12 Must-Have Apps for Your New Android Phone

A new Android phone is a blank slate — and the right apps turn it into your phone. Whether you’re setting up your first device or starting fresh, these twelve essentials cover messaging, entertainment, work, and everything in between.

Stay in touch

1. WhatsApp — Free messaging and calls over the internet, plus group chats that keep family and friends in one place.
2. Instagram — Share photos and short videos, follow the people and creators you love, and keep up with what’s trending.
3. TikTok — An endless, personalized feed of short videos. It’s entertainment, discovery, and a serious time-sink in the best way.

Entertainment on the go

4. Netflix — Your movies and series in your pocket, with downloads for watching offline on flights and commutes.
5. Spotify — Millions of songs and podcasts, smart recommendations, and playlists for every mood.
6. YouTube — From tutorials to music to long-form creators, it’s the app you’ll open more than you expect.

Get things done

7. Google Drive — Keep documents, photos, and backups in the cloud and reach them from any device.
8. Google Photos — Automatic photo backup plus a genuinely great search that finds pictures by what’s in them.
9. A password manager — Strong, unique passwords for every account, remembered so you don’t have to.

Everyday essentials

10. A fast browser — Whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, or another favorite, pick one and make it yours with bookmarks and sync.
11. Google Maps — Navigation, live traffic, transit times, and reviews for wherever you’re headed.
12. A dark-mode-friendly weather app — A quick, reliable forecast is one of those small things you’ll check every single day.

Set it up once, enjoy it daily

Install these twelve and your new phone is ready for just about anything — chatting, streaming, working, and exploring. From here, it’s all about making it yours: rearrange your home screen, pick a wallpaper, and start downloading the games and apps you actually love.