If you’ve just unboxed the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the best approach is to complete the built-in setup first, then move on to privacy, calling, camera, and AI features that make the phone more useful day to day.
Samsung’s official setup flow focuses on turning the phone on, connecting to Wi‑Fi, adding a Samsung Account, and transferring your old data, while editorial guides highlight the extra settings worth changing right away. You can learn about your phone feature by downloading the user manual for Samsung S26 ultra.
Start with the basic setup
Press and hold the side button to turn on your Galaxy S26 Ultra, then follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, tap Start, connect to Wi‑Fi, and continue the setup process. During setup, Samsung encourages you to sign in or create a Samsung Account so you can use features and services tied to the Galaxy ecosystem.
A Samsung Account gives you access to tools and services such as SmartThings and Samsung Cloud-linked experiences, and it helps you get more out of your phone after the initial setup is complete. If you want the smoothest first-day experience, finish this part before diving into extra customization.
Transfer your data with Smart Switch
If you’re moving from another Galaxy phone or an Android device, Samsung says to open Smart Switch on the new phone, tap Receive data, choose Galaxy/Android, and then connect wirelessly or with a USB cable. Samsung also notes that Smart Switch runs when devices are at least 20% charged to help ensure a safe transfer.
If you’re switching from iPhone, Smart Switch supports transfer by USB cable or through iCloud, and Samsung also says you can move WhatsApp chats and photos during the process. If you already backed up your old phone to a PC or Mac, Samsung also provides restore options through the Smart Switch desktop app.
Finish your privacy and display settings
Once the setup is done, one of the first extra features worth checking on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is Privacy Display. Android Central says this Ultra-only feature uses a special pixel behavior to make the screen harder to read from side angles, which is especially useful in public places.
To enable it, go to Settings, then Display, then Privacy Display, and turn the feature on. You can also choose conditions such as specific apps, sensitive PIN or password entry, and notification pop-ups so the feature activates only when it matters most.
If you care about privacy, this is one of the clearest ways to make the S26 Ultra feel different from a standard setup. It is also a strong subtopic to include because it is one of the standout S26 Ultra features mentioned in current editorial coverage.
Set up calling features right away
Samsung’s newer calling tools are another area you should configure early. Android Central highlights Direct Voicemail as a key feature because it lets you send calls to voicemail with more control and supports voicemail transcription directly on the device.
You can find it in the Phone app by opening the menu, going to Settings, and turning on Direct voicemail. Android Central also notes that Samsung’s Call Screening can answer unknown calls with AI, show a live transcription, and help you decide whether the call is worth taking.
To enable that, go to the Phone app, open the menu, tap Settings, and then Call screening. For many users, these calling tools are more useful on day one than deep customization because they affect every incoming call.
Improve the camera before you start shooting
The Galaxy S26 series adds easier access to a 24MP photo option through the regular camera experience, which Android Central describes as a useful middle ground between lower-resolution shooting and the highest-resolution modes. According to the article, you need the Camera Assistant app from the Galaxy Store before turning on the advanced 24MP resolution option.
After installing Camera Assistant, open the Camera app, go into the quick controls and settings area, open Camera Assistant, and enable the 24MP resolution setting. Android Central says this mode can give you sharper images than 12MP while avoiding some of the heavier processing of the full 50MP or 200MP modes.
This is an excellent section to include in your article because it moves beyond generic setup and gives readers a practical win they can use immediately. It also matches the “first things to do” style that appears repeatedly in surfaced S26 coverage.
Turn on AI and personalization features
Android Central also recommends enabling Gemini screen automation if you want Google’s assistant to carry out tasks inside supported apps with minimal manual input. The article says you can manage this inside Gemini settings under Screen automation.
Another important setting is Personal Data Intelligence, which Android Central says powers more personalized suggestions and supports features tied to Samsung’s AI experience. To review it, go to Settings, then Security and privacy, then More privacy settings, then Personal data intelligence.
The same report says you can review which apps benefit from this system, including areas such as Phone, Contacts, Reminder, Quick Share, Notifications, and Bixby. For a first-time user, enabling only the options you’re comfortable with is the best balance between convenience and privacy.
Add the Samsung apps that matter most
Samsung’s own setup page also points new users toward Samsung Members, Samsung Wallet, Samsung Health, and other Galaxy services after the main setup is finished. Samsung Members is positioned as a place for tips, offers, and community help, while Samsung Wallet and Samsung Health expand the phone’s usefulness beyond basic communication.
If your blog supports internal linking, this is also the perfect place to link to separate guides for Samsung Wallet setup, Smart Switch transfer steps, Galaxy AI features, and common S26 Ultra camera settings. Those internal links will help both readers and topical authority.
First-day checklist for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
- Turn on the phone and complete the basic setup flow with language, Wi‑Fi, and Samsung Account.
- Transfer data from Android or iPhone using Smart Switch.
- Enable Privacy Display if you want extra screen privacy in public.
- Turn on Direct Voicemail and Call Screening in the Phone app settings.
- Install Camera Assistant and enable 24MP mode if you want a better everyday camera default.
- Review Gemini screen automation and Personal Data Intelligence settings.
- Install Samsung Members, Samsung Wallet, and Samsung Health if you plan to use Samsung’s ecosystem features.
FAQ
How do I set up Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for the first time?
Start by powering on the phone, choosing your language, connecting to Wi‑Fi, signing in to your Samsung Account, and then transferring your data with Smart Switch if needed.
How do I transfer data to Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Samsung says you can transfer data with Smart Switch from Galaxy phones, other Android phones, iPhone by cable, or iCloud, and desktop backup restore is also supported.
What should I do first on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra after setup?
Current editorial guidance points to enabling Privacy Display, setting up Direct Voicemail and Call Screening, turning on useful AI personalization features, and adjusting camera settings such as 24MP mode.
















