Whether you are moving on from an iPhone or moving up to a better Android model, taking the first steps when you first get the device can make a big difference later on. This article takes a look at some things you can do to get your new Android phone off to the best possible start.

Android smart phones have gained great popularity in recent years, and many people are making the switch from the Apple iPhone to the Android platform. Whether you are switching models or buying your first smart phone, these 10 tips will help you get the most from your new device.

#1 Set the Passcode

No matter what kind of device you are using, setting the passcode should be your first step. Android smartphones are easy to carry and very portable, and that makes them very useful. It also makes them vulnerable to loss and theft, which is why you need a strong password right from the start.

#2 Download an Anti-Virus App

You may not think that a phone would need anti-virus protection, but in fact these devices are pocket-sized computers. You need to download a good anti-virus app as soon as possible to protect the device from hackers and others with nefarious intent.

#3 Preserve Your Battery

The useful life of your new Android smart phone will depend on the power of its battery. A smartphone with a dead battery is nothing, more than a brick, so you will need to preserve that power as much as possible. Turning down the brightness and turning off auto-update on infrequently used apps will preserve battery life and help you get more out of your phone.

#4 Keep Track of Your Data Usage

You can skip this tip if your monthly plan includes unlimited data, but many plans do not offer that perk. Exceeding your monthly data limit could be costly, so you need to keep careful tabs on how much you use. You can download an app to automatically track data usage and alert you if you approach your limit.

#5 Make the Screen More User-Friendly

Your Android smartphone knows where it is and how you are holding it. Flipping the phone will cause it to switch from portrait to landscape mode and vice versa, but many users dislike that feature. Locking the screen can make everything from typing an email to surfing the web easier and more productive.

#6 Download a Tracking App

Smartphones are just as popular with thieves as they are with users, so you will need to take some proactive steps. You already secured the device with a password, but you need to download a tracking application as well. A tracking app will help locate your phone if it is ever stolen, making it easier for police to recover the device.

#7 Set Up Your Wallpaper

You will be spending a lot of time looking at your new Android smart phone. Make the experience a pleasant one by setting your wallpaper to a favorite image. You can choose any photo on the phone and change your wallpaper- any time you want.

#8 Capture a Screenshot

Have you ever wished you could take a picture of your smart phone screen? You can. Tapping the power and volume down buttons at the same time will save your current screen right to your photo album. Taking a screenshot of your new phone will make it easier to restore your favorite apps and shortcuts if the device is ever lost or damaged.

#9 Grab Your Favorite Apps

If you already have favorite apps you will want to download them to your new Android device. If you are unsure which apps to choose, take a look around the app store for ideas. Downloading a good tracking and security app is a good place to start, and you can branch out from there.

#10 Remove Unneeded Apps

Many new Android users end up downloading every free app they see, but that is not always a good thing. Keeping apps you rarely use can sap your power and drain your battery, so take a few minutes to get them off your Android device.

These to simple steps will get your new Android phone off to the best start possible and allow you to start using your fun new device right away. Whether you are new to the Android operating system or just moving up to a better phone, the steps you take now will pay big benefits in the future.