We have a quick guide on how to set up your new Android or iPhone to ensure a two- to four-year lifetime, give or take, of happiness. (Or just one, if you're an annual upgrader.) Things always go more smoothly when you're prepared, so make sure you have your old phone (not essential, but it's smart to have it handy), SIM card, Wi-Fi details, and Apple or Google account details ready for the easiest possible setup for your new iPhone or Android.
For iPhone users, you'll want to first back up your old phone. The simplest method is to back up to iCloud. Next, you can choose Quick Start (the easy way, for tried-and-true iPhone users) or Set Up Manually (the hard way, if this is your first metaphorical Apple rodeo). Which path you choose depends on whether this is your first iPhone. After that, it's just a matter of personalizing your preferences, like adding email accounts or fine-tuning which apps refresh in the background (we have more in-depth directions on how to best personalize your shiny new iPhone in our full guide).
Same as iPhone users, Android users will want to back up their old phone's data to their Google account (menu options can differ a little from phone to phone). Doing this ensures that contacts, text messages, and other system settings will make the jump to the new device. If you're switching from an iPhone, you may want to install the Google Drive app. You can copy data between phones via Wi-Fi, or connect the two phones with a cable for the fastest and easiest method.
Read our full guides on how to set up your new iPhone or Android. And be sure to check out our other guides, like how to reset your phone before you sell it, how to backup your iPhone, and how to backup your Android phone.
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