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Christmas Gift Tech Setup – Getting New Devices Ready

You’ve unwrapped a new phone, tablet, laptop, or gaming console for Christmas. Brilliant. Now what?

Before you start using it, spend twenty minutes setting it up properly. The setup you do on day one protects your data, extends the device’s life, and saves you from problems later.

Here’s a quick guide for every type of device.

New Phone Setup

Transfer Your Data First

If you’re coming from an old phone, transfer your data before you do anything else:

• iPhone to iPhone: Use Quick Start – hold your new iPhone next to your old one and follow the prompts. This transfers everything including apps, photos, messages, and settings
• Android to Android: Most Android phones use Google’s data transfer during setup. Connect to WiFi and sign into your Google account
• Android to iPhone (or vice versa): Apple’s “Move to iOS” app (for switching to iPhone) or Google’s transfer tool (for switching to Android) handles the basics, but some app data won’t transfer

Protect It Immediately

Before you leave the house with your new phone:

• Screen protector – apply a tempered glass screen protector before you use it. One drop without a protector and you’ll need a screen repair on a brand new phone
• Case – a slim case with raised edges around the screen and camera. It doesn’t need to be bulky
• Enable Find My iPhone/Find My Device – if your phone gets lost or stolen, this lets you locate it, lock it remotely, and wipe your data

Set Up Cloud Backup

Turn on automatic cloud backup from day one. iCloud for iPhone, Google One for Android. If your phone breaks or gets lost, all your photos, contacts, and data are recoverable.

New Tablet or iPad Setup

The same principles apply as phones, plus:

• Get a folio case – one that covers the screen when closed. Tablets are more fragile than phones because of the larger glass area
• Set up your university account (if you’re a student) – email, OneDrive, Teams, and eduroam WiFi
• Consider a matte screen protector – reduces glare and gives a paper-like feel if you use a stylus. Great for note-taking in lectures

If you got a new iPad, check out our tablet repair page to know what to do if something goes wrong later.

New Laptop Setup

First Boot Essentials

• Run all updates – Windows Update or macOS Software Update. There will be a lot of updates on a new machine. Let them all install before you start using it for real work
• Set up cloud sync – OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Your important documents should always exist in two places
• Install antivirus – Windows Defender (built into Windows) is good enough for most people. On Mac, the built-in protections are solid but consider Malwarebytes as an extra layer
• Create a recovery drive – Windows: search for “Create a recovery drive.” Mac: Time Machine backup to an external drive. This lets you restore your laptop if something goes seriously wrong

Physical Protection

• Laptop sleeve – even if your bag has a laptop compartment, a sleeve adds extra protection against bumps and compression
• Don’t eat or drink over the keyboard – liquid spills are the number one cause of laptop damage we see. One knocked-over coffee can kill a motherboard
• Keep the vents clear – don’t use your laptop on soft surfaces (bed, sofa, carpet) that block the air vents. Use a desk or a lap tray

If you got a new laptop and your old one is slow but still working, consider an SSD upgrade for the old one and keep it as a backup.

New Gaming Console Setup

• Placement matters – put your PS5, Xbox, or Switch dock on a hard, flat surface with at least 10cm clearance on all sides for airflow. Not inside a closed TV cabinet
• Download system updates first – before you start downloading games, let the console fully update its operating system
• Set up your account properly – enable two-factor authentication on your PSN, Xbox Live, or Nintendo account. Gaming accounts are frequently targeted by hackers
• Register the warranty – keep your receipt and register the product if the manufacturer offers it

For console troubleshooting, see our gaming console repair page.

Didn’t Get What You Wanted? Make What You Have Last Longer

If Christmas didn’t bring new tech, you can still start the new year with devices that work better:

• Phone battery feeling weak? An iPhone battery replacement or Samsung battery replacement costs a fraction of a new phone and restores full-day battery life
• Laptop running slow? An SSD upgrade transforms performance for under £100
• Cracked screen you’ve been ignoring? Start the year with a clean, working screen

We’re Open Between Christmas and New Year

If your new device needs a screen protector fitted, or your old device needs fixing before the new term starts, we’re at 1 City Rd, St Andrews.

Call 01334 478866 or walk in.