Key Takeaways
- New devices ship with default settings that prioritise manufacturer convenience, not your privacy.
- Reviewing location, diagnostic, and ad-tracking settings before first use limits unnecessary data sharing.
- Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication should be configured from the very first login.
- App permissions should be granted selectively — many apps request access they do not genuinely need.
- Running software updates immediately after setup closes known security vulnerabilities.
Summary
18 items · 20–45 minutes
Why Device Defaults Rarely Work in Your Favour
When a new device arrives, the temptation is to power it on and start using it right away. That instinct is understandable — but the setup process is one of the most consequential moments for your long-term privacy. Manufacturers and app developers configure defaults to maximise data collection and feature engagement, not to protect your personal information.
Location sharing, diagnostic reporting, personalised advertising identifiers, and cloud backups are frequently enabled by default. Most users click through setup screens without reading them, accepting these settings in full. The result is a device that begins transmitting personal data before you have had a chance to make an informed choice.
This checklist is designed to slow that process down. It applies broadly to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices. You do not need technical expertise — just a willingness to spend an extra twenty to forty-five minutes during setup. For a device-specific walkthrough, our tablet setup guide covers the steps most people skip.
Setup Screens Move Quickly — Slow Down
Many devices guide you through setup with minimal explanation of what each option means. Tapping 'Agree' or 'Continue' on a screen that mentions data sharing or analytics is a choice with lasting consequences. If you are unsure what a setting does, decline it for now — you can almost always enable it later from within the device's settings menu.
What You Will Need Before You Begin
Gather the following before powering on your device for the first time. Having these ready reduces the chance that time pressure causes you to rush through privacy decisions.
Password manager
Generates and stores strong, unique passwords so you are not reusing credentials across services.
Two-factor authentication app
Provides a time-based one-time code for account logins, more secure than SMS-based verification.
Notepad or secure notes app
Lets you record decisions made during setup — such as which permissions were granted — for future reference.
Device manufacturer's privacy documentation
The official privacy or data policy for your specific device, available on the manufacturer's website before setup begins.
The Privacy Checklist
Work through each group in order. Items marked must are non-negotiable for basic privacy protection. Items marked should are strongly recommended for most users. Nice-to-have items offer additional control for those who want it.
Before You Power On
Account and Authentication Setup
Privacy and Data Settings
App Permissions and Software Updates
If You Are Setting Up a Device for a Child
Children's devices carry additional privacy considerations that standard setup processes do not fully address. Built-in parental controls are a starting point, but many apps and platforms collect data on younger users in ways that are not immediately obvious. Our article on children's online privacy covers the issues specific to kids' apps, games, and school platforms that parents often miss.
Once you have completed setup, your habits matter just as much as your settings. Our guide to sharing personal information online thoughtfully covers the day-to-day choices that shape your privacy over time. You may also want to revisit privacy settings on your existing accounts to ensure your new device does not inherit old vulnerabilities.