This checklist is here to help you with setting up your new or first feature or senior’s phone (simple flip phone or bar phone). Following these steps should minimize any frustration for the user so that the phone will be easier to use and hear. As the actual menu system is very different for most phones, we can only provide you with a guideline instead of the actual step-by-step menu selections.
We typically include this customized devcie setup service when you buy a flip phone or bar phone from our store, so if this is too much for you and you’d much rather have someone else doing most of this work for you instead visit our location. When you come in, please make sure to have at least 10-30 minutes available so that we’ll have time to check every setting and make sure that the phone is customized to your personal preferences.
Move Physical SIM or Transfer eSIM(s)
Before you begin, the first thing you should do is always check to make sure your phone is compatible with the services from your selected service provider. As 3G networks all over the world has been turning down (either already shut off or being turned off very soon), it’s important to make sure that your phone will work once the shutdown is completed. To check if your phone may be supported, you will need to dial *#06# to find the IMEI number from your phone or check the settings on your phone to see if you’re able to use VoLTE or VoNR (Vo5G) for phone calls. You may ask the phone manufacturer or your service provider if you are unsure, or come in to our store for us to check for you.
For newly activated service on a new SIM card, make sure that you are pushing out the SIM card from the back side in order to avoid damaging the metal contacts that are on the front. If you physically bend or break the contacts by accidentally and damage it, you’ll need to go buy a new one so be careful!
When you’re ready to insert the SIM card to your new phone, make sure to look for the symbol on the device to make sure you are positioning the SIM card with the cut corner in the right place. If you put it in the wrong way, not only will the SIM be unreadable, but you may also cause damage to the device if you force it in or out as well.
If you’re using a phone model that uses eSIM (virtual SIM card) instead of physical SIM, IF BOTH the manufacturers of your old phone and new phone support the transfer of the existing eSIM, you may follow the instructions on the prompts shown on your device to transfer it. Otherwise, you will likely need to get an eSIM voucher (QR code) if the device didn’t automatically download a new eSIM during the setup process.
Test Mobile Data & Voice Calls (In & Out)
After the SIM is properly set up, you should always test to make sure all basic functions are working. Call somebody and ask them to call you back so that you may be able to check to see if phone calls are fully functional. If you have just ported your number from another carrier, it may take up to two hours for the old carrier to release the number, so incoming calls or text may not work until that happens.
If your plan includes data, open any app or web page to make sure you’re connected to the Internet. Regardless if you have set up a new number or ported in an old one from another carrier, mobile data should be working right away. If you’re unable to connect to the Internet, please check your phone settings to make sure cellular mobile data is turned ON and verify your APN setting has one selected when you double check to make sure it matches what your carrier requires (TELUS APN Settings / Koodo APN Settings) before you restart the phone (power OFF and then back ON) to try again.
Transfer Data / Restore Phonebook
For most basic feature phones, unless you have manually selected to save contacts to your SIM card, they will be defaulted to be saved on the device itself instead. As such, inserting the SIM card in your new device doesn’t typically give you access to all of your contacts immediately and they must be transferred separately.
Depending on your phone model, there are several ways of doing this and you should check your phone to see if any of these options have a “select all” contacts option to transfer all of them at the same time. Otherwise, for some older models, you may need to tranfer them one by one… (good luck!)
Export/Copy to SIM
For those of you who want to make it easier (in case you need to change to another replacement phone in the future), you may want to “export” or copy all of your contacts to the actual physical SIM by temporarily putting it back in to your old phone. Typically, you should be able to find the copy or export function in the menu of the “Phonebook” or “Contacts” section in your phone settings where you may select one or multiple contacts to transfer.
Once all of the contacts you want are stored on your physical SIM you may put it back in to your new phone.
There’s a limit on the number of contacts and data that can be stored on a SIM card, so this first option above is only recommended for people who only have a few and/or basic information stored in each contact.
Share via Bluetooth
To make sure your data is more intact, we’d recommend transferring your contacts using Bluetooth. Again, you should be looking for a “select all” option when you “share” or “transfer” your contacts (look for these keywords in the phone’s menu).
Some phone models may export and transfer all of your contacts using one vCard (.vcf) file, while others may transfer each contact on its own. Look at the incoming files to select/open each one that you see come through so that you can save it (or “import” it) on your new phone.
Bluetooth transfer is more complete than transferring to SIM, but depending on your phone models not all data (such as notes, addresses, weblinks, and so on) within each contact may always be transferred, so if you’ve store that type of info on your old phone, manually check for them on your new phone after the import is complete.
Photos and videos may also be transferred using the same method and that menu is usually named “Photos”, “Gallery” or “Media” depending on your phone model.
Transfer via PC/MAC Computer Software
If you are unable to find the options above or if you encounter any errors with the two options above, you may try to find software from the manufacturer’s website to see if they provide any to transfer data. This option only applies if both the old and new phone may be from the same manufacturer.
Our store has purchased hardware and software that is compatible across more brands and phone models so if you don’t luck with the solutions above, feel free to visit our location for our data transfer service.
Test / Check Volume Settings
In most cases, it’ll be safe to adjust the sound and notification settings to follow the list below and most seniors will be happy with it:
[You may always choose your own settings if you prefer]
- Turn the Ringtone to the loudest setting
- Change the Ringtone to a simple ring so it is easier to hear (and typically louder than musical ringtones)
- Turn ON “Vibrate and Ring” (at the same time) if this setting is available
- Turn up the volume settings (to the maximum) for each of the following: Notifications, Media, System sounds, keypad sounds (ON & loud) or any other sound your phone allows
- Make a phone call to *611 (automated phone system; but you don’t need to talk to anyone), so that you are able to turn up the Earpiece volume to the loudest setting, then turn ON Speakerphone so that you may increase the volume for that as well
- Look for and turn OFF any Power ON/OFF sounds, flip open/close sounds or Network Connection sounds that most people find annoying
Always make sure that the user is aware and knows how to operate the “volume UP” button, because in most cases, sound settings will eventually (most likely accidentally) be turned down or off completely…
Double Check Preferences and Settings
Similar to sound settings in the last section, you may choose your own settings here too, but below are the common settings that we typically recommend which most of our customers enjoy:
[Note: The name of the specific setting on your phone may slightly differ depending on the brand and/or model you have, but most devices have similar options]
- Turn OFF Wi-Fi (to extend battery life)
- Turn OFF Mobile Data (to prevent accidental usage and to extend battery life)
- Turn ON “Flip to Answer” (easier to answer a call on a flip phone)
- Turn ON “Close to Hangup” (easier to end a call on a flip phone)
- Enlarge the Font size in Display Settings (second largest or largest setting)
- Slightly increase the Contrast setting (if any) to make things easier to see
- Increase the screen brightness (second or third highest setting instead of the highest is reccomended to prevent damage to the screen)
- Set up any Speed Dial contacts or phone numbers for frequently dialed friends and family (color code and/or put stickers on speed dials if required to make it even easier for the user)
- Set up quick access (or shortcut) for common menu items such as “Phonebook”, “Recent Calls” or “Missed Calls” for easy access (may phones allow you to customize the navigation buttons)
- In big numbers, write the phone number on a piece of paper and tape to the back of the phone (be careful not to cover any holes for the speakerphone or camera often found at the back)
Pair Bluetooth Device(s) & Hearing Aids
To save power, turn OFF Bluetooth if you are not connecting (nor planning to connect) any Bluetooth devices.
Otherwise, you should find and follow the pairing instructions for each of your Bluetooth gadgets such as headset, speakers, hearing aids or other devices you’re currently using to be able to connect on your new phone.
If you drive, make sure your new phone is connected to your vehicle BEFORE YOU START DRIVING so that you don’t get nervous or startled if a phone call comes in!
Check Data for Completeness
Similar to specific data stores in contacts, sometimes media files may have restrictions such as file sizes or formats that prevent complete transfer to your new device.
For anything valuable or memorable that you don’t want to lose, make sure to look for them in your new phone before retiring it or giving it away to someone else. Consult the phone manufcaturer or your original point of purchase for more options if you notice anything missing. Depending on the condition and model of your phones, manual data retrieval and/or transfer service may be available at our store.
Erase Old Phone
After about a week, once you have checked your data for completeness and the new one is tested to be fully functional, you may now prepare the old device for its next life (hand-me-down or recycle at our store).
Once you’re ready, you’ll want to perform a “Factory Reset” to erase all content and settings from your device. You may typically find this option under General or Device Management in your settings.
A Second Life for Old Phones
For older or broken phones that have low trade in values (or may not have any trade in value at all), some of them may be refurbished to be put into TELUS Mobility for Good programs to help people in need. These programs may include support for other seniors or youth in need, government-assisted refugees, Indigenous women at risk, and more.
For “ancient” devices too old to reuse or too damaged to salvage, parts may be stripped down so that materials may be recycled where possible and any hazardous substances safely disposed.
Knowing that the old phones doing nothing, but sitting in your drawer at home may be put to good use (or at least responsibly recycled to protect the environment), make sure to find them and bring them in to our store!