Tech Tip: The Zen Approach for Setting Up Your New Cellphone

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Do you love the idea of a new cellphone but dread setting it up and the learning curve that follows? Well, so do I, but I recently upgraded to a new cellphone with all the latest bells and whistles.

Here are my top tips for a smooth upgrade with the least amount of speed bumps.

First, I am making a couple of assumptions that you are a savvy leading woman who is somewhat proficient with tech and that you are upgrading to one of the latest models of an iPhone or Droid. Plan a fair amount of time for the transition from your old phone to the new. For example, my upgrade from iPhone 7+ to iPhone XS Max took approximately 36-48 hours for content to completely transfer and be available. I use my phone for everything and it takes time to move content even with cloud storage. Schedule it for a couple of days when your schedule is less demanding and avoid upgrading the night before leaving for a business trip.

Have all your passwords ready and accessible before initiating the transfer. Any apps you use and online accounts will immediately recognize that you are using a new device and will request that you re-enter your user name and password. For security purposes you may be asked to enter a code that is sent to a second device that you regularly use and you need to have that device readily available. I learned the hard way that I needed my iPad to access the code, requiring a quick dash home and back in the middle of cellphone transfer.

Protecting your privacy and security is critical, so this may be a good time to make sure that you change your passwords on a regular basis. There are several online password managers that you can explore and some offer a free option. Make sure that you securely store your passwords and never write your password on a sticky note and leave on your desk or kitchen table.

Online tutorials are a terrific way to learn more about your new phone and smooth the transition.

A final tip is to be patient and take your time exploring the exciting new functionality that your cellphone offers and have fun with it. Take the Zen approach and all will be well! Aum …

This article is featured in The Daily Record’s Women Who Lead: A Woman’s Guide To Business. The mission of the Women Who Lead (formerly Path to Excellence) magazine is to give our readers the opportunity to meet successful women of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs and learn how they define success. Read more from Women Who Lead.