Just got a new Android phone? These are the first apps you need to download
Getting started with new technology can be quite a task, especially if you’re starting from scratch or switching from another operating system like Apple’s iOS.
While the best Android phones usually take you through the setup process fairly quickly, days later you may still find yourself searching for and downloading essential new apps.
More often than not, they come with the most useful Google apps already installed, such as Gmail, Google Drive and Google Maps, so you don’t have to worry about getting them. But what other apps will you need to make the most of your new phone?
You’ve come to the right place to find out. These are 10 of the first apps you should download from the Google Play Store when you set up your Android smartphone — all of them are free, though some may require you to buy a subscription to unlock more features.
(Image credit: Meta)
Although there’s already a messaging app on Android phones, you’ll most likely still need to use Whatsapp because it’s the messenger of choice for the majority of people – young and old, far and wide – so much so that the app has more than 2 billion users in more than 180 countries.
You can use Whatsapp to send free messages over an Internet connection to individuals or groups of friends, and it also has a calling feature.
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Spotify
You will need to download any music streaming service you use. Spotify is the most popular with one of the largest libraries in the world consisting of more than 80 million songs and 4.5 million podcasts.
The app lets you listen to your all-time favorites as well as discover new tunes, and you can create your own playlists to go back to later too. Other music streaming options out there include Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer.
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Amazon Shopping is a guilty pleasure, which is why it’s one of the top apps in the Google Play Store.
We’d all like to think we don’t use it as much as we do, but being able to buy everything from batteries to bunk beds and have it delivered to your front door the next day is one of the joys of modern world. It is a must have on your smartphone.
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Uber
Gone are the days of pre-booking cabs. You can get a ride with Uber almost instantly. The app will show you exactly how long you will have to wait for your taxi to arrive, you will be able to see your ETA and it will even allow you to split the cost with other Uber users.
If you travel a lot, this will be especially handy as you can use it in major cities around the world, and in some places you’ll also be able to use it in more remote areas.
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Amazon Alexa
If you already own an Amazon Alexa kit or plan to buy one like one of the best smart speakers, then you will definitely need to download the Amazon Alexa app. There you will be able to control your smart home by device or by room and manage all their settings.
With this app downloaded, you’ll be able to ask the Alexa voice assistant questions, and to add to that, it gives you handy suggestions on how to best use it.
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Shazam
Okay so it might not be an essential app for everyone, but music lovers will find Shazam very useful. Have you ever been at a friend’s house or out in a store and heard a song that really got you in the mood, but you didn’t know what it was?
When you activate Shazam, it will tell you what that track is and where you can listen to it. Some phones even let you put a handy widget on your home screen to get to it faster.
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Netflix
Why not stream a new TV show or movie to keep you entertained on long trips or on your commute? Netflix is one of the best streaming services in the world with a mix of fan favorites like Friends and its own original content like The Crown. You can stream over an internet connection or download shows to watch later without one.
Netflix is an app that every subscriber should have on their device, but there are also apps for its competitors such as Disney+ and Prime Video as well as for popular catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
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The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel is the best free weather app in the Google Play Store, so if you need to track the elements for your upcoming plans, it’s an app worth downloading to your device.
(Image credit: Meta)
Social media platforms really come into their own on your phone, it’s a great pastime and quite addictive too.
I’ve chosen Facebook here because it’s a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family, but you might prefer to look at pretty pictures on Instagram, read about the latest news on Twitter or endlessly scroll through funny videos on Browsing TikTok. Whatever floats your boat, you’ll need to download all the social media apps you plan to use when you first set up your new smartphone.
(Image credit: Duolingo)
Duolingo
Do you want to learn a new language? Get Duolingo. Currently, 43 different languages are offered. Learning is fun, personalized for you and based on comprehensive research.
Each course feels like a game as you unlock new levels, earn points and compete on a leaderboard. You only need to spend a few minutes every day to see yourself progress!
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