Key Steps to Take Before Setting Up Your New Phone

Unboxed your refurbished phone and not sure where to start? Don’t worry – setting up a refurbished device is just as easy as setting up a brand-new one, with a few extra steps to make sure everything runs smoothly.

In this step-by-step guide on setting up a new phone, we’ll walk you through every essential task you should complete, from backing up your old device and checking the battery health to setting up your SIM or eSIM and restoring your data and settings. Whether you’ve just switched from Android to iPhone (or vice versa) or upgraded your current device, this checklist will help you with setting up a new phone.

While setting up a refurbished phone follows many of the same steps as a brand-new device, there are a few important differences worth noting, and that’s why taking a little extra care during setup can make all the difference.

Unlike a new phone, a refurbished device has had a previous life. While it’s been thoroughly tested, cleaned and restored to full working order, it’s still worth checking a few key things when you first turn it on. That includes ensuring any previous data has been wiped, confirming the phone is running the latest version of its operating system, and checking the battery health to ensure you get the best performance from day one.

Taking these steps helps protect your personal information, boosts your phone’s speed and battery life, and ensures a clean slate. It’s also the best way to get your refurbished phone running like new.

Before you power up your new (refurbished) phone, it’s a good idea to make sure everything from your old device is safely backed up. Whether switching from Android to Android, iPhone to iPhone, or jumping between the two, a proper backup ensures you won’t lose your photos, contacts, apps or settings in the process.

Use iCloud to back up your data:

·       Connect to Wi-Fi

·       Go to Settings

·       Access iCloud Backup:

               o   Tap on your name at the top to access Apple ID settings

               o   Select iCloud > iCloud Backup 

·       Enable Backup:

               o   Toggle on Back Up This Phone

               o   To initiate an immediate backup, tap Back Up Now

·       Make sure the backup finishes before moving on

Note: iCloud backups occur automatically when your iPhone is connected to power, locked and connected to Wi-Fi.

Alternatively, you can back up your iPhone using a Mac or PC with Finder or iTunes:

·       Mac (macOS 10.15 or later): use Finder to back up your iPhone

·       Mac (macOS 10.14 or earlier) or Windows PC: use iTunes to back up your iPhone

For detailed instructions, refer to Apple’s official guide.

Use Google One or your device’s built-in backup option:

·       Go to Settings

·       Navigate to Backup Settings:

                  o   Tap Google > Backup

·       Enable Backup:

                  o   Toggle on Backup by Google One

                  o   To start an immediate backup, tap Back Up Now

·       Scroll to Backup Details to confirm what data is being backed up

Note: Your backup may take up to 24 hours to complete.

Using Google Photos to back up photos and videos:

·       Open the Google Photos app

·       Tap your profile picture > Photo settings > Back up & sync

·       Toggle on Back up & sync

You can back up your Android phone by using a computer. Connect your Android device via USB and manually copy files to your computer.

For more information on backing up your Android device, visit Google’s support page.

We understand how thrilling it is to see and hold your new phone for the first time. So first and foremost, enjoy that feeling since your new device will keep you connected to the people, places and things most important to you. After that, look in the 4gadgets box for a charger and a SIM removal tool, which will help you insert the SIM card into your new device. Don’t discard the SIM removal tool as it may come in handy if you ever need to replace your SIM card again.

You can find the device's IMEI or serial number either underneath the battery or inscribed on the back. Alternatively, you can get the IMEI number by dialling *#06# and it will appear on the device's screen. An IMEI number is 15 characters long and normally starts with 01 or 35.

The SIM card can be removed and inserted into a tiny tray on iPhones and newer Android phones:

·       If you have an Apple device, the tray will be located on the right side of the device.

·       If you have an Android phone, it can be either on the back behind the battery or on top or bottom of the device

Note: your device can be powered on or off when removing or inserting a SIM card without causing any damage to the device.

Many newer devices, including iPhones (XS and newer), Google Pixels and some Samsung Galaxy models, support eSIM technology, which lets you activate a mobile plan without a physical card.

To activate an eSIM:

·       iPhone:

             o   Got to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM

             o   Scan the QR code from your provider or follow their instructions to install manually

·       Android (varies by model):

             o   Got to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs or Mobile Network

             o   Tap Add mobile plan, then scan your provider’s QR code or enter activation details

If your device was previously used, ensure any existing eSIM profiles have been removed first under the same menu.

Most of our phones are partially charged when we ship them to our customers, so charging your device will give you the power needed for software updates and data transfers. It also allows the phone’s operating system to read battery levels accurately.

One of the advantages of buying from a trusted retailer like 4gadgets is that the battery has been tested, but it’s still worth checking the battery health yourself when you first switch the phone on.

·       Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

·       Look at Maximum Capacity – a healthy battery should be above 80%

Battery health options can vary by brand:

·       Samsung: open the Samsung Members app > Get Help > Phone Diagnostics > Battery Status

·       Pixel or other stock Android devices: use third-party apps like AccuBattery or CPU-Z to view battery condition

For future charging, the best practice would be to charge it at 80% or 90%. To learn more about protecting your battery, check out our Top 10 Tips for Saving Your Battery blog post.

Make sure you are connected to a wireless network if you don’t have unlimited data. You are likely going to be downloading a lot on your first day with your refurbished phone, so it might not be a good idea to start eating into your monthly limit right away.

When you power on your refurbished phone for the first time, you will be taken through the setup procedure. This process may vary slightly from phone to phone, but it is generally the same.

To check that your device has the latest operating system (OS) updates installed:

·       On iPhone:

               o   Go to Settings > General > Software Update

               o   If an update is available, tap Download and Install

·       On Android:

               o   Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update

               o   Tap Check for update and follow prompts to install any available updates.

Updating your phone’s software ensures:

·       You get the latest security patches to protect your personal data

·       Compatibility with apps and new features

·       Improved battery life and performance optimisations

Now that your refurbished phone is updated and connected, it’s time to bring all your important information over from your old device. Restoring your data ensures you keep your contacts, photos, messages, apps and settings.

The first step towards personalising your new Apple or Android device is to log in to your account. You should not skip this if you want to synchronise your identity across devices and automatically set up your email, calendar and contacts list.

If you owned an Android device before, you will be connected to the Google Play Store, and your phone will attempt to download all your old apps.

Restoring on iPhone
When setting up your refurbished iPhone, you’ll see options to restore from:

·       iCloud backup: sign in with your Apple ID and choose the latest backup

·       Mac or PC backup: connect your phone to your computer and restore using Finder or iTunes

·       Direct transfer: if both your old and new iPhones are running iOS 12.4 or later, you can transfer data directly via Wi-Fi or cable during setup

Restoring on Android
·       During setup, select Copy your data or Restore from backup

·       Sign in to your Google account and choose the most recent backup

·       Depending on your phone and version, you can restore via:

               o   Google Drive backup (apps, contacts, settings)

               o   Nearby device transfer (direct transfer from old phone)

               o   Third-party apps provided by your manufacturer (e.g. Samsung Smart Switch)

Make sure your old and new phones are plugged in or fully charged during transfer and connect to a strong Wi-Fi network to avoid interruptions. Some apps may require you to log in again after restoring. If photos or messages don’t appear immediately, give your phone some time to sync everything.

Once your data is restored, take a moment to configure important features that keep your phone secure, personalised and running efficiently.

Security and Privacy Settings

·       Set up Face ID, a passcode, PIN or fingerprint to protect your device.

·       Review app permissions and disable access to sensitive data where unnecessary (like locations or contacts).

·       Enable Find my iPhone or Find My Device on Android to help locate your phone if it’s lost.

·       Activate automatic updates for apps and the OS to stay protected.

Personalisation

·       Arrange your home screen and widgets for easy access to your favourite apps.

·       Choose your wallpaper and theme - many phones support dark mode to reduce eye strain and save battery.

·       Explore accessibility options such as text size, colour contrast or voice control if needed.

Battery and Storage

·       Check your storage usage and clear out unnecessary files or apps.

·       Enable battery saver modes to extend usage between charges.

·       Turn off background app refresh for apps that don’t need constant updating.

Before you start using your refurbished phone daily, it’s a good idea to check that all the core functions are working properly. This helps catch any issues early and ensures your device is in great shape.

·       Make a test call and send a text message to confirm network connectivity.

·       Check the camera by taking photos and videos in different lighting conditions.

·       Test the speakers and microphone by playing audio and making a voice recording.

·       Verify Bluetooth functionality by pairing with a wireless device such as headphones or a car stereo.

·       Ensure Wi-Fi is stable by browsing websites or streaming video.

Boost your productivity, get in better shape, stay organised, play games, and more. When it comes to downloading apps, the options are unlimited. To search and explore new apps on Android devices, head over to the Google Play Store. If you’re an iPhone user, visit the Apple App Store.

To get the most out of your refurbished phone, consider installing a few essential apps that enhance security, productivity and convenience right from the start.

·       Password managers: keep your passwords safe and easily accessible with apps like LastPass, 1Password or Bitwarden. These help you generate strong passwords and autofill them securely.

·       Cloud storage: apps like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive let you back up important files and photos automatically, keeping your data safe and accessible across devices.

·       Security and maintenance: for Android users, consider installing trusted antivirus apps like Bitdefender or Avast to protect against malware. iPhone users benefit from iOS’s built-in security but can enhance privacy with apps like 1Blocker for ad blocking.

·       Productivity and utilities: apps such as Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar keep your schedule organised, while tools like Evernote or Google Keep help with notes and to-do lists.

Your new refurbished smartphone should now be ready to use. It may be worth reviewing the settings and sifting through the menus and submenus, noting where different features are located. This will save you time in the future, and you could even learn something new about your gadget.

What To Do with Your Old Phone

If you’ve upgraded to a refurbished phone, you’re already making an eco-friendly choice, but don’t stop there. Instead of letting your old device gather dust, consider these responsible choices:

·       Trade-in old phone: use the 4gadgets trade-in service to exchange your old phone.

·       Recycle old phone: many local stores and manufacturers offer phone recycling programmes that safely dispose of electronics and recover valuable materials.

·       Donate old phone: if your old phone still works, consider donating it to a charity or someone in need.

By giving your old phone a second life or disposing of it responsibly, you help reduce electronic waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We know that switching your devices might be overwhelming, but we hope this guide has made the process easier and more enjoyable for you. If you still have any questions, our friendly customer service team will be happy to assist you.