahead! 😎
🙂
Great information Carolyn. I haven’t set up a smart phone in a while, but I’m getting pretty good at setting up iPads 🙂
Hi Jens, Good point. You could probably set up an iPad in your sleep! 😉
Hi Carolyn,
Mmm… As I remember I didn’t needed a guide to start with. Just turned on and started exploring 🙂 Later on for advanced configurations and flashing, I was using guides at first.
As I see mostly younger people catch up all stuff in few minutes or so now, no? 🙂 Well, anyone with prior basic knowledge. But of course there are people don’t know how to use their devices or make use of available functionalities. Even someone know how to use their mobile device may don’t know how to keep it safe after all. So I believe this gonna come in handy for ’em Carolyn 🙂 Absolutely they need a simple and easy to follow guide.
Well, Still I’m worrying about Ad-supported apps dear :-\ They drain battery faster with all tracking stuff. Anyway I turn off all Internet connections when I run such apps to save battery. Need to get some standards for apps too. Hope it will come in future.
Battery life is much more important for mobile devices. For Li-Ion Batteries, it mostly adviced to use power adapter than USB charger and tickle charging helps to maintain condition of battery to last long too. Right now I’m experiencing the benefit of ’em. I think we don’t get to know about ’em at first, right Carolyn? 🙂
A thing I don’t use the casing even after ordering the favorite from eBay is that when I had it, I’ve experienced less battery life per charge. Now I don’t use it anymore and all is fine. May be it’s because here we have no mild weather during the day mostly so device is not in a cold place. Something similar happened to you with the change of temp there, Carolyn?
I think the best tip we can give is that make use of in-built functionalities and supported apps rather than finding a new mobile device to support one app, no? 🙂
With the Christmas offers I’ve got a new smoothy racing game to play with nicer graphics 🙂 Really enjoying it these days. Hope you are enjoying new apps there too 😉
I guess this starting guide is the last one for this year 🙂 Wishing you to have a HAPPY, HEALTHY and SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR with more Wonders of Tech Carolyn 😉
Cheers…
Hi Mayura, Yes, I am 100% certain with your extensive tech knowledge that you do not need a guide to figure out your new smartphone. But it is a misconception that all young people understand tech. I have met many young people who don’t understand tech very well, but often they are embarrassed to ask for help because they think they’re the only ones who don’t “get it.” That’s why this blog is for everyone, young and old alike, who want to learn more about tech.
Yes, battery management is very important and apps can certainly drain the battery if they tax the resources of the phone or are constantly trying to access data. I had an app once that heated my iPhone so much that I had to put my phone in the refrigerator to cool it off. I was lucky that I figured out pretty quickly which app it was so I could delete it off of my phone.
I wish you all the best in 2013, Mayura and appreciate all of the wonderful support you have been to The Wonder of Tech this year! (*)
Excellent information shared! I just got a Tablet as my Christmas gift and I tried loading few apps in it. Your post was pretty helpful in guiding me towards adding more apps; some of the impressive apps which I came across were Asphalt 6: Adrenaline HD, Shadowgun, Google Currents and Minecraft. Thanks for sharing and providing such great help.
Hi Charles, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Congratulations on your new tablet. I’m so glad this information was helpful to you. Thanks for suggesting your favorite apps. Which tablet did you get? 🙂
I love android devices and specially Note II, its great …………
Hi Asiru, Welcome to the Wonder of Tech! Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note II is a great phone with lots of wonderful features. I’m glad you’re happy with your phone!
I hate the part when I need to configure a new device to my specific needs and tastes.
Seriously, I think this is the only reason I haven’t switch to a new smartphone in over 3 years now. Tried to accentually drop the damn thing in the hope it will stop function and I will be obligated to buy a new model. No such luck, keeps going after numerous accidents.
Hi Christian, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, I’m with you. I don’t like setting up a new computer. I try to put off getting a new computer as long as possible because setting it up is such a pain.
But setting up a new iPhone is extremely easy. If you sync your old iPhone to iTunes on your computer, then sync your new one, you can mirror your new iPhone with your old one.
You’re right, smartphones change so rapidly that a three year old smartphone much seem outdated. I can see why you’re hoping for an accident. 😉