3 Key Things To Do Before You Upgrade To A New Phone

Getting a new phone is an exciting time! And with the latest flagship phones on the market, brand spanking new technology is waiting for you to get your hands on it.

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By Ash Turner
As CEO of CompareMyMobile.com and BankMyCell.com since 2009, Ash has been a pivotal figure in the mobile tech industry. With a background in managing Brightstar’s PhoneRecycleBank, he boasts extensive experience with global carriers and MVNOs like T-Mobile and O2, and leading manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung.

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| Updated on March 12, 2024
Fact Checked By
Joey Bobiles
Joey is adept at creating comprehensive comparison guides and product reviews for devices from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. His expertise extends to thorough evaluations of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, MVNOs, and phone plans, all while simplifying intricate technical information into easily understandable content.

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Edited By
Kim Juanillo
Kim, an editor with a rich background in digital content management and developmental psychology, brings a unique blend of analytical and creative skills to BankMyCell. With her background in Psychology, Kim is adept at understanding complex concepts and transforming them into engaging, accessible content.

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Unboxing a new phone

Before you upgrade, there are a few things you can do to make the process easy, and even make sure you get the most out of your old device! When you upgrade to a new iPhone or Samsung you are likely counting down the days till it arrives on your doorstep, and once it arrives you will want to use it straight away.

These simple steps will help you get ready for upgrading to a new phone so you can make the seamless transition from one handset to another.

Back-up Your Data

Backup your data

Your data is precious, and whether it is old photos or your favorite music, you will want to make sure it is there on your new phone! There are several ways to do this, and it all depends on what device you have. In general, you can find the Back-Up / back-up & reset option in your settings. If you have an iPhone you can either back it up over iCloud or plug it into iTunes and click on File > Devices > Backup.

There are lots of handy guides out there which will tell you exactly how to wipe your phone, but if you want to view them all in one place take a look.

Once you have successfully backed up your data, including your contacts and apps, you can breathe a sigh of relief that you can load up your new phone full of all your old settings when it arrives by syncing it to the back up. The days of transcribing thousands of numbers are over!

Get Ready To Get Rid Of Your Old Phone

BankMyCell

Once your new phone arrives, your old one is old news. Don’t hang onto it out of nostalgia, sell it! You could make hundreds of pounds for a working device, which could pay back a hefty amount of your upgrade. Plus it saves it lying around in your draw for ages gathering dust.

Lifehack: you can earn loads more money by locking-in a quote before your new device upgrade is released. If you know you will be upgrading to the latest iPhone, use a price comparison site to find which recycler is offering the best money for your old device and submit your details to lock-in the best quote.

This quote will be valid for up to 30 days (make sure you do your homework), and the recycler will send you a postbag, so when your new device arrives you’ll be ready to send it ASAP.

Most recycling companies guarantee money in the bank withing a few days after they receive your old device, so not only could you have your brand new upgrade in your hand, but your could have a wad of cash in the bank.

Prepare For a New Device

Cell phone cases

Your new device is probably going to be your pride and joy for a few weeks, so make sure you protect it properly. We are all prone to dropping our phones occasionally, so it’s important you can break its fall accordingly.

Step One: Buy Accessories

Get a step ahead and pre-buy your phone case and screen protector before it arrives. That way you can protect it as soon as its in your hands, and it will instantly look like your phone. You can find loads of cases on Amazon for as little as $3, or you can splash out on a more expensive case which will provide a more guaranteed protection for your new phone!

Screen protectors are also a must – your phone is likely so sit in your pocket or bag where it could get scratched. By putting a good quality screen protector on it, you can stop this damage. Protecting your phone is also important because it means when you come to sell it in a few years’ time, you’ll get more cash for it because it is in better condition! Future proof your tech.

Step Two: Insurance

If the worse is to happen, having insurance is a good way to save a lot of money. Especially if you travel or are out and about a lot. You can get phone insurance for as little as $8.99 a month, just make sure you know what you’re getting covered.

Common things to look for in a plan:

  • Coverage against damage
  • Coverage against loss
  • Coverage against theft
  • Coverage against out of warranty malfunctions
  • How quickly they supply replacements
  • How fast they do repairs e.g. screen repairs
  • If your carrier and device value is supported
  • If there is any excess to pay
  • Maximum claims per year/term of plan