This article was published in 2011 and updated in October 2026.
Just got a new Android tablet? Before you start installing apps, take a few minutes to set it up properly. When we first wrote this article in 2011, we recommended Google’s Music Beta, the Wizz Bar app and the AR browser Layar — all of which have since disappeared or been replaced by features built into Android. Here is what to do first with an Android tablet today.
1. Update and secure your tablet
Connect to Wi-Fi and install all system and security updates under Settings → System → Software update (the exact path varies by manufacturer), then update your apps in the Play Store. Set up a screen lock with a PIN, password or fingerprint, and check that Find My Device is turned on so you can locate, lock or erase the tablet if it gets lost.
2. Restore your data and set up profiles
Sign in with your Google account to restore apps, contacts, photos and settings from an old device. If the tablet is shared, create a separate user profile for each family member under Settings → System → Multiple users. For children, Google Family Link — or a kids mode from your tablet’s manufacturer — lets you set screen-time limits and approve apps.
3. Set up your music
Google’s Music Beta, which let you upload your own music library for free, later became Google Play Music and was replaced by YouTube Music in 2020. YouTube Music still lets you upload your own songs and stream them on all your devices, alongside its streaming catalogue. Spotify, Apple Music and other services are also available for Android. Download playlists over Wi-Fi to listen offline.
4. Use the taskbar and multitasking
In 2011, apps such as Wizz Bar added a customisable app tray to Android tablets. Today Android has this built in: on tablets running Android 12L or later, a taskbar at the bottom of the screen shows your favourite and recent apps. Drag an app from the taskbar to the side of the screen to use two apps side by side in split screen — handy for taking notes while watching a video. Samsung tablets add their own multitasking features, such as pop-up windows and DeX mode, which gives you a desktop-like interface.
5. Try Google Lens and augmented reality
Augmented reality has come a long way since apps like Layar and Google Goggles. Today Google Lens, built into the camera and Google app, can identify plants, animals and landmarks, translate signs and menus in real time, copy text from photos and find products online. Google Maps offers Live View for walking directions with arrows over the camera image, and many shopping apps let you place furniture in your room before you buy.
6. Add a keyboard or stylus
If you plan to use your tablet for work or study, a Bluetooth keyboard case turns it into a compact laptop replacement, and many tablets support a stylus for handwritten notes and drawing.
Enjoy your new tablet!
Eric Murphy
Nov 09. 2011
Great to know about them.. when i will buy this will follow your instructions.
successful hifu treatment
Nov 10. 2011
Amazing. The Wizz Bar works like a desktop dock. However, what really amazes me is the Augmented Reality. It’s pretty cool to have this app. It can be use professionally or you can just impress your friends with it. I do hope that this app would be available in mobile phones in the future.
Gadgets NewsLine
Nov 10. 2011
Tips are very needed one, when some one buy it, they are blank what to do, it’s very useful.
Suraj
Nov 10. 2011
I personally like the Wizz bar.
Joseph
Nov 10. 2011
Now i know what to do if i got my own tablet..great review!
junaid
Nov 12. 2011
really good article.the wizz bar seems to be really interesting.
PrIyAnGsHu
Nov 13. 2011
Great post dude ! These things must be done after buying an android device ! Actually , I will suggest every android user to install the Android market app so that they can be get updated with the latest apps and games !
admin
Nov 13. 2011
Thanks for your kind suggestion …Priyangshu !!
plaban
Nov 13. 2011
Thanks for the post. I didn’t know about the Layer app, I’m going to test it. I’m using ADW EX launcher to replace Samsung’s launcher. It will make your tablet great.
admin
Nov 13. 2011
Seeing you here after a long time … Thanks for your comment Plaban !!
fazal mayar
Nov 15. 2011
great things to know as more and more people are getting an android tablet
Android Application Development
Nov 16. 2011
Like the Music Beta…Wonderful.
Also download the Angry Birds in your tablet and start playing…you will forget the rest 🙂
mattscradle
Nov 21. 2011
The first thing that I would do with my android phone would be to upgrade it to the latest OS.
admin
Nov 21. 2011
if an upgrade is available, you must surely do it
Andy
Nov 23. 2011
I love android because of its processing speed. you have mentioned some good points here to do after buying tablet.
Thanks for the post.
admin
Nov 23. 2011
you’re welcome Andy …
aakash gupta
Nov 26. 2011
Thanks for sharing your views. it will be very useful for me as i have to buy a tablet next week
Kid Computers
Dec 09. 2011
Android has definitely positioned themselves to take on Apple in the tablet market. There are wonderful apps, and with the flood of devices available, people everywhere are going to be taking advantage of them!
Joomla Development
Dec 14. 2011
Thanks for sharing thois type of good content about android tablets… i got better idea about android tablet…. i haven’t use it before….
mitz
Dec 15. 2011
I am definitely a fan of the Android over Apple iPad as it has great features and is far cheaper. Also with Apple Suing Samsung about the Galaxy tablet, it just looks like Apple is getting worried.
Mike
Feb 19. 2012
Augmented reality is a really cool and interesting development, especially when used to build games. One has to wonder though if it really takes off will we all be constantly bumping into each other and walking into things because we are too engrossed in the augmented reality to notice hazards in actual reality!
gprs
Feb 26. 2012
A good start up guide for those who are going to buy an Android Tablet.Wiz Bar is also very amazing.
Arenasocial
Mar 21. 2012
4rth thing to do is to install some great game apps from Android market.
Adamwills
May 11. 2012
I was very pleased to find this Information.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!!
Fareiy
Jun 03. 2012
I didn’t have an android tablet. Would you buy one for me?? hahaha I’m Just kidding 😀 Thank you for sharing this interesting article to us 😀