New phone? Learn how to set it up correctly

Have you bought a new phone and want to set it up in the best possible way? According to survey by Ami Digital We spend an average of two and a half hours a day online. But do we really know how to set up our phones correctly?

This step-by-step guide will help you set up security, microphone, limit notifications, uninstall unwanted apps, but also limit tracking, adjust location services, or turn off ads.

Keep in mind, however, that specific steps may vary depending on how up-to-date your device's operating system is—whether it's iOS or Android. With these simple steps, your new Apple or Android phone will work securely and, most importantly, serve you, not your data.

Security

Phone security is essential for protecting your personal and financial data, preventing identity theft, and protecting against malware. So how can you secure your phone?

Apple:

1. Open Settings and go to the section Face ID and passcode or Touch ID and passcode, depending on your device.
2. Set or change the code and turn on Face ID or Touch ID for a higher level of security.
3. Go to Privacy and Security and Activate two-factor authentication for your Apple ID account.

Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Security.
2. Select Screen lock and set a PIN, password or pattern lock.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication for your Google account in Google Account Settings under the section Security checks.

Microphone

Restricting access to the microphone on your phone is important for protecting your privacy and security. Many apps may request access to your microphone even if it's not necessary for them to function, which could lead to unauthorized recording or listening to your conversations.

Apple:

1. Open Settings and go to the section Privacy.
2. Select Microphone and a list of applications that have access to the microphone will appear.
3. Turn on or off microphone access for individual applications according to your preferences.

Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps and notifications.
2. Select App permissions and then Microphone.
3. Here you can manage permissions for individual applications and allow or deny microphone access as needed.

Notification

By limiting notifications, you can better control your time and focus on what's really important to you. It also helps save your phone's battery and reduces the strain on its performance.

Apple:

1. Open Settings and go to Notification.
2. Select the app you want to manage notifications for.
3. Turn notifications on or off, set the notification style (banner, alert, lock screen) and customize notification sounds.

Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps and notifications.
2. Select Notification and then Recent announcement.
3. For individual applications you can manage notifications, set priorities, notification styles, and sounds.

Uninstall/disable pre-installed apps you don't want

Uninstalling or disabling pre-installed apps improves your phone's performance and saves storage space, optimizing your phone for more efficient and secure use.

Apple:

1. Open Settings and go to In general.
2. Select iPhone storage and a list of applications will appear.
3. Select an applicationthat you want to delete or deactivate, and tap Delete app or Uninstall.

Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps and notifications.
2. Select Show all apps and find the app you want to uninstall or disable.
3. Tap the app and select Uninstall or Deactivate.

Limit tracking and adjust location services

Many apps can track your location and collect data about your movements, which can lead to unwanted sharing of personal information. By limiting location services, you minimize the risk of your data being misused or sold to third parties.

Apple:

1. Open Settings and go to Privacy.
2. Select Location services and set up location services for individual apps.
3. Go to Tracking and turn off the option Enable application tracking.

Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Security and location.
2. Select Position and set up location services for individual apps.
3. Go to Google Account Settings and select Data and personalization. Here you can adjust tracking settings.

Turn off advertising

Many ads track your behavior and collect data about you. By turning off ads, you protect your personal information from tracking and potential misuse.

Apple:

A. Limit ad tracking (App Tracking Transparency):

1. Open it Settings.
2. Go to Privacy and security.
3. Select Tracking.
4. Turn off the option Allow apps to request tracking (this will prevent apps from tracking your data).

B. Limit personalized ads from Apple:

1. IN Settings go to Privacy and security.
2. Go down to Ads from Apple.
3. Turn off the option Personalized ads.

Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Google.
2. Select Advertisement and turn on the option Limit ad tracking.

Try it and let us know.

Setting up a new phone can be easy and enjoyable when you know where to look and what steps to take. With these simple steps, you'll have your new Apple or Android phone ready to go with optimal security, microphone, notifications, and other important features.

For more tips and advice on how to take control of your phone, we recommend the article: How to set up your mobile and take controlIf you are interested in courses related to digital balance and skills, feel free to check out our offer courses.