After getting a new Android device, you’ll need to run through a few steps before you really get to use it. The main one is accessing Google’s ecosystem by signing into your Google account.
If you use Google’s services like Gmail, Google Maps, or Chrome and have sync enabled in your account, you’re already a step ahead.
Google makes it easy to sign into different devices and sync your settings, passwords, and information so you spend less time configuring and more time using the device.
The release of the second-generation Nexus 7 formally introduced Android 4.3 to the public with older Nexus devices receiving the OTA (over-the-air) update on a staggered release.
It’s very easy to start using the Android operating system, even with the small learning curve.
Start it up
After turning on the device, you should see a Google login screen. The easiest setup is to use your existing Google account.
You need to log into a Wi-Fi network to connect to your account.
Review the Google Services screen. To make backup/restoring easier, it’s recommended that you allow Google to use your account to back up apps and settings.
If you are concerned with security, enable two-step verification to add another layer to your account.
The second backup option is to “Bring apps, settings and other data that you previously backup up to your Google account”. This is great if you’ve used Android before. It’s not necessary if you want to manually download each app that you will install to the device.
Allowing Google to send your location data information is up to you, but if you use Google Maps it’s good to opt-in to get better results.
Restore from backup
After entering your Google account information, Android 4.3 will begin to sync your account to the device. Depending on how much information you have saved in your account, the restore can take some time.
Once the device has finished restoring your settings, you can name the primary user of the device.
Ready to go
After you choose the primary user, Android 4.3 will start. The default homescreen shows all of Google’s first-party Android apps like Gmail, Chrome, and Hangouts. You can easily customize apps, folders, and widgets on each of the five home screens to your preference.
If you chose to allow Google to restore settings and apps from your Google account, the device will start installing apps from the Google Play Store to your device.
From my own restore, Android 4.3 only installed apps that I installed on my first generation Nexus 7. So if you use an Android smartphone, it shouldn’t install your phone apps.
The best solution is to let the device download and install apps before you start using it because, depending on how many apps you previously installed, it could take a while.
This is my customized Android 4.3 main homescreen tailored with DashClock and Google Now widgets, and folders of my most-used apps.
If you’re new to Android and confused about which apps that might be useful, check out my Starter apps for Android list.
