Just buying a new Samsung smartphone does not provide the best experience. How we set it up for the first time is what determines its performance, security, and user convenience. Because many users hurriedly press 'Next' or 'Skip' on the setup screens as soon as they turn on the phone, they later end up facing unwanted apps, excessive notifications, storage issues, and losing out on some important features.
Google Account Sign In, Fingerprint and Security settings, creating a Samsung Account, choosing Google and Samsung Services, avoiding unwanted Bloatware Apps, Data Transfer, setting the Display Mode, and installing useful apps like Good Lock are the key steps that will help you use your new Samsung phone to its fullest.
In this guide, we explain step-by-step and simply the important initial settings that everyone using Samsung Galaxy Flagship and Mid-range phones for the first time should pay attention to. Through this, you can start using your new Galaxy smartphone safely, quickly, and efficiently.
1. Sign In to Google Account As soon as the phone is turned on for the first time, you will first be asked to Sign In to your Google Account. If you have already used an Android phone, backed up Contacts, Photos, Apps, Settings, etc., will be restored again.
2. Complete the Security Setup Next, you will be asked to set up Fingerprint, Pattern, PIN, or Password. For the security of your data, you must definitely set up at least one of these. It will be even more convenient if you set up both Fingerprint and Pattern.
3. Google Services Options Then, many options related to Google Services will be displayed. Generally, it will include key features such as:
- Location Services
- Backup by Google
- Find My Device
- Device Scanning
- Personalized Services
Since these are useful for most users, you can enable the required ones and proceed.
4. Create a Samsung Account If you do not have a Samsung Account, it is highly recommended to create a new one at this stage. By using a Samsung Account, you can access many services such as:
- Galaxy Store
- Samsung Cloud
- Find My Mobile
- Samsung Wallet
- SmartThings
- Galaxy Themes
5. Select Samsung Services Choose only the additional services and features provided by Samsung that you actually need. There is no need to enable unnecessary ones.
6. Select Display Mode Next, the "Choose Your Display Mode" setting will appear. You can choose your preferred option between these two:
- Light Mode
- Dark Mode
Note: You can always change this later at any time through the Settings.
7. Discover and Install Great Apps This is a very important step. On the "Discover and Install Great Apps" screen, Samsung will attempt to pre-install certain apps. At this point, you should carefully review each app and uncheck/remove all the ones you do not need.
Warning: If you skip this, unnecessary apps will be installed, which will increase storage usage and potentially lead to unwanted notifications and ads later on.
8. Avoid Bloatware In some instances, Samsung will recommend installing unnecessary apps. Make sure to:
- Skip them, or
- Unselect them before proceeding.
Doing this will keep your phone clean and running fast.
9. Wait Until the Data Transfer is Complete If you transferred data from an old Android phone or iPhone, apps, photos, and contacts will continue to transfer in the background even after you reach the Home Screen. You can monitor the progress in the Notification Bar. Please wait until the transfer is fully complete.
10. Important Note for Mid-range Phone Users On mid-range Samsung phones (like the Galaxy M47), some additional options might appear. Instead of rushing to press "Next," it is best to thoroughly read and understand each option before making a selection.
11. Remove Unnecessary Apps As soon as you reach the Home Screen, immediately Remove or Disable any:
- Unnecessary Apps
- Trial Apps
- Sponsored Apps
This will save storage space and reduce unwanted ads and notifications.
12. Install the Good Lock App Good Lock is a highly recommended app for users of Samsung Flagship and many Mid-range Galaxy phones. Through this app, you can access a wide range of advanced customization features, including:
- Lock Screen Customization
- Notification Panel modifications
- Task Changer
- Keyboard Customization
- Multistore
- Sound Assistant
- Camera Assistant
Tip: If you want to unlock the full potential of your Samsung phone, definitely install and use the Good Lock app.
Flagship vs. Budget Phones – The Difference Flagship phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra offer numerous additional premium features and deep customization options right out of the box during the initial setup. On the other hand, while mid-range or budget phones like the Galaxy M47 still come packed with plenty of features, they differ by offering fewer advanced hardware-linked features compared to flagship models.
Therefore, regardless of which Samsung phone you have, carefully reading each option during the initial setup and selecting only what you need will guarantee the best user experience.
Setting up your new Samsung smartphone the right way can make a massive difference in its performance, security, and long-term usability. By following all the steps outlined above from signing in to your Google Account to installing the Good Lock app you can ensure your Galaxy phone runs at its absolute best from day one.
If you found this Samsung Phone Beginner Setup Guide helpful, feel free to share it with your friends! For more useful guides, tips & tricks, and the latest tech news regarding Samsung flagship and mid-range Galaxy phones, keep following our website.
Setting up your new Samsung smartphone FAQs
1. What should I do first after buying a new Samsung phone? First, sign in to your Google Account and set up security features like Fingerprint lock or a PIN.
2. Is it necessary to create a Samsung Account? Yes. A Samsung Account is required to access exclusive Samsung services such as the Galaxy Store, Samsung Cloud, SmartThings, and Find My Mobile.
3. What are Bloatware Apps? Bloatware apps are unnecessary applications that come pre-installed or are recommended for installation by the manufacturer or their partners.
4. What is the Good Lock App used for? Good Lock is used to deeply enhance and customize various Samsung features, including the Lock Screen, Notification Panel, Keyboard, and Multitasking interface.
5. Can I transfer data from my old phone to a new Samsung phone? Yes. You can easily transfer contacts, photos, apps, and other data from an old Android phone or iPhone using Samsung Smart Switch.