Initial Nexus setup

[gtt1]

I have never had a smartphone before and just ordered the N4.

Are there any advantages to skipping the sign in with your Google Account?

If you do I understand it automatically brings over all contacts events and other data set up for the google account. Does this interfere with other email accounts if your main email provider is say Yahoo?

Somewhere I read that you should unlock your bootloader right away if you may in the future want to root. Is this a simple procedure that doesn't effect the phone if not rooted? Is it easy to do?

Any other suggestions for us N4 neophytes

 

[dubyasux]

Google syncs all the apps you install from the Google Play with your Google account. If you want to keep an existing Google account separate from your phone for some reason, you can create a new Google account when you setup your Nexus and your apps and any purchase you make from the Play Store will sync with this new account.

You can easily configure Gmail to use your current mail provider or, if you prefer, install the Yahoo Mail app from Google Play.

It is very easy to unlock the bootloader. The reason some recommend unlocking the bootloader before storing data on the Nexus 4 is that the process of unlocking the bootloader will erase the phone's internal storage along with all your data. This xda guide Nexus 4 Guide-Unlock Bootloader, Root, Install Custom Recoveries & Custom ROMs/Kernel - xda-developers describes the entire process of unlocking the bootloader, installing a new recovery, and rooting the Nexus 4. Just follow the directions to install the Nexus drivers and fastboot on your computer, start the Nexus bootloader by powering down the phone and pressing and holding the volume down and power buttons simultaneously, and use the command "fastboot oem unlock" to unlock the Nexus bootloader. That is all that is required.

You can return to the process at any time to install a custom recovery or root your phone without risking the loss of data.

 

[anon(847090)]

skipping the sign in with your Google Account = Throwing your smartphone in the garbage

 

[Chex313]

There are no advantages to skipping the sign in. You can indeed use it with out signing in...but you can not use the play store to get apps. Its also useful for backing up your contacts and getting to your email.

I do have a few devices I use that I don't stay signed into...just to remain anonymous. My Nexus 7 and a spare GS2. If I need to get an app I sign in then delete my account. Tho for the most part its inconvenient for using your main phone.

Good luck with your new device...I wish you the best of luck with it!!

 

[itic]

creating a google account also registers your phone and its IMEI with google. So should you have to consult google in the future all the info about the phone is in your account.

 

[booboolala2000]

Answers to third and fourth question. If you have to ask, leave it stock. Although the process is laid out, it isn't as easy as some people make it sound. And you can really mess up your phone in the process. The community here and other places are very handy and eager to help you if you mess things up. I am assuming you aren't a huge techie as this is your first smartphone ever. You made a great choice by the way. Both in the phone and this website.

Posted via Android Central App and my Nexus 4 or 7

 

[gtt1]

Answers to third and fourth question. If you have to ask, leave it stock. Although the process is laid out, it isn't as easy as some people make it sound. And you can really mess up your phone in the process. The community here and other places are very handy and eager to help you if you mess things up. I am assuming you aren't a huge techie as this is your first smartphone ever. You made a great choice by the way. Both in the phone and this website.

Posted via Android Central App and my Nexus 4 or 7

Thanks

I most likely will just leave it as is but if I can read up and find unlocking bootloader is real easy I might just try that. I suspect this phone will do me fine for quite a few years as I will primarily use it for wifi and data and few phone calls. My concern is that as LTE becomes more widespread I may want to root to turn it on.

Not big cell phone users so experience is zilch on the modern smartphones but I have messed around with my old Nook Tablet so not totally afraid to read and try things out.

 

[planoman]

Thanks

I most likely will just leave it as is but if I can read up and find unlocking bootloader is real easy I might just try that. I suspect this phone will do me fine for quite a few years as I will primarily use it for wifi and data and few phone calls. My concern is that as LTE becomes more widespread I may want to root to turn it on.

Not big cell phone users so experience is zilch on the modern smartphones but I have messed around with my old Nook Tablet so not totally afraid to read and try things out.

I used wugs toolkit when I had my Nexus 4. Really simplifies everything.

 

[dsneedmd]

If you are going to root the sooner the better. There are 3 good reasons to root the N4. 1. If you use T-Mobile, you need root to have LTE. 2. To properly back up you need root. 3. If you get a smartwatch now or in the future it will only work completely if you root.