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How to set up an Android phone

By Jordan Palmer Contributions from Marshall Honorof published 24 October 2022 Setting up Android is super simple (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones worldwide, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. Android is one of the most versatile and intuitive mobile OS options on the market. At the same time, Android's open-ended nature means that setting up your phone isn't always the foolproof affair it can be with the iPhone. Bear in mind that every Android phone is slightly different from all the others, and manufacturers often add their own steps to the setup. The setup process on Android is pretty straightforward, but if you're wondering how to narrow down the options at your disposal, follow our step-by-step guide. And remember: You can always reset and try again.

How to set up an Android phone

1. Insert your SIM card into your new phone. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 3. Choose if you want to restore the backup data from your old phone. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 4. Sign in to your Google account. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 5. Agree to additional features if you wish. These include backup your phone to Google Drive, location, and more. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 6. Set up your login security. This is your PIN/password/pattern, fingerprint, and face unlock (if supported). (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 7. Go through additional manufacturer setup steps. This will be especially relevant to Samsung phones.

More Android help

Next, you'll want to figure out all of the things your phone can do, so make sure you check out our guides to multitude of Android hidden features. Don't know about Google Lens yet? Start with how to translate any text instantly on Android, how to identify any landmark on Android and how to identify any plant on Android. Concerned about security? Read how to change app permissions on Android. Need to share data? You'll want how to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Android. Just upgraded to Android 13? Find out how to get the Android 13 Easter egg. Gotta get that paper document turned into a PDF? Read how to scan documents on Samsung phones and tablets.Today's best pixel 7 deals (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$599 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$599 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$599 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)Show More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Jordan PalmerPhones EditorJordan is the Phones Editor for Tom's Guide, covering all things phone-related. He's written about phones for over six years and plans to continue for a long while to come. He loves nothing more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to dive into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Outside of work, you can find him poring over open-source software and his studies.With contributions fromMarshall Honorof More about smartphones iPhone 15 Ultra - everything we know so far iPhone 15 Ultra could be the toughest Apple phone everLatest OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beatSee more latest ► Topics Smartphones MOST READMOST SHARED1OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beat2House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season3The best tablets in 20224Daily Quordle #273 - answers and hints for Monday, October 245New on Netflix: New movies and shows week of October 241House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season2The best tablets in 20223Daily Quordle #273 - answers and hints for Monday, October 244New on Netflix: New movies and shows week of October 245Apple iPad (10th gen) review: Amazing and awkward