- Create a lock password or PIN so that if you ever lose your phone no-one else can use it or access your personal information. Don't use a sequence of letters or numbers such as 1234, and stay away from your date of birth. If your phone has a fingerprint scanner, it is recommended that you set this up and use it - look for the option under Settings.
- Check for updates. These are released to fix bugs or add new features. Chances are there has been an update since the phone was packaged ready for sale, so apply this immediately. Find under Settings.
- Get a backup in place so that if you have to factory reset your smartphone, you won't lose any of your contacts, pictures and messages. Go to Settings and turn on the Backup option. Your phone should then regularly back up the phone either to iCloud (Apple handsets) or your Google account (Android).
- Protect your (probably expensive) phone against damage with a screen protector to help stop the glass shattering if dropped, and a case to protect the rest of the handset.
- Turn on voice control. Voice assistants (e.g. Siri and Cortana) allow you to ask questions or give instructions but need to be switched on and given a chance to learn your voice, so do this sooner rather than later.
- Tip for parents. If buying for a child, make sure you know which mobile network the phone uses and ask for adult content filters to be turned on. This will stop children accessing websites that contain material aimed at over-18s when using mobile data. Step-by-step guides for Apple, Google and Windows handsetscan be found at goodhousekeeping.co.uk/consumer-advice
Monday, 29 May 2017
New Smartphone?
Smartphones can be expensive, and you'll want to keep your personal information secure. So here are 5 tips to keep it running smoothly and secure.
