Due to inactivity, your session will end in approximately 2 minutes. Extend your session by clicking OK below.

Due to inactivity, your session has expired. Please sign in again to continue.

Page contents

Top 10 things to do with your smartphone

Congratulations on your new smartphone! You now have a powerful tool to keep you constantly connected to the people, places and things that matter most.

Whether this is your first smartphone or you're an experienced smartphone user, the topics below can help you get more out of your new phone.

    1. How to transfer contacts and media

    Find the easiest way to move your prized pictures, videos, contacts and files at our Content Transfer Center.

    Select the operation system of your old phone and new phone to see recommended steps for transferring your content.

    2. Activate your phone

    Activating your new smartphone is a necessary step to get started. Here are a few things you can do to ensure the activation process is simple and seamless:

    1. Turn off your old phone prior to turning on and activating your new phone.
    2. Fully charge your new phone before starting the activation process.
    3. Determine if your new phone requires a SIM card. The SIM card may already be installed or you may need to insert it into the SIM card tray on your new phone. For instructions on installing a SIM card, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.
    4. Follow the activation instructions that came with your new phone.
    5. Use Verizon Cloud to restore contacts and media on your new phone.

    Learn more about activating your phone >

    3. Protect your privacy and phone

    Take steps to keep your phone safe and secure.

    • Prevent unauthorized use of your phone by setting up lock screen security. You can choose to require a PIN, password or pattern in order to unlock your phone. Some devices even offer fingerprint security. For instructions on how to secure your lock screen, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.
    • Set up a device recovery process at our How to find your phone or tablet page. 10 minutes of preparation could make a huge difference if your phone is ever lost or stolen.
    • Avoid a damaged phone and cracked screen by adding a case and screen protector. See which cases and protection accessories are available for your smartphone.
    • Get device protection in case your phone is lost, stolen, damaged or becomes defective. We recommend Verizon Mobile Protect, our most comprehensive protection service for your device.

    4. Connect your email accounts

    Get ready to read and send email from your new smartphone. It can sync with multiple web-based email accounts including Gmail®, Outlook®, Yahoo!® Mail and AOL® Mail. Setup can be as simple as tapping your phone's email app and entering your login information.

    Note: Setup can vary based on which phone and email client. Email apps often contain settings that let you choose how often new emails are pushed to your phone and how you'll be notified when a new email arrives.

    For instructions on email setup, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.

    5. Download apps

    What can you do with your new smartphone? With so many apps to pick from, the possibilities are endless. Increase your productivity, improve your health, track daily tasks, play games and more.

    You can search for, browse, review, buy and download apps by visiting the app store on your device:

    For further instructions on downloading apps, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.

    Need app ideas? Explore our recommended Verizon apps.

    6. Understand data usage

    Your phone uses data when you do things like browse the web, stream music, play videos and send emails on the go. Different apps and activities will use varying amounts of data.

    If you have an unlimited data plan, you don't have to worry about monitoring your data usage and keeping it within a monthly limit.

    Otherwise, you can monitor your data usage on the My Usage page, and set usage alerts in My Verizon and on your new device with the the My Verizon app.

    To help conserve your data usage:

    • Connect to Wi-Fi for data heavy activities like streaming music or video.
    • Turn on settings that alert you to switch to Wi-Fi if attempting data heavy activities.

    7. Set up HD Voice

    HD Voice provides natural-sounding audio and video calling that's as simple as making a call. You can use your 4G LTE data connection while on a phone call and make a conference call with up to six people.

    You can turn on HD Voice in your phone's Settings menu (it may be called Advanced Calling in your Settings) or from the Services & Perks page in My Verizon.

    Learn more about HD Voice in our FAQs.

    8. Pair with a Bluetooth® accessory

    Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology that lets you connect your phone to other wireless devices, such as headsets, speakers, headphones, fitness bands and even other phones.

    To pair with a Bluetooth device:

    1. In Settings, turn your phone's Bluetooth on to scan for devices.
    2. Make sure the other Bluetooth device is in Discover mode.
    3. Select the appropriate Bluetooth accessory from the list of available devices.
    4. Enter your PIN number, if requested.

    Note: Common manufacturer-set PINs are 0000 and 1234.

    Typically once a Bluetooth accessory has been paired with your phone, it can be used with the phone anytime without needing to pair them again.

    Visit your device's User Guide or Interactive Simulator to learn more about Bluetooth and pairing.

    9. Maximize battery life

    Most smartphones are powered by a rechargeable, standard Li-Ion battery. With proper care, and by adjusting a few settings on your phone, you can easily prolong your battery's life and extend time between charges.

    To maximize battery life:

    • Keep your battery cool.
    • Recharge your battery using the smart charger that came with your phone.
    • Adjust the brightness on your screen to the lowest comfortable level.
    • Turn off battery draining features when you aren't using them, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and live wallpapers.
    • Close apps when you're not using them to keep them from running in the background.

    Learn more about battery usage >

    To troubleshoot battery issues, visit your phone's Troubleshooting Assistant.

    10. Explore additional support resources and tools

    Need more help with your new smartphone? There are additional online support resources and tools.

Apple, and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.
iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the US and other countries and is used under license.
© 2023 BlackBerry. All rights reserved. BlackBerry® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of BlackBerry Limited and are registered and/or used in the US and countries around the world.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.