How to Set Up a New Android Phone for the First Time: Step-by-Step Guide
A new Android phone sets itself up by asking you simple questions, one screen at a time. You answer each one and tap Next. There’s nothing to break, and you can take as long as you like. This guide explains what each step means so the technical-sounding bits don’t worry you. If you have not chosen the phone yet, see our guide to the best smartphone for seniors in Australia, and our family guide to helping a parent get online if you are helping a parent.
Samsung is the most common Android phone in Australia, so we’ll use that as the main example. Other brands, like Oppo, Motorola and Google Pixel, follow nearly the same steps with slightly different wording. Allow about half an hour, and keep your old phone nearby if you have one.
Quick answer
Turn the phone on with the side button, then follow the prompts: choose English and Australia, join your home Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google Account. If you have an old phone, choose to copy your apps and data across. Finally set a screen lock, a PIN or fingerprint. The phone guides you through each step.
Before you start
Have two things ready. Your home Wi-Fi password, usually on the sticker on your router. And your Google Account details, the email address ending in gmail.com and its password. If you’ve had an Android phone before, it’s the same account, so don’t create a new one. Your SIM also needs sorting. Many phones now use an eSIM built into the phone, which Telstra, Optus and TPG can set up for you. Our guide on Telstra, Optus and TPG for seniors compares them.
Setting up your Android phone, step by step
1. Turn it on
Press and hold the button on the side until the screen lights up, then let go. After a moment the welcome screen appears. Tap Start, or the arrow, to begin.
2. Choose your language and Wi-Fi
Pick English, then tap your home Wi-Fi network from the list and type the password. Connecting to Wi-Fi lets the phone finish setting up without using your mobile data.
3. Copy from your old phone, or set up as new
The phone asks if you want to copy apps and data. If you have an old phone, say yes. You can connect the two phones with a cable, or follow the on-screen steps to copy across wirelessly, and your contacts, photos and apps come over. If this is your first smartphone, choose to set it up as new instead.
4. Sign in with your Google Account
Your Google Account is the login that lets the phone download apps, save your photos and keep your contacts. Type the gmail.com address and password. If you don’t have one, you can create it for free here, and the phone shows you how. This account matters, so write the details down and keep them safe.
5. Set a screen lock
You’ll be asked to set a way to unlock the phone, usually a PIN of four or more numbers. Choose something you’ll remember but others wouldn’t guess, and write it down somewhere safe. You can also add a fingerprint, so a touch of your finger unlocks the phone, which is quick and easy once it’s set up.
6. Finish the last few questions
A few more screens ask about things like updates and Google services. The standard choices are fine, so you can tap Next or Accept on each. When you reach the home screen, your phone is ready to use.
Worth doing once you’re set up
- Make the text bigger and turn on Easy mode if your phone has it, to make the screen clearer.
- Add a couple of emergency contacts.
- Check your old phone has fully copied across before you put it away or trade it in.
If you’d like a tidier, easier home screen to finish with, our guide on turning on Easy mode and larger text on Android takes only a couple of minutes and makes the whole phone friendlier to use.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: Setting up a new Android phone
What is a Google Account and do I need one?
It’s the login, an email ending in gmail.com, that lets your phone download apps and save your photos and contacts. Yes, you need one. If you’ve had an Android phone before, sign in with the same account rather than making a new one.
Will my old phone’s contacts and photos come across?
Yes. During setup, choose to copy apps and data. You can connect the two phones with a cable or copy across wirelessly, and your contacts, photos and apps move over.
Do I have to set up a fingerprint?
No. A PIN is enough to keep the phone secure. A fingerprint is just a quicker way to unlock, and you can add it later in Settings if you change your mind.
Is the setup different on a Samsung compared with other phones?
Only slightly. The wording on a Samsung, Oppo, Motorola or Pixel differs a little, but the steps are the same: language, Wi-Fi, Google Account, copy your data, and set a screen lock.
Why won’t my new phone make calls?
Your SIM or eSIM may not be active yet. If the shop set it up, calls should work straight away. If not, ring Telstra, Optus or TPG and they can activate it in a few minutes.
