Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The safest way to set up a new Android phone is to complete the transfer while the setup wizard is running, install every available system and Google Play update, create a strong screen lock, secure the Google Account used for backup, and verify app, device-finding and theft-protection controls before you carry the phone outside. Menu names and feature availability vary by manufacturer, Android release, Google Play services and region, so use the closest matching label on your model.
Use this order during first setup
Work through the phone in this sequence. It prevents a common mistake: postponing a security choice until after the setup wizard has hidden the relevant option.
- Connect safely. Use a trusted Wi-Fi network or your mobile connection. Avoid entering account credentials on an unfamiliar public hotspot.
- Transfer apps and data in the wizard. Choose the offered copy or restore option and keep both phones powered until it finishes. Google recommends doing this during setup because the transfer option may not be available afterward. When restoring a backup, the destination phone should run the same Android version as, or a later version than, the source phone.
- Install updates. Check both Android system updates and Google Play system updates. If the phone reports another patch after setup, install that one too.
- Set the lock and account protections. Create a strong PIN, pattern or password, then configure biometrics, backup and two-step verification.
- Review apps and permissions. Keep Play Protect on, remove software you do not need and restrict sensitive permissions.
- Enable finding and theft controls. Verify that the phone appears in your account and learn how to locate, secure or erase it remotely.
- Finish privacy choices and retire the old phone safely. Limit optional data sharing, then remove accounts and factory-reset the old device only after checking the new one.
Install Android and Google Play updates first
Security fixes arrive through more than one channel. The Android system update covers the phone’s operating-system build and manufacturer components; the Google Play system update delivers Google system modules separately. Install both before you spend time customizing the device.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Where to look
On many phones, open Settings > System > Software update or Settings > Security and privacy > System and updates. For the Google Play system, try Settings > Security and privacy > System and updates > Google Play system update. Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola and other manufacturers use different wording and may place the controls under About phone or Software update.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
Update safely
- Use Wi-Fi and connect the charger when a large download or restart is required.
- Read the displayed Android version, security-update date and Google Play system date.
- Restart when prompted, then check again. A phone can show a second update after the first reboot.
- Turn on automatic updating if the manufacturer offers a choice; automatic installation reduces the time you remain on a known-vulnerable build.
If no update appears, the absence may reflect the manufacturer’s support schedule, carrier approval or the phone’s age rather than a setting you missed. Keep checking the update screen and install every patch the device offers.
Create a screen lock that protects the phone and its backups
The screen lock is the foundation for local data and many account-recovery operations. Google states: “To help protect your backed-up data, use a PIN, pattern, or password screen lock, instead of a swipe or Smart Lock.” A swipe-only lock and convenience modes that leave the device unlocked provide substantially less protection.
Choose the lock type
| Option | Protection | Convenience | Recovery consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long password | Strongest when unique and difficult to guess | Slowest to enter | You must remember the exact password; there is no universal bypass |
| Random PIN | Strong when it is long and not a date or repeated sequence | Fast to enter | Choose a length your phone supports and store a recovery reminder securely |
| Pattern | Better than swipe, but shoulder-surfing and screen smudges can expose it | Fast for many people | Use a non-obvious shape and avoid starting at a common corner |
| Swipe, Smart Lock or similar convenience unlock | Weakest because the phone can be opened without the full secret in some situations | Fastest | Not suitable as the primary protection for a new phone |
Open Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock, Lock screen or a similarly named menu. Select PIN, pattern or password and disable options that automatically keep the phone unlocked unless you deliberately accept that risk.
Add biometrics without losing the fallback
Fingerprint or face unlock makes daily use easier, but it does not replace the strong PIN or password. Android may require the fallback after a restart, after a period without unlocking or for particularly sensitive changes. Enroll only your own fingerprints or face data, and do not register another person’s biometric for convenience.
From the same security area, open the lock-screen notification settings. Set previews to Hide sensitive content if messages, one-time codes or work alerts could expose information while the phone is unattended. Test the result by locking the screen and sending yourself a message.
Turn on backup and confirm what account receives it
Backup is useful only if it goes to an account you control and can recover. Open Settings > Google > Backup or search Settings for Backup. Select the intended Google Account, enable backup and run Back up now for a manual verification.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
What Android backup can contain
Depending on Android version and app support, Android backup can include installed apps, some app data, contacts, messages, device settings and preferences. Not every app participates, and some services keep their own cloud data or require a separate export. Treat the backup screen as the authority for the specific phone: review the categories and the timestamp of the latest successful backup.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Verify before relying on it
- Check that the account address shown is the one you intend to use, not a temporary work, school or family account.
- Confirm that the latest-backup time changes after you select Back up now.
- Make sure you know the account password and have a second recovery method before a lost phone makes sign-in harder.
- For authenticator apps, banking apps, messaging services and encrypted notes, follow each app’s own export or cloud-transfer procedure; a normal Android backup may not restore their secrets.
Harden the Google Account used on the phone
The Google Account can unlock backups, locate the device and provide access to mail, photos and other services. Protect it separately from the phone’s lock.
Enable two-step verification
Open Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Security, then enable 2-Step Verification. Prefer a passkey, security key or authenticator approval when practical, and keep a backup method that is not stored only on the phone you might lose.
Check recovery and saved credentials
- Review the recovery phone number and email address; remove stale details.
- Generate recovery codes and store them offline in a secure place. Do not leave the only copy in the phone’s notes.
- Open Google Password Manager to replace reused passwords and review passkeys. A unique password matters most for accounts that control payment, email or other recovery channels.
- Inspect Your devices and recent security activity. Sign out sessions you no longer recognize, then change the password if anything looks unfamiliar.
Never read a verification code to an unsolicited caller or install an app because a caller claims it is needed to “secure” the account. Legitimate support does not require disabling built-in protections.
Keep Play Protect enabled
Google Play Protect scans installed apps and can perform real-time checks, including checks for previously unseen apps. Leave it enabled in Google Play Store > profile picture > Play Protect > Settings. Run a manual scan after transferring applications.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteAllowing an app from outside the Play Store can increase risk. If you must sideload, download only from the developer’s verified source, enable Install unknown apps for the single browser or file manager that needs it, install the package and immediately turn that permission back off. Do not grant accessibility, notification access or device-administrator control merely to make an app work.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Google’s security guidance warns that phone scammers often pressure people to change default security settings or grant elevated permissions. Treat an unsolicited request to disable Play Protect, turn off a warning or share your screen as a scam signal.
Audit permissions before installing your first batch of apps
Permission review is easier before dozens of apps have accumulated. Open Settings > Privacy, Security and privacy > Permission manager or search Settings for Permission manager. Start with the permissions that can reveal where you are, what you see or who you know.
Use the least access that still works
| Permission | Safer default | When broader access may be justified |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Allow only while using the app; disable precise location unless needed | Navigation, delivery tracking or emergency features that must work in the background |
| Camera and microphone | Deny until an app requests them for a feature you recognize | Video calls, scanning, recording or voice input while actively used |
| Contacts | Deny or select limited contacts where the phone supports it | Calling or messaging apps that genuinely need address-book matching |
| Photos and videos | Choose selected items or one-time access where offered | Editing, printing or uploading a collection you intentionally choose |
| SMS | Deny unless the app is your chosen messaging or verification handler | Automatic code detection or a default SMS app you trust |
| Accessibility and notification access | Keep off unless you understand the exact function | Assistive technology or a well-understood automation tool; these privileges can expose screen content |
| Install unknown apps | Off for every source by default | A one-time, deliberate installation from a verified source |
Review recent use
Permission manager can show recent access. If an app used the microphone, camera or location at an unexpected time, open its App info page, revoke the permission and uninstall it if the behavior is not necessary. Repeat the review after installing your first group of apps; new software can request access during its initial sign-in.
Make the phone findable, lockable and erasable
Device-finding features must be configured before the phone disappears. Open Settings > Google > Find My Device, or use the manufacturer’s equivalent under Security and privacy. Turn the feature on, confirm that location is enabled when required, and check that the phone appears in the Google device-finding service from another device or browser.
Learn the three remote actions
- Locate: view the phone’s last known or current position when the required connectivity and location conditions are met.
- Secure: lock the phone, display a contact message or sign out where the service allows it.
- Erase: factory-reset the device remotely. Use this when recovery is unlikely; erasing removes local data and can end your ability to continue tracking it.
Names differ across Android releases and manufacturers, so follow the label shown on your phone. Test account access now rather than discovering after theft that the device was never associated with the correct account.
Turn on theft protections when your phone offers them
Recent Android builds and supported devices may offer Identity Check or related theft-protection controls. These can require biometric authentication for sensitive changes when the phone is outside trusted places, reducing the value of a stolen unlocked device.
Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
Availability depends on Android version, Google Play services, device model and region. Look under Settings > Google > All services, Security and privacy or search Settings for theft protection. Enable every control your phone offers after reading its conditions, and keep a strong PIN or password because theft features do not replace the screen lock.
Reduce optional data sharing without breaking useful features
Privacy controls involve trade-offs rather than a single “private” switch. Review both Android settings and Google Account activity controls.
On the phone
Open Settings > Privacy or Security and privacy. Check Usage and diagnostics, advertising or ad-personalization controls, location controls and backup options. Turn off optional diagnostics if you prefer to share less telemetry; the trade-off can be less personalized troubleshooting or product improvement.
In the Google Account
Open Manage your Google Account > Data & privacy. Review Web & App Activity, Location History and ad-personalization settings. You can pause or set auto-delete periods for activity, but doing so can reduce conveniences such as faster searches, recommendations or timeline history. Choose settings based on which functions you actually use, then revisit them after installing work or travel apps that need location.
Secure the old phone before selling, recycling or trading it
Do not reset the old device until you have opened the new one and checked contacts, photos, messages, required apps and any two-factor authenticator transfer.
- Confirm the new phone has the data and accounts you need.
- Back up or export anything that did not transfer, including authenticator tokens, local files and app-specific archives.
- Remove your Google Account and any manufacturer, work or school accounts from the old phone. Sign out of messaging, payment and password-manager apps.
- Remove the SIM card and microSD card. If the SD card was encrypted or contains private files, erase it separately or keep it.
- Open Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset), or use the equivalent path supplied by the manufacturer.
- After the reset, stop at the welcome screen. Do not sign back in merely to check it.
A factory reset clears the phone’s user data and is the appropriate handoff step recommended by Google. Account removal before resetting also helps prevent activation-lock problems for the next owner.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Quick checks for common setup failures
The transfer option disappeared
That option may be available only during the setup wizard. If setup is complete, use the phone’s backup-and-restore settings, the manufacturer’s transfer utility or an app’s own export process. Do not erase the source phone until you have verified the replacement.
Backup says it is complete, but an app is empty
Android backup support varies by app and version. Sign in to the app’s own account, restore its cloud backup or import its export file. For encrypted messaging and authenticator apps, follow their documented transfer flow rather than assuming a system backup contains secrets.
Find My Device cannot locate the phone
Check that the correct Google Account is signed in, device finding is enabled, location and connectivity are available, and the phone appears in the account’s device list. If it is offline, the service may show only a recent location or wait until the phone reconnects.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAn app demands accessibility or notification access
Pause before granting it. Read the app’s stated purpose, check its developer and remove the request if the feature does not logically require screen or notification access. Revoke the permission from Permission manager if behavior changes later.
Maintain the setup after day one
- Install system and Google Play updates whenever they appear.
- Review Play Protect results and uninstall apps you no longer use.
- Recheck sensitive permissions after major app updates.
- Confirm backup timestamps and account recovery methods every few months.
- Review devices and sessions in the Google Account after travel, a repair or a lost accessory.
- Revisit data-sharing controls when Android or Google services add new options.
Completing these checks gives a new Android phone a strong baseline: a real lock protects local and backed-up data, updates close known flaws, Play Protect and permission controls limit malicious apps, and verified finding and theft features preserve options if the phone is lost.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
