# Acquired a New Flagship? Here’s Your Initial Action Plan to Personalize It
Kudos on your new Android flagship! Whether you’ve picked up the newest Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, or OnePlus model, unboxing a gleaming new smartphone is always thrilling. However, before exploring your favorite applications and capturing images, there are a few crucial steps to take to configure your device to your liking. Android phones are celebrated for their customization options, and with some effort, you can truly make your new device your own.
Here’s a detailed guide to kick off your journey with your new flagship.
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## 1. **Remove Unnecessary Apps**
The first task to address is bloatware — those preloaded applications from manufacturers or carriers that might never see the light of day. These apps can consume precious storage space and potentially hinder your phone’s speed. To delete them:
– Open the **Settings** application.
– Go to **Apps** or **App Management**.
– Select the unwanted apps and click on **Uninstall** or **Disable** (for apps that can’t be completely removed).
This straightforward step will clear out your device and enhance its performance.
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## 2. **Personalize Your Quick Settings**
Quick Settings, accessible by swiping down from the top of your screen, provide a convenient way to toggle features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Do Not Disturb. To customize this area:
– Swipe down twice to see the entire Quick Settings menu.
– Tap the **pencil icon** or the **Edit** option.
– Rearrange, add, or remove toggles to highlight the features you utilize most.
This customization ensures your preferred settings are just a swipe away.
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## 3. **Select Your Navigation Preference**
Android provides two primary navigation styles: gesture navigation and the traditional three-button method. Gesture navigation maximizes screen space and feels current, while others may prefer the comfort of buttons. To select your choice:
– Navigate to **Settings > Display > Navigation mode**.
– Choose **Gesture Navigation** or **Three-Button Navigation**.
Try both options to find which one resonates better with you.
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## 4. **Discover Custom Launchers**
The adaptability of Android lets you completely alter the appearance of your home screen using a custom launcher. Well-known options like **Nova Launcher** or **Microsoft Launcher** include extensive customization capabilities. To set one up:
– Download a launcher from the Google Play Store.
– Open the app and follow the setup guidelines.
– Make it your default launcher in **Settings > Apps > Default Apps**.
Alternatively, you can modify your phone’s default launcher to better reflect your style.
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## 5. **Utilize Digital Wellbeing Features**
If you’re aiming to manage your screen time, Android’s **Digital Wellbeing** tools can assist. These features allow you to:
– Set limitations on app usage.
– Implement **Focus Mode** to minimize distractions.
– Activate **Bedtime Mode** to lower your screen brightness and mute notifications.
Locate these settings under **Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls**.
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## 6. **Adjust the Always-On Display**
Numerous flagship Android smartphones include an **Always-On Display (AOD)**, which shows the time, date, and notifications on your lock screen even while the device is in sleep mode. To modify your AOD settings:
– Head to **Settings > Display > Always-On Display**.
– Customize what information is displayed, or schedule it to optimize battery use.
This feature is particularly handy for quickly viewing notifications without unlocking your device.
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## 7. **Activate Auto-Deletion for OTPs**
One-time passcodes (OTPs) can clutter your messages and often become irrelevant shortly after being received. If you’re using **Google Messages** as the default SMS app, you can turn on auto-deletion for OTPs:
– Launch **Google Messages**.
– Go to **Settings > Message Organization**.
– Toggle on **Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours**.
This will help keep your inbox tidy and organized.
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## 8. **Establish Emergency SOS and Medical Information**
Your smartphone can be a crucial tool in emergencies. Android’s **Safety & Emergency** features allow you to:
– Input medical details (e.g., allergies, blood type).
– Set up **Emergency SOS**, which enables quick alerts to emergency contacts.
You can find these options under **Settings > Safety & Emergency**. These tools are essential and could prove vital in urgent situations.
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## 9. **Update Your Device and Install Apps**
Before getting immersed in your new device, double-check that it’s equipped with the latest software:
– Navigate to **Settings > Software Update** and apply any pending updates.
– Access the **Google Play Store** and sign in with your Google account to obtain your favorite applications.
Updating your phone ensures you have the latest features, security improvements,
