Settings
Android settings worth changing on a new phone
By Editorial Team
Published
2 min read
os android 16 tested 2026-09-09 retest 2027-03 by editorial team
Quick Fix
01
Two settings first: go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager and switch Location for most apps to "Allow only while using"; and set up Find My Device so you can locate or wipe the phone if it's lost.
02
Everything else below is a five-minute follow-up.
tested android 16 · 2026-09-09
A new Android phone ships with sensible-ish defaults, but a few changes make it more private, more secure and easier on the battery. Here are the ones worth doing.
Privacy
- Rein in permissions. Settings > Privacy > Permission manager. Go through Location, Camera and Microphone and set apps that don’t need constant access to “Allow only while using the app” — maps, ride-hailing and social apps rarely need background location.
- Delete your advertising ID. Settings > Google > Ads > Delete advertising ID. Cuts cross-app ad tracking.
- Lock-screen notifications. Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen > hide sensitive content, so messages and codes don’t show on a locked phone.
Security
- Set a strong screen lock (PIN/password) and add fingerprint or face unlock on top for convenience.
- Turn on Find My Device (Settings > Security) so you can locate, lock or erase the phone remotely.
- Check for updates right away — a new phone often sits on older firmware in the box.
Battery and performance
- Adaptive brightness on, and a shorter screen timeout (30s) — the screen is the biggest drain.
- Review battery usage after a few days (Settings > Battery) and restrict any background app that’s high on the list. See our battery guide.
- One caveat: Adaptive Battery saves power but can delay notifications from some apps — if you miss messages, whitelist those apps or ease off it.
Things people forget
- Turn on backup (Settings > Google > Backup) so a lost phone isn’t a lost life — see backing up properly.
- Set the charge/battery-protection option if your phone has one, to preserve long-term battery health.
Frequently asked questions
Should I install a third-party security app?
Generally no — Android’s built-in Play Protect plus good habits (official app store, careful with links) covers most people. See signs your phone is compromised.
Do I need to change DNS or use a VPN?
Not for most people. A VPN helps on untrusted public Wi-Fi but isn’t a day-one essential; the settings above matter more.
Will these settings differ by brand?
Menu names vary slightly between Samsung, Pixel and others, but every one has these options — search the Settings app if a path doesn’t match exactly.