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TECH NOW: How to set up gadget gifts

Jennifer Jolly
Special for USA TODAY
If you’re giving someone a tech gadget as a gift, set it up for them beforehand if possible.
  • Be sure to set up security features on a new device
  • Common accessories for new gadgets include batteries and cables
  • Amazon Kindle comes with %22Mayday%22 button for tech support

It happens every Christmas. As soon as the wrapping hits the floor, you're getting hit up to set up everyones new gadgets. Don't worry, this year we've got your back with a few quick tips so that you'll be navigating the myriad of menus and manuals — done and on to the egg nog — in no time.

DO THE DIRTY WORK AHEAD OF TIME

If you're giving someone tech as a gift set it up for them beforehand if you can. Though this isn't always an option, it can be a nice surprise to give a gift that requires zero work to turn on. This is the perfect solution for folks who aren't tech- savvy, as they can begin using the gift without frustration.

Simple set-up

Just about every new gadget these days comes with a quick start guide that's easy to follow. Most new gadgets simply need to be plugged in and charged up, connected to Wi-Fi, and linked to an existing email account. Pretty simple stuff.

Take a second and set up security features, such as Find my iPhone or Lookout . Also, download a few of their favorite apps. If you're not sure which ones to choose, take a look at the Editor's Choice apps and other curated suggestions on iTunes or Google Play.

If you're helping set up a gift after the recipient's opened it, and it doesn't have to go back in the box it came in all nice and neat — something that has saved me a lot of hassle — open everything with a large Ziploc nearby. Label the charger, put all of the instructions, extra pieces, even the original boxes inside and store it away. This helps if you need to read the manual, return it, or even re-sell it down the road.

When buying the newest version of a smartphone or a tablet for your family member, be sure to back up and transfer data from his or her older smartphone or tablet.

Transfer important files and settings

For tablets, smartphones, and computers, your gift recipient will probably want to transfer their files and settings to the new device. Unfortunately, this will be a different process for different gadgets, but here are some steps to get you started:

— If your gift is an upgrade to the latest version, it may be as simple as backing up the old device and restoring to the new. This is especially easy with iPhone and iPad upgrades. Syncing the device with a host computer often lets you duplicate chosen apps and contacts on the new device in just a few minutes.

— If you sync your contacts, mail, or documents through any particular service — like Gmail or Dropbox — starting on a new system can be as easy as setting up those same services on your new computer, smartphone, or tablet.

— For computers, the simplest way to move your data is to copy your files from one computer to another over Wi-Fi or to a spare hard drive or USB drive. If you're upgrading a Mac, an associate at an Apple Store can perform this transfer for no charge.

— Some Android phone and tablets have access to external storage, which can be a great way to back up files and settings and move them to a new device.

GET THE EXTRAS READY

If it's a device you can't set up ahead of time — like a new HDTV — be sure to check the packaging to see if there's something extra you need. Common culprits that may be missing include batteries, cables, memory cards, and software or games. For example, a new HDTV or Blu-ray player isn't likely to include the HDMI cord you'll need to connect it to the rest of your entertainment gadgets.

A few other important add-ons include:

— Game consoles almost never come with the games to play on them. Be sure to pick up one or two along with the system itself to ensure a fun-filled Christmas morning.

— If you're giving a digital or video camera, there's a good chance it'll come with either a tiny memory card or no storage media at all. If you're giving one of these, it's a good idea to snag a beefy memory card at the same time.

— Giving a tablet or smartphone? How about an App Store or Google Play gift card along with it, so your friend or family member can load it up with great apps right away.

CONSIDER THE KIDS

If you're giving a gadget gift to a teenager or younger user, it may be a good idea to set up the parental controls ahead of time. Set up a password for mature content and share it with the recipient's parent or guardian so they can change it if they need to. Most tablets and smartphones have easy-to-use age controls that restrict content with a basic setting that is easy to change by the parent if needed.

The same is true for new video games and movies. If you're giving a game console or a Blu-ray player and want to include some content to play on the device, err on the side of caution and select titles that are acceptable for all ages. For movies, PG or G is perfect, and for video games you'll want to select T or E-rated titles. In any case, avoiding R-rated movies and M-rated games will ensure a parent doesn't have to un-gift your present after the fact.

A Platform for Good offers suggestions for a set of rules and responsibilities to give your child with their new gadget.

Contract cards with a written set of rules and responsibilities are also great resources for both kids and parents. I've used one to set expectations up on both sides, so that my daughter gets clear boundaries on when and how she can use her new device, and I promise not to overreact or do something hypocritical, like play Candy Crush during dinnertime.

Amazon's Kindle Fire

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

If the new gift just happens to be an Amazon Kindle Fire, you're in great luck if you get stumped because there's a "Mayday" button that connects you to a real person, right on the device. There's also an Android App called Zikk that gives you access to to your family's devices, so that you can help them even if you're halfway around the world.

For everything else, if you end up being truly in a pinch for set-up tips, and the instruction manual isn't helping make matters any better, the web might be your best friend. Many new gadgets have pages upon pages of online support.

You should be able to find answers to specific questions — or at least a way to contact support if you're still having trouble. If you still can't find what you're looking for, simply go to your favorite search engine and type the product name as well as a description of the problem you're having — chances are you aren't the only one who's having it, and someone may have a solution for you. If the worst does indeed happen — and your gift simply won't work, or isn't right for the recipient — always keep your receipts! A working gift a day late is better than a broken gift on time.

Any questions? Be sure to share comments below. Happy Holidays!

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech contributor and host of USA TODAY's digital video show TECH NOW. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferJolly.

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