Simple steps to quickly get your new Android phone or tablet set up and then you can start having fun

If you've got a new Android smartphone or tablet, you'll want to make sure you're using it to its full potential. If it all seems a bit confusing and complicated then don't worry - we'll explain how to do everything. Also see: Essential Android apps and best Android games for a new phone or tablet. 

Most phones and tablets will guide you step-by-step through the setup process. The experience may differ slightly, depending on what brand is your device and which version of Android it is running. They are all very similar, but here we are using Nougat, which is the most likely operating system to be found on a new phone or tablet purchased today.

How to set up a new Android phone or tablet

1. Enter your SIM, insert the battery, then attach the rear panel

2. Switch on the phone and ensure it is fully charged

3. Select a language

4. Connect to Wi-Fi

5. Enter your Google account details

6. Select your backup and payment options

7. Set up a password and/or fingerprint

8. Start downloading apps and content

Put your SIM card into your new device if it's a smartphone or a tablet with mobile data connectivity. If it has a removable battery (increasingly rare) also slot this into place and attach the rear cover.

Switch on your new Android device using the power button, which is normally located on the top or right side. Remember that it might need charging before it will switch on.

The first thing you'll need to do once the device is powered up is select a language. Select from the list which you would like to use and click Get Started.

You'll be prompted to insert your SIM if you have not already done so, though you do not need to have a SIM installed in order to set up the phone. Either insert your SIM or click Skip.

Depending on the device you're setting up, you may be asked whether you want to restore from another device (which will copy over your apps and data) or set up as new. 

The first option, to keep your apps and data, allows you to select Another Android device, your Google account, or an iPad or iPhone.

The second option offers you a fresh start, and is the route we're taking here.

Next you'll be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi, so find and select your network in the list, enter your password and click Connect.

If you already have a Google account you should enter your email address and password now. If you don't, click 'Or create a new account' and register for a free Google account. Click Next.

You'll need to agree to Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy - just click Accept to continue.

The setup process will ask whether you want to turn on or off various Google services, such as the ability to automatically back up device data (recommended), use Google's location service to help apps determine your location (your choice entirely, and you can allow location access to specific apps when required), improve location accuracy by allowing the device to scan for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth even when they're turned off (recommended, provided battery life isn't a major issue), and to help improve your Android experience by automatically sending diagnostic and device and app usage data to Google (your choice entirely). Toggle these on or off, then tap Next.

Adjust the data and time zone if necessary (if you've bought your phone outside the UK then it may be set to a different time zone by default). This is worth doing not only so you know what is the correct time, but because it can cause conflict with your wireless router. If you aren't prompted to adjust the time then you can access these options from the device's Settings menu.

If your device has a fingerprint scanner you will be prompted to set it up now. You can skip this and add one later, or click add fingerprint. Before setting a fingerprint you will be required to enter a pattern, PIN or password that can be used to override the biometric login. We chose a PIN.

You may then be asked whether you want to also enable secure startup, which requires you to enter a PIN to