A new phone can feel almost ready to use right away, but the default settings may not help you maintain privacy or personal information. Taking a few minutes to adjust the settings can make everyday use more comfortable and reduce unwanted disruptions. You do not need to change everything and do not need to turn off features just because they are turned on by default.
There are ten settings to look at during the first few days of owning a new phone, whether you’re using an iPhone or Android.
- Decide what appears on your Lock Screen
Your lock screen is a great way to be able to see messages and notifications without unlocking your phone, but the previews may share more information than you want with anyone who can see your phone.
Look at the notification settings and decide whether having message previews appear while the phone is locked is something you want. Some phones give you the option to hide sensitive messages while still showing previews of other messages or alerts. This is helpful if you get work-related messages, delivery alerts, or texts that you don’t want others to see.
Where to Look: On an iPhone, this setting can be found in Settings > Notifications > Show Previews. On Android, similar settings can be found in either Notifications or Lock screen notifications, depending on the phone and version of Android you’re using.
- Limit Which Apps Know Your Location
Some apps require your location in order to work, such as apps that give directions or require a physical location to log in, but you should also look over what other apps ask for. Review location permissions for apps you’ve installed and set them to only share your location while using the app if possible. You can also set apps to share only an approximate location if it doesn’t need your precise coordinates.
Don’t disable location permissions for apps that need them, such as maps or emergency services, or for apps that use it to protect your security or privacy, such as phone-finders.
Where to Look: On an iPhone, you can find location permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. On Android, you can find it in Settings > Location > App location permissions or the equivalent location menu.
Google has more information on how Android users can review apps’ permissions and what to do with them in its Android privacy guide.
- Enable Auto-Updates for the OS
In addition to adding new features and tweaks, operating system (OS) updates can also include security upgrades. Make sure auto-updates are enabled so your phone is always running the latest version of the OS and review how and when updates install. You may want updates to only install over Wi-Fi or while your phone is charging, and you should make sure that your phone has enough space for them to install.
Automatic updates are not a magic shield against attacks but waiting until a later date to update could leave your device vulnerable if it has known exploits that the update would have fixed.
Where to Look: On an iPhone, this setting can be found in Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. On Android, it can be found in Settings > System > Software updates or your manufacturer’s equivalent.
- Set up a Stronger Screen Lock
A strong screen lock is one of the easiest ways to protect the information on your phone. A simple passcode or pattern lock can be easily guessed by thieves who might see you type it in or look at the lock screen.
Create a passcode that isn’t something easy like your birthdate, address, or another pattern. Turn on fingerprint or facial recognition access (if available), and set a passcode or password that works with it. You can also review the auto-lock setting and set it to a shorter time if you want, but this may affect how convenient it is to use the phone.
Where to Look: Your settings should have a section for Passcode, Screen Lock, Face ID, Fingerprint, or Biometrics.
- Review Camera, Microphone, and Photo Permissions
A photo editor may need access to special photos, but a utility app might not need access to your photos, microphone, or camera at all. Review permissions for apps that use these features and revoke any that don’t need them. On a phone that supports it, you can also set apps to only have access to specific photos instead of all of your photos.
You don’t need to turn off all permissions, but you should only give apps what they need.
Where to Look: On an iPhone, you can review permissions in Settings > Privacy & Security. On Android, you can review permissions in Privacy > Permission Manager or the permissions page for a specific app.
- Disable Unwanted Notifications
A notification for every promotion, game update, notification, and reminder can quickly become annoying. Instead of disabling all notifications, decide which ones you want and which ones you don’t need or that you can ignore. You may want to keep notifications for messages and calendar alerts but disable them for promotions and app suggestions.
Many apps also give you the ability to disable certain notification categories and still get alerts for the types of notifications you want.
Where to Look: Open the Notifications menu and review them app by app. You can also review notification settings in the individual apps.
- Set Up Find-My-Device Features
If you ever lose your phone, you stand to lose the photos, messages, and apps on it, but phone-finding features can help you recover a lost or stolen phone or at least keep it from being used. Set up the service for your phone and review your options for locating it and protecting your information if it is lost.
These services can depend on account access, Wi-Fi, cellular access, and the model of a phone, but it’s good to know how to use them in advance.
Where to Look: On iOS, you can review settings in Settings > [your name] > Find My. On Android, you can find it in your Settings, possibly in a Find Hub or Find My Device menu, and your Google account settings.
- Set Battery Settings to Suit Your Needs
Battery settings aren’t just about getting a few extra minutes of use; they can also show you what’s draining your phone the most and whether to keep background refreshes enabled. Review the battery-usage section after a few days of normal use and disable background refreshes for apps that use up more than you expect unless they’re apps that you actively use. You can also review options for optimized charging or battery protection, if your phone has them. They have different options, so use the ones your phone offers instead of assuming all phones work the same way.
Where to Look: Search your settings for Battery, Battery Usage, Background App Refresh, or Adaptive Battery.
- Review Tracking and Personalized Advertising
Some apps and services track your activity in order to give personalized ads or analyze how people interact with their content. Your phone may give you the ability to limit tracking or decide whether apps can ask to track you.
On an iPhone, you can review these settings in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking. On Android, you can review advertising privacy settings and your Google account’s settings for personalized advertising. The available options can vary depending on your phone, Android version, and region.
Adjusting these settings won’t necessarily disable advertising or tracking, but it can limit what data companies collect.
- Review Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Settings
A few network-related settings can prevent unpleasant surprises when you’re somewhere other than your house. Review mobile data usage, set apps that use background data to only use Wi-Fi if you have a data plan that doesn’t give you much, and review data-roaming settings if you’re traveling. You can also make sure that your Wi-Fi network has a strong password and that it has the latest security options enabled if you’re using a home network. Avoid using untrusted networks for more sensitive activities if you have the option to use a trusted network instead.
Where to Look: On an iPhone, you can review cellular data settings in Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data. On Android, you can review them in Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs/Data Usage or a similar menu, depending on your manufacturer and carrier.
Essential Accessories for a Good Setup
Changing your settings doesn’t cost anything, but a few accessories can make it a lot easier to protect and use your new phone. Avoid buying accessories just because they’re popular and buy accessories that fit your needs and the way you charge your device specifically.
Protective Phone Case
A protective case can help reduce scratches and damage from everyday bumps. Choose one designed for your phone’s exact model.
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Tempered Glass Screen Protector
A screen protector can help guard against everyday scratches. Check the model compatibility and whether the package includes an installation kit.
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USB-C Wall Charger
A compatible charger can make daily charging more convenient. Confirm your phone’s supported charging standard and the charger’s power output before buying.
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Portable Power Bank
A power bank can be useful during commutes, travel, or long days away from an outlet. Compare capacity, charging speed, size, and device compatibility.
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A Few Minutes Can Make Your New Phone Better
You don’t need to change all ten things at once, but it’s a good idea to spend a few minutes adjusting the screen lock, permissions, notifications, updates, and phone-finding features. You can look over battery and data settings again after a few days and get a better idea of what you need. The best settings aren’t the most restrictive ones; they’re ones that protect your information, reduce unwanted interruptions, and keep apps and features you actually want working properly.
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