Top 10 things to do with YOUR NEW 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.
* Complete the topics listed below which you feel can best help you get started with your new smartphone.
1. Back up your contacts and media with Verizon Cloud
The first step to getting started on your new phone actually begins on your old phone. Prior to turning on and activating your new phone, back up your contacts and media on your old phone using Verizon Cloud or Backup AssistantSM Plus.
Verizon Cloud is a secure cloud storage service that you can use to wirelessly back up and sync content between multiple devices. Each line on The MORE Everything Plan can get 25 GB of storage.
Learn more about using Verizon Cloud >
If your device is not yet compatible with Verizon Cloud, you can use Backup Assistant Plus to back up your contacts and media.
Learn more about using Backup Assistant Plus >
Complete Step
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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:
- Turn off your old phone prior to turning on and activating your new phone.
- Fully charge your new phone before starting the activation process.
- 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.
- Follow the activation instructions that came with your new phone.
- Use Verizon Cloud or Backup Assistant Plus to restore contacts and media on your new phone.
Learn more about activating your phone >
Complete Step
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3. Access your email accounts
Your new smartphone can access 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 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.
Learn more about activating your phone >
Complete Step
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4. Download apps
One of the most exciting features of your new smartphone is customizing it with apps. Choose from a huge selection to fill a variety of needs, like increasing your productivity, improving your health, tracking daily tasks and playing simple and complex games.
You can search for, browse, review, purchase and download apps by visiting:
- Google Play™ Store on Android™ phones
- Apple® App Store on iOS phones
- Windows® Phone Store on Windows phones
- BlackBerry World™ on BlackBerry® phones
For further instructions on downloading apps, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.
Need app ideas? Explore our recommended apps for each operating system.
Complete Step
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5. Understand data usage
Data is what lets your phone to stream music, play videos and send emails on the go. Different apps and activities will use varying amounts of data, and it's important to monitor your data usage and keep it within your monthly limit.
Our Data Calculator can help you estimate how much data you need based on your device activity. You can track your data usage in My Verizon, and on your device with My Verizon Mobile.
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.
Learn more about monitoring data usage >
Complete Step
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6. Utilize your phone's GPS capabilities
Your phone can do everything a traditional GPS unit can and more. Using GPS and a navigation app, your new phone can show you where you are and tell you how to get to your destination, as well as help you discover things around you like restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Two popular navigation apps are VZ Navigator® and Google Maps™.
For instructions on using VZ Navigator and Google Maps, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.
Learn more about VZ Navigator >
Complete Step
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7. 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:
- Turn your phone's Bluetooth on.
- Make sure the other Bluetooth device is in discover mode.
- Select the appropriate Bluetooth accessory.
- Enter your PIN number, if requested.
Note: Common manufacturer-set PINs are 0000 and 1234.
Once a Bluetooth accessory has been paired with your phone, it can be used with the phone, without the need for re-pairing, assuming the appropriate profile exists for the required service.
Learn more about Bluetooth and pairing >
Complete Step
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8. Enable Mobile Hotspot
If your new phone has hotspot capabilities, you can create your own personal Wi-Fi network to connect and share your data with multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices. When youre on the go, connect your laptop, tablet or other devices to your phone and have Internet access. Mobile Hotspot is an included feature of The MORE Everything Plan.
For instructions on enabling Mobile Hotspot, visit your phone's Interactive Simulator.
Complete Step
Keep track of your 'Things To Do' progress by clicking the 'Complete Step' button.
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 batterys 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 including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and live wallpapers.
- Close apps when youre 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.
Complete Step
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10. Explore additional support options
Need more help with your new smartphone? There are additional support resources accessible from your phone, online and from your local Verizon store.
Mobile Resources:
- My Verizon Mobile
- My InfoZone Widget
Online Support:
- Support Home Page
- Interactive Simulators
- Troubleshooting Assistant
- Phone User Guide
- Video Gallery
- Community Forums
In-store:
- Wireless Workshops
Complete Step
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FAQs
What is Verizon 4G LTE network? ›
Verizon 4G LTE explained. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. It's a term used for the particular type of 4G that delivers a fast mobile Internet experience. You'll usually see it called 4G LTE (often found in the corner of your phone screen, where you see the classic service “bars”).
Is it true that Verizon is giving away free phones? ›Get more 5G, more entertainment and a free 5G phone, on us, with select trade-in and select 5G Unlimited plans.
Is Verizon 4G being phased out? ›Starting the day before your December 2022 bill period begins, if you are a Verizon customer using a 3G CDMA or 4G phone device that does not support HD Voice (Non-VoLTE), your line will be suspended without billing, and the device will no longer make/receive calls, send/receive text messages, or use data services.
What's the difference between 4G and 4G LTE? ›So what's the difference between 4G and LTE, and is 4G or LTE better? In short, 4G offers a much faster speed, more stability and access to a larger variety of online activities. LTE is a half-point between 3G and 4G, so its performance suffers compared to the fourth generation.
Is 4G LTE the same as 5G? ›5G vs LTE Speed: LTE offers speeds of up to 100Mbps, while 5G can deliver speeds of up to 1Gbps. 5G vs LTE Coverage: LTE has widespread coverage, but 5G is still in the early stages of deployment. LTE vs 5G Capacity: LTE can support up to 1000 devices per cell, while 5G can support up to 10,000 devices per cell.
How much does LTE cost a month with Verizon? ›LTE Home Internet costs $50/month when you use Auto Pay and paper-free billing. This includes taxes, fees and a Wi-Fi 6 enabled LTE router. Plus, you can get up to an additional 50% off with qualifying unlimited phone plans. Visit our LTE Home Internet page to learn about discounts and offers with LTE Home Internet.
What Verizon phones will stop working in 2022? ›Starting the day before your December 2022 bill period begins, if you are a Verizon customer using a 3G CDMA or 4G phone device that does not support HD Voice (Non-VoLTE), your line will be suspended without billing, and the device will no longer make/receive calls, send/receive text messages, or use data services.
Why is Verizon giving away new phones? ›Verizon plans to shut down its old 3G CDMA network by the end of 2022, which means 3G devices won't be able to make or receive calls.
How to get a free phone upgrade from Verizon? ›To find out if you're eligible for a Verizon upgrade, visit Verizon's Eligible Upgrade page, and type in your mobile phone number tied to your account. You'll then see when you're due for an upgrade according to your contract.
Will 4G phones stop working soon? ›Therefore, the thing to remember is that 4G will not be going away anytime soon, regardless of how fast the 5G network grows. The plan is for existing 4G LTE networks to be used by carriers well into 2030.
Will 4G be retired? ›
When will 4G be phased out? Shutdown of 4G networks are not expected for another decade at least. Of course, this all depends on the uptake of 5G connections and whether the technology can thrive without 4G altogether.
What will happen to 4G phones when 5G comes? ›4G devices will continue to work. Mobile providers are expected to maintain their 4G networks as they invest in 5G deployment. If your mobile device is more than a few years old, it may be a 3G device. Check with your mobile provider to see if it plans to phase out its 3G services.
How can I tell if my phone is 4G? ›On Android smartphones, go to settings > Network settings > mobile network. It should give you a dropdown menu of mobile standards such as 2G, 3G or LTE (4G). If you don't see 4G or LTE, then your smartphone doesn't support the standard.
How do I know if my phone is 4G or 5G? ›Open the Settings application on your phone, Tap on the Network and Internet, Then it will display Mobile Network and tap it to display a list of network technology under the “Preferred Network Type” option. → If it supports 5G, it will list as 2G/3G/4G/5G.
Is 4G LTE the same as cellular? ›LTE won out as the global standard technology for cellular communications. It is an open, interoperable standard used by virtually all carriers. All major smartphones use LTE today. The sneaky thing about LTE is that it actually represents the step before true 4G.
How do I turn my 4G phone into 5G? ›Google Pixel/stock Android phones
Open Settings> Network & Internet> SIMs> Preferred network type>Choose 5G.
No. You can use your 4G device. However, you need a 5G-capable device to access our 5G networks. Learn more about our 5G Ultra Wideband and 5G Nationwide networks and 5G devices.
Does 5G drain your battery? ›Because your phone is connected to multiple networks simultaneously, the battery will drain faster than one would typically expect, and the phone may get warmer than when solely on 3G or LTE.
How long will Verizon have 4G LTE? ›Starting the day before your December 2022 bill period begins, if you are a Verizon customer using a 3G CDMA or 4G phone device that does not support HD Voice (Non-VoLTE), your line will be suspended without billing, and the device will no longer make/receive calls, send/receive text messages, or use data services.
What is 4G LTE on my phone? ›LTE stands for Long Term Evolution and is sometimes referred to as 4G LTE. It's a standard for wireless data transmission that allows you to download your favorite music, websites, and video really fast—much faster than you could with the previous technology, 3G. Play video.
What is Verizon 4G LTE speed? ›
Verizon 4G LTE wireless broadband is 10 times faster than 3G — able to handle download speeds between 5 and 12 Mbps (Megabits per second) and upload speeds between 2 and 5 Mbps, with peak download speeds approaching 50 Mbps. Cable speeds vary, but 4 to 12 Mbps are common.
Will 4G service be discontinued? ›Will the rollout of 5G mean the end of 4G? No, not at all. 4G will be around for years to come as we have seen with 3G. Mobile service operators still — albeit in very few areas — offer 3G services.
What phones will work after 3G shutdown? ›That includes phones, tablets, home alarm systems, medical alert devices, cars, and other machinery. The iPhone 6 and all newer iPhones are all fine; ditto for the Galaxy S5 generation of phones and later. In general, smartphones that launched after 2014 and flip phones that launched after 2017 should continue to work.
How long before 4G phones become obsolete? ›These are January 1, 2022 for Sprint's 3G network sunset, and June 30, 2022 for the 4G LTE connections, respectively.