Setting Up New Nokia Phone – A Guide for Newbies

Mark Guim — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:17:50 +0000

So you just got a new Nokia phone. We’ve got the first steps and recommendations for your new shiny toy, whether it is a gift from yourself or a loved one. If you’re a Nokia veteran, send a link to this post to the newbie on your holiday list.

Check Firmware

The first thing you need to do before doing anything is check for firmware updates. The latest phones let you do the upgrades over the air, but if it’s not available, you’ll need to run Nokia Software Updater.

Methods:

Over the air – Press *#0000# at main screen then “check for updates.”
Computer – How to update your Nokia device.

Connect With Computer

I am a Mac user, so I am more familiar with using my phone with a Mac. If you’re a PC user and think I need to add more info, please comment.

PC Users – If you do not already have Nokia PC Suite, it’s time to set that up. It is a free PC software product that allows you to connect your Nokia device to a PC and access mobile content as if the device and the PC were one.

Mac users unfortunately do not have the convenience of having a “Mac Suite,” but Nokia is kind enough to give us some tools. To synchronize data between a Mac and Nokia phone, you’ll need an iSync plugin which can be downloaded at nokia.com/mac. To transfer music, photos, games, and more, you’ll need to install Nokia Multimedia transfer.

I prefer to send files between my phone and Macbook using bluetooth. After pairing and authorizing the connection once, it’s easy as right-clicking a file then “send to bluetooth device,” whenever I need to send files to the phone.

Maps

If your Nokia phone came with Nokia Maps, you’ll want to download your local map files into your phone so that it loads up faster. You need to install Nokia Map Loader. It comes in PC and Mac versions.

Install Apps

It’s time to install some applications for your phone. Read about my top 10 apps to install and make sure to read the comments for readers’ recommendations too.

Guides

The steps above are what I believe the first few things you need to get things rolling. There are always new apps to be found and cool things to do with our phones so make sure you navigate around the blog especially the Nokia blog guides and videoblog sections. Some of my favorites are:

More Tips

If you’re a long-time Nokia user already, are there more tips you think the newbies should know? Let us know!

The Nokia Blog » setup