Technology is relied upon more than ever. It’s the same from home life to the working world, and a business mobile isn’t just for taking calls anymore; it’s for booking meetings, taking video calls and managing your entire work life.
A proper business mobile setup ensures your device is secure, fully functional, and optimised for the demands of your day-to-day. This blog will walk you through the setup of your new business mobile and ensure that your switch to a new device is as smooth as possible.
Navigation
- Step 1: Finding the right business mobile plan for your needs
- Step 2: Unboxing and first checks
- Step 3: Transfer your contacts and data
- Step 4: Install your main work apps
- Step 5: Configure email and calendar sync
- Step 6: Secure your device
- Step 7: Optimise for productivity
- Step 8: Setup backup and storage
- Step 9: Testing before you go live
Step 1: Finding the right business mobile plan for your needs
There are many business mobiles on the market which offer a variety of different features, so ensuring you’ve got the exact mobile for your requirements is key. Depending on the provider, some offer features such as:
- Shared data for multiple handsets
- Flexible contract terms
- International roaming packages
Ensuring you’re covered whilst on the road
Check coverage maps from major providers like EE, O2, Vodafone and Three to ensure reliable service where you operate. Other providers such as BT Business and Gamma Mobile also offer strong business mobile packages so it’s worth exploring options.
If you work in rural areas or travel widely, prioritise networks with the strongest coverage in your key locations rather than just the cheapest plan.
Step 2: Unboxing and first checks
Once you’ve received your business mobile, you can then start the first checks and setup procedure.
- Unbox it carefully and check everything is included — handset, charger, SIM tool and manuals.
- Inspect for any visible damage before powering on.
- Give it a full charge before you start the setup process. This ensures your battery is working properly and you won’t get cut off halfway through downloading essential apps or transferring data.
If your provider has supplied a SIM:
- Turn off the phone.
- Open the sim tray with the provided SIM tool and insert the SIM.
- Turn back on and follow any prompts.
Some networks activate automatically; others require logging into an online portal or calling customer support. Before proceeding, it’s usually best to let the business mobile sit whilst it connects to your provider.
For eSIMs
For both Apple and Android, the steps are similar when activating an eSIM.
Apple
- Open settings and go to Mobile Data.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Either use a QR Code or enter the details manually.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate with your provider.
Android
- Open settings and navigate to Network & Internet or Connections.
- Tap on Sims or SIM Manager.
- Download eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
- Either use a QR Code or enter the activation code manually.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to activate with your provider.
Step 3: Transfer your contacts and data
For many businesses, contacts are the lifeblood of work communication which is why you’ll want to prioritise transferring them from your old phone. The typical process is through Cloud backups from your Apple ID or Google account but remember that it’s worth moving across everything from your old mobile so you’re as caught up as possible and can get moving on your day-to-day tasks. If it’s a new mobile, not to worry. Follow the standard steps which the mobile provides prompts for and start anew. Sometimes it’s nice to start fresh, even if you have an existing mobile. The choice is yours.
Step 4: Install your main work apps
Once the essentials are in place, load your device with the apps you use daily.
- Email & calendar: Outlook, Gmail, or your company’s preferred client.
- Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack.
- File storage: OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox.
- CRM systems: Salesforce, HubSpot, or industry-specific software.
Download only from official app stores to ensure you avoid security risks. Some of these are optional and, on some occasions, your workplace might already pre-install your new mobile with the apps needed to start work. For security reasons, some businesses also prefer to lock down the app download process, requiring an admin password to get anything new on your mobile so, if this is the case at your organisation, work with your IT team to get what you need.
Step 5: Configure email and calendar sync
Your email is often the first work tool you’ll need. Your communications to your customers and co-workers will be within this app. Typically, it’s easier to use the built-in email app which comes with your mobile, but sometimes you might want to download Gmail or Outlook– it’s your choice.
To get started, open the email app and follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your account and start syncing the data. Once complete, your existing emails should populate onto your device and new mail should start flowing through.
Step 6: Secure your device
Security isn’t optional for a business phone – it’s essential since that under UK data protection legislation, you have a legal duty to protect client and company data.
Must-do steps:
- Set a strong passcode or biometric lock.
- Turn on tracking tools like Find My iPhone or Find My Device.
For sensitive industries, two-factor authentication (2FA) on key apps is highly recommended.
* TIP: What to do if you lose your mobile *
If you were to lose your mobile and are unsure if you’ll get it back within a timely manner, it’s usually best to ensure its locked down so nobody can access it. As well as relying on the passcode or biometric lock, it’s recommended to let your provider know so they can deactivate your SIM so it can’t be used. Once that’s done, the suggestion would be to change passwords for software and accounts which are downloaded and logged in on that device. Tracking tools can then be used to find the device.
Step 7: Optimise for productivity
Once your essential apps are downloaded and you’re ready to start using your mobile daily, there are some optional efficiency changes which can be made to find apps quickly and increase the general speed of use for your business mobile.
- Organise your home screen so work apps are on the first page.
- Use widgets for quick access to calendars, task lists, or emails.
- Enable voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free actions.
- Setup folders to organise your apps, keeping similar apps together.
This is where your business mobile setup moves beyond the basics into making the phone genuinely work for you.
Step 8: Setup backup and storage
Cloud backups ensure that if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can be back up and running in hours, not days. The business mobile itself will usually come with the capabilities needed to carry this out itself. That way, it reduces confusion for the user. Some businesses might want to carry out their own backups and storage, but this is something to talk to your IT team about.
Step 9: Testing before you go live
Before relying on your mobile for work, there are some areas you might want to test and troubleshoot. Doing so will ensure when you’re on the road or with a client, the process is smooth and there are no unexpected hiccups. Testing these beforehand makes sure you’re ready to market your business, talk to clients and setup that next conference call smoothly and efficiently.
- Make a test call.
- Send a test email.
- Check your internet connection in the places you work most often.
- Open and edit a file from your cloud storage.
Are you looking for your next new business mobile?
We’re here to help! At Aerial Direct, we specialise in business mobiles for many different types of businesses. We help anyone from schools to large 100+ companies get the technology they need to run efficiently. Apple and Samsung are some of our most popular devices and our sales team can find the optional plan for you.
Get in touch with us today for more information.