How to Set Up Your New Android Phone (2023)

If you’ve just unboxed a new Android phone, you’re probably excited to play with it. There’s a little bit of setup to deal with first, but don’t worry—whether it’s a Samsung Galaxy or a Google Pixel, the process of getting started with Android is nearly the same on all devices and blessedly simple. Here’s what you want to have before you get started:

• Your old phone (not essential, but it’s a good idea to have it on hand)
• Your SIM card  (not required for eSIM activation)
• Your Wi-Fi details (home network and Wi-Fi password)
• Your Google account details (you need to have a Google account to use an Android phone)

If you do have your old phone, it’s also worth tracking down a USB-C cable so you can connect your old phone to your new one to quickly copy data.

Updated July 2023: We’ve added advice and made a few tweaks to reflect the latest in Android. 

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For a seamless transition from your old phone to the new one, start by backing up your old handset. The simplest way is to back up your data to your Google account. Menu options can differ a little from phone to phone. For example, on a Google Pixel, you go to Settings, System, and Backup, but on a Samsung Galaxy phone, you go to Settings, Accounts and backup, and Backup and restore. Whichever path you take, make sure the backup option is toggled on when you get there and tap Back up now. We have a full guide on how to back up your Android phone, if you want to know more.