Setting up your phone or tablet
Google Pixel, OnePlus, Sony, Huawei, Xiaomi — most Android phones set up the same way. Here’s the universal walkthrough.
First switch-on
Hold the power button until the manufacturer logo appears. Android’s setup wizard walks you through language, Wi-Fi, terms, and Google account sign-in. First boot takes a few minutes.
Plug into a charger before you start. Refurbished phones often arrive at low charge.
Moving your data from another phone
Android’s built-in Copy apps & data step moves contacts, photos, messages and most app data. Works from:
- Another Android: via cable (fastest) or Wi-Fi
- iPhone: with the official cable and Apple ID credentials
- Cloud backup: if you’d backed up to Google Drive previously
Some brands have their own transfer tools — Xiaomi Mi Mover, OnePlus Switch, Sony Xperia Transfer. These usually move slightly more than Google’s generic option, especially for brand-specific apps.
Signing into your Google account
You need a Google account to use Play Store, Maps, Gmail, and most of Android. Sign in during setup or skip and add later via Settings → Accounts → Add account → Google.
If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one during setup — it takes 2 minutes.
SIM and eSIM
Most modern phones support both a physical nano-SIM and eSIM (the latter for newer Pixels, OnePlus, Sony Xperia 1 IV+). Pop a physical SIM into the tray, or contact your network for an eSIM QR code to scan in Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
Network unlocking
Every phone we sell is fully unlocked. Any UK SIM works straight away.
If your phone asks for a network unlock code, something’s wrong — email us with your order number and we’ll fix it.
Setting up fingerprint and face unlock
Most modern Android phones have either an in-display fingerprint sensor or a rear/side-button sensor. Open Settings → Security (exact path varies by brand) and pick Fingerprint or Face Unlock to register.
For brand-specific setup tips, the advice centre has guides for popular models.
