Got a shiny new handset? while it’s tempting to start playing with it immediately, there are a few things you need to do for safety's sake.
Getting a new smartphone is an exciting experience, especially if it’s been a couple of years since you last got a new one!
But while the temptation to start downloading apps and snapping pictures is huge, there are a few things you should do straightaway to make sure your personal information stays safe and the phone runs as fast and as efficiently as possible.
1. Create a lock password or PIN
If you ever lose your smartphone or it falls into the wrong hands, a password or PIN means that whoever ends up with the phone is unable to use it or access your personal information. Don’t use a sequence of letters or number, like 1234, and steer clear of using your date of birth. If your phone has a fingerprint scanner, we recommend you set this up and use it as your unlock method. You’ll find this option under Settings.
2. Check for updates
These are often released to fix bugs and flaws, as well as to launch new features. Chances are, there’s been an update since the phone was packaged ready for sale, so apply it immediately.
On an iPhone, open the Settings app and then select General, followed by Software Update – if there are any updates available, they will be displayed here. Tap Install and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you’ve got a Google Android device head to the Settings icon and scroll down to About Phone. Tap System Updates and the phone will automatically check for any that are available. Follow the instructions on screen if updates are detected.
On a Windows Phone, swipe left from the Home Screen to bring up the full list of apps, and then select Settings. Scroll down and tap Phone Update. Press Check For Updates and, if an update is detected, follow the instructions on screen to install it.
3. Get a back up in place
Do this, and if you have to factory reset your smartphone, you won’t lose any of your contacts, pictures or messages.
On an iPhone, open the Settings icon and select General, then iCloud to switch on the back ups. Your phone will automatically be backed up once a day when it’s connected to wi-fi and attached to a power cable.
Got a Google Android device? Head to Settings, then Backup & Reset to switch the back up on. This will ensure app data, wi-fi passwords and other settings are backed up. Your contacts are backed up to the Google account you used to sign into the phone, so if you ever need to access them, simply sign in to Gmail and click Contacts from the top left-hand corner. Make sure you download the free Google Photos app to back up your pictures.
To turn on back ups on a Windows Phone, head to the Settings menu and select Backup.
4. Protect your phone
With a smartphone costing hundreds of pounds, you want to do all you can to avoid damaging it. Protect it from everyday knocks and bumps by applying a screen protector, which will lessen the chance of the screen shattering if it is dropped, and a case.
5. Turn on voice control
Voice assistants such as Siri and Cortana are very handy, as they allow you to ask them questions or give them instructions, such as setting a timer. To do this they do need to be given a chance to learn your voice, so switch them on sooner rather than later!
On an iPhone, select Siri from the Settings menu to switch on the voice assistant. Google’s voice assistant should be switched on by default on Google Android devices, but if not, head to the Google app and select Settings, Voice, and then make sure OK Google detection is switched on.
To use Cortana on a Windows phone, open the Cortana app, select Menu and then Notebook. Choose Settings, and then enable Hey Cortana.
Comments
Post a Comment