Now that we have just removed the wrapping paper for the year, and that more than one Android will have emerged under the packaging that we have all received, it is time to get to work to configure them in the best possible way. After years of experience and hundreds of cell phones, I have a series of settings and processes that guarantee better use of the cell phone; from more storage to better autonomy.
These days are perfect for brand new things, for having in our hands for the first time the gifts that were so carefully sought for us. And of course, every technological device needs an initial configuration in order to get it ready for use. Furthermore, this configuration is the most important of all: depending on how well it is done, this is how the device will perform. This especially affects smartphones, I have been able to verify it; That’s why I make identical settings to all my phones, whether they are my own or for analysis.
Initial setup is more important than it seems
I am a fairly lazy person who usually puts off tasks for later with the excuse of “I’ll do it later.” But I have verified that with mobile phones this strategy ends up leading to disaster: The restrictive configuration must be done at the beginning, even if it is lazy. For this reason, I spend more than an hour on the initial settings every time I receive a new mobile phone, whatever it may be; Just as I proceed in the same way with each one that they allow me to configure.
Since I compare all phones to discover the advantages and disadvantages of each model, the initial configuration that I carry out on the smartphones, both for analysis and personal, is always the same. This guarantees a homogeneous experience and maximize optimization from the start.
I carry out a series of steps during the initial configuration to leave the mobile just in my style. In fact, this customization is so exact that I can perform identical tasks from all the ones I have at home: receive and in
Apart from unifying the experience, the configuration process allows you to restrict unnecessary consumption as much as possible to amplify the autonomy to the maximum of what the terminal allows. Always to the extent possible, we already know that each Android can be a world.
Let’s get into it: I’ll detail my step-by-step setup process below.
I restore the backup of an already optimized Android
Since Android allows you to restore an old mobile when starting the new one, always I upload a copy of one that is already optimized and that I use daily. So I have the same applications and, hopefully, some will already have the login and their data; which saves me a lot of work.
I usually have the other Android on hand so that a USB C is enough to restore it to the new phone. It is a fairly quick process to which we must then add the relevant download of the apps.
I get rid of maximum bloatware
How to disable system applications
After starting the mobile from scratch, preventing activation of Assistant by voice In order to use the least amount of battery possible (improving privacy at the same time), I go to the app settings to eliminate everything superfluous. Unceremoniously: application that I don’t want, application that goes away. Whenever possible, of course.
These are the steps:
- Go to Android settings.
- Go to “Applications”.
- List the system apps and go app by app, entering each one to delete or freeze it.
- Kill all the games and third-party apps you don’t want, the duplicate Google apps, freeze all the Meta apps (there are usually three and they are always active) and proceed in this way with all the bloatware.
- Delete the apps if you can or, if they are system apps, try to disable them.
You must proceed carefully, although the mobile phone should not allow you to delete or freeze an essential application. After eliminating the bloatware from the first boot, I ensure a better experience, more available storage and an extension of autonomy.
I organize the desks the same way
To avoid that feeling of not knowing where things are, which lasts a few weeks after the premiere, I always organize my desks the same way. I activate the application drawer (essential for me), put two folders (essential apps and games) and complete with shortcuts to what I use the most. Complete with a weather widget that also shows the time, it’s one of my pet peeves: Today Weather is my favorite weather app. Believe it or not, having your desks organized saves time and battery; If only because it costs less to find the usual.
I remove background use from all apps except messaging
To save maximum battery life on the phone from the first start, I restrict background use to all applications except the essential ones; which are WhatsApp, Telegram, messages, the phone… Those apps from which I need to receive notifications instantly. In fact, I even delete the notifications from the rest: the cell phone should disturb as little as possible.
The process is as follows:
- Access the settings and enter the applications.
- Go to “Battery usage by app.” Or a similar message, the text may vary.
- Enter each application by unchecking the “Allow background use” option.
After these meticulous steps I am left with an optimized mobile phone that is very similar to the rest of the ones I already have. It usually takes a little less than an hour; time to which we must add the restoration of the applications with their accounts, a tedious process that I try to reduce by depending as little as possible on the added services. After years of experience in the initial configuration, I can assure you that The more dedication you put into the first settings, the longer the phone will end up lasting.. Although it may seem lazy, the first configuration is really important.
