EE Power Bar recall: EE is now recalling ALL of its Power Bars – here’s what you need to do & how to get your £20 voucher

Following a recall of a batch of its Power Bars back in August, EE has now issued a recall for all of its EE Power Bars because there have been a number of further incidents of severe overheating that could cause a fire safety risk or burns.

See also: Best power banks 2015 UK: best portable chargers for smartphones and tablets.

EE Power Bar recall: What to do with your EE Power Bar

On 5 August, EE published a web page that explained that was is recalling some of its Power Bars after it was discovered that they aren't safe. The recall was originally limited to a particular batch of Power Bars but since the recall there have been several further incidents that have led EE to recall every single one of the Power Bars it gave its customers for free earlier this year.

"We're recalling all EE Power Bars," EE said on its website on 16 December. "This is just a precaution, but we want to make sure all our customers are safe."

"We are taking this action because we are aware of a very small number of further incidents where Power Bars have overheated in circumstances that could cause a fire safety risk."

EE said that you should stop using your Power Bar immediately and return it to your local EE Store. If you're unable to get to an EE Store, EE recommends calling its information hotline on 08000790305.

EE Power Bar recall: How to get your £20 EE voucher

It's annoying, yes, but safety is the most important thing here so we strongly advise taking your Power Bar to EE if you can. The good news is that, when you return the Power Bar to an EE Store you will be given a £20 voucher if you an eligible EE customer. You'll be able to use that voucher at accessories.ee.co.uk.

EE Power Bar recall: Swap program suspended

Of course, in addition to the recall, EE has also suspended the swap program until further notice. We'll update this article with further information as it emerges. EE says "At the moment we are fully focused on the recall and we will make further announcements soon."

EE Power Bar recall: EE is now recalling ALL of its Power Bars - here's what you need to do & how to get your £20 voucher

EE Power Bar recall: EE is now recalling ALL of its Power Bars – here’s what you need to do & how to get your £20 voucher

How to share Live Photos with non-iPhone users on Instagram and via text

The ability of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to capture Live Photos is nothing short of magic. Live Photos are not GIFs nor video, but still JPEG images that "move" once you deep-press on your iPhone screen. Anyone with an iPhone running the latest iOS 9 can view them, but the only way to share them is sending them via iMessage or posting them on Tumblr, which just recently became the first photo-sharing app to support Live Photos. And the only way to store a fully animated Live Photo is by uploading it to the iCloud Photo Library.

Just because Live Photos don't have widespread support on social media and file storage services yet doesn't mean that you can't share them on Instagram or save them in Google Photos. These three iOS apps can help you convert your Live Photos into GIFs or video—and they offer a few other nifty photo features too.

Lively

If you are looking for an app that simply converts Live Photos into GIFs or video, the easiest to use is Lively (iTunes). After launch, the app surfaces only the Live Photos from your camera roll. Once you pick the one you want to convert, Lively gives you the option to choose whether you want to convert it as a GIF or as a video file. GIFs are great if you want to share them via SMS or a messaging service like Facebook Messenger, Slack and GroupMe. Lively also gives you a few playback options if you choose to convert your Live Photo as a GIF. You can speed it up or play it in slo-mo, as well as play it backwards or in auto-reverse. Choose to convert your Live Photo to a video if you want to post it on Instagram or Vine.

Lively recently got a 2.0 update that brings more functionality to the app. Lively's latest version lets you trim your Live Photo before converting, so you can remove any unwanted parts you accidentally took while trying to capture the perfect moving image. Lively 2.0 also lets you pick out a still frame from your Live Photo and save it to your camera roll. The app is free, but it costs a single in-app purchase of $2 to remove the Lively logo watermark from appearing in your exported GIFs.

Live Studio

Converting Live Photos as GIFs or video works very similar in Live Studio (iTunes), but unlike Lively, this app does not offer customizable playback options when converting a GIF. If you want to convert the Live Photo as is with no trimming or auto-reverse, the Live Studio does it fine in just a few taps. The app costs $0.99, and it does not tack on any sort of watermark to your exported files.

The best thing about Live Studio, however, is that it also works the other way around: giving you the option to convert videos, GIFs and photo-bursts into Live Photos. Talk about magic, the Live Studio app has somehow tapped into Apple's Live Photo-making technology. We converted a video clip into a Live Photo, and we were able to activate the Live Photo when we deep-pressed it. This works even with videos clips that are longer than three seconds (Live Photos "move" by capturing 1.5 seconds before and after you tap the shutter), in essence giving you the ability to create longer-lasting Live Photos. This is great for converting a video clip or GIF that you would like to set as an animated wallpaper on your iPhone 6s.

PicPlayPost

Let's say you take so many Live Photos that you want to share a few of them in collage form, PicPlayPost (iTunes) will help you do just that. This app creates a single collage from different types of media: photos, video, GIFs and now Live Photos. The app is free, but it's a single $3 in-app purchase to remove the watermark from all exported collages.

Begin by selecting the layout of your collage and tap to add a "Photo & GIF." If you pick a Live Photo, the app will ask you if you want to use the still photo or the Live one. You can choose whether each Live Photo plays on a loop, and even add music to your moving collage. After you finish putting it together, PicPlayPost will convert the Live Photo collage as either a video or a GIF. 

How to share Live Photos with non-iPhone users on Instagram and via text

How to share Live Photos with non-iPhone users on Instagram and via text

New phone or tablet? Here’s how to set up a new Android phone or tablet – start enjoying your device straight away with our help

If you're hoping to get a new Android smartphone or tablet for Christmas (or you're treating yourself), we'll show you how to set up a new device and start having some fun. Also see: Essential Android apps and best Android games for a new phone or tablet.

If you've got a new Android smartphone or tablet, you can't just switch it on and start playing Angry Birds. Before you can start enjoying it, there are some steps you must take. If it all seems a bit confusing and complicated then don't worry we'll explain how to do everything.

Most phones and tablets will guide you step by step through the set up process. The experience may differ slightly, depending on what brand is your device and which version of Android it is running. They are all very similar, but here we are using Lollipop, which is the most likely operating system to be found on a new phone or tablet purchased today.

See also: Best smartphones 2015 and How to transfer files and apps from Android phone, Android tablet to SD card.

How to set up a new Android phone or tablet

Step One

Put your SIM-card into your new device if it's a smartphone or a tablet with mobile data connectivity.

Step Two

Switch on your new Android device using the power button which is normally located on the top or side. Remember that it might need charging before it will switch on.

See how to add microSD support to your phone or tablet.

Step Three

The first thing you'll need to do once the device is powered up is select a language. Select from the list which you would like to use.

Step Four

You'll want to connect to a Wi-Fi network to get things set up properly but if you can't then you can skip this step. However, you won't be able to do much without it.

Step Five 

With an active Wi-Fi connection, sign into your Google account with your usual email address and password. If you don't have a Google account then you can create one now.

Some devices will ask you if you want to sign into other services and networks like Facebook, Twitter and Dropbox. You can do this now or later when you open the apps.

Step Six

Next you'll be given a set of options relating to Google services such as backup and location. Untick any boxes you wish and carry on.

You can adjust backup and location preferences later so don't worry too much now.

Step Seven

Since we're using a Nexus device, the next step asks whether you want to use Google Now which provides helpful information such as news, weather, sports scores and travel data. Other devices such as those from Samsung or Sony might prompt you to sign up for different accounts.

Step Eight

That should conclude the set up process but as we mentioned earlier, different devices will have different steps. You are likely to be welcomed to your new device and might be shown a brief tutorial on how to do things like customise the wallpaper, widgets and settings.

New phone or tablet? Here's how to set up a new Android phone or tablet - start enjoying your device straight away with our help

New phone or tablet? Here’s how to set up a new Android phone or tablet – start enjoying your device straight away with our help

Secure your new phone, tablet, laptop or PC for free: How to install AVG Free antivirus

Getting a new phone, tablet, PC or laptop for Christmas? Logging into Facebook or Twitter to tell the world? STOP. Install some antivirus software (for free) or you'll spend Boxing Day clearing up your mess. Also see: Best antivirus for Windows PCs and laptops. 

Here we explain how you can install one of the best-known free antivirus software programmes, AVG Free, on your Android phone, Android tablet, Windows PC or Windows laptop. We also discuss what steps you can take to protect a new iPad or iPhone. Also see: Do I need to pay for security software? 

Don't go online using a Windows PC or laptop without installing antivirus software on it. You are asking for trouble. It's all too easy to get a new computer for Christmas and, in your excitement, jump straight on to Facebook or Twitter to tell the world. Don't do it, or you'll spend Boxing Day clearing out viruses and other malware. Or, rather, that tech-savvy relative you happen to know will, and they won't thank you for it. See all security software reviews. 

How to install AVG Free antivirus on a Windows PC or laptop   

To download the free version of AVG Free just head to AVG's website and click the big green Free Download button. On the next screen again click the green Free Download button at the top of the page.

The AVG_Protection_Free.exe file will automatically download to your PC. Launch the installer by clicking the notification at the bottom of your browser window or find the file in your Downloads folder.

Note that you will need to be an administrator to install AVG Free. If you are not using an admin account, ask the admininstrator to enter their password. AVG will then begin to install. 

On the first screen click Continue, then select Basic Protection and click Install now.

When User Account Control pops up click Yes.

AVG will install itself and download new updates, then run in the background on your PC.

 

To run a scan at any time tap on the Protection icon on the AVG home page and select Scan now. You can otherwise leave it running in the background and forget about it. Also see: How to remove malware from a Windows PC or laptop.

How to install AVG Free antivirus on an Android phone or tablet 

Generally speaking you can get away without installing antivirus on an Android phone or tablet, but there are malicious apps to be found outside the Google Play store, and installing them is as simple as unticking a box in the Settings that lets you download apps from unknown sources. Plus, Android is now the most popular mobile operating system in the world and, as we saw with Windows laptops and PCs, that means it will become increasingly attractive to wrongdoers. Since AVG antivirus is available for free, you might as well play it safe and install it. 

Launch the Google Play store on your phone or tablet. You probably have an icon for this on your home screen; if not, open the apps menu and look for what looks like a white shopping bag with a triangular icon on top. If this is the first time you've opened Google Play you will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions. You will also need to have already set up a Google account on your device (if you bypassed this when you first turned on the device, add a Google account in the Settings menu). 

With Google Play open, tap the magnifying glass search icon in the top right corner and begin typing 'AVG Free'. Tap on the top result - AVG Free antivirus for Android - and on the next screen choose what should be the top option: Antivirus Security - FREE. 

On the next screen you'll see more details about the app, including its user rating and some screenshots. Tap the green Install button, then press Accept to allow AVG to access certain features on your device. Once it has installed the green Install button will change to Open - tap this. 

Before you can begin using AVG Free for Android you need to accept its terms and conditions, so hit Get Started on the first screen. You'll then be prompted to upgrade to the paid for version of AVG, which removes the ads. Don't do this unless you want to: the antivirus part of AVG is free. Just tap Continue With Ads to continue. 

If this is a new phone or tablet, that's all you really need to do. By default AVG will scan your device once a week, although you can change this within the Settings, Protection settings menu.  

If this is an older phone or tablet that you're only just getting around to installing an antivirus on, hit Scan Now. On the screenshot here you'll see AVG found no threats, but in the past we have seen it flag up apps we know are safe. You don't need to blindly accept these warnings; just use your common sense. If it keeps flagging up an app or setting you want to keep, just tick the Ignore box to remove it from subsequent scans. 

To keep AVG running at the best of its ability, make sure you keep it up to date. Launch Google Play and click the three horizontal lines icon in the top left corner, then choose Settings. Under auto-update apps choose to either Auto-update apps at any time or to update apps over Wi-Fi only (if you have a limited mobile data plan choose the latter). From time to time you may still find an app update requests your permission, and this will be because it wants you to accept its updated access requests. 

Do I need antivirus on my iPad or iPhone? 

No. In general iPads and iPhones are considered secure, since Apple keeps a constant check on any apps allowed in its store, and claims to have built iOS with security at its core. 

But there have been vulnerabilities. Even if you haven't heard of previous iOS malware that has hit the headlines, for example WireLurker, Masque Attack and Oleg Pliss, we doubt news of the nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence and other celebs leaked as the result of an iCloud hack passed you by. 

These flaws have all been blocked by Apple - as have those that have occurred since - but in order to protect yourself from future attacks you need to ensure you install only safe apps and that all your logins are ultra-secure. 

The Oleg Pliss and nude celebrities scandals were a result of hackers targeting Find My iPhone and iCloud accounts, then logging in as their victims. You should always use a strong password for online accounts (see how to create a strong password), and avoid using the same login for multiple sites. 

WireLurker targeted iPhones and iPads when they were plugged into insecure Macs or PCs (read our instructions above on how to install AVG Free antivirus on your Windows PC or laptop). Only jailbroken devices were maliciously affected.  

On that note, jailbreak your iPad or iPhone only if you really know what you're doing. A good rule of thumb is to never install untrusted apps found outside the App Store, since Apple has no control of what goes on outside its walls. 

Finally, always keep your iPad and iPhone up to date. iOS updates are free to download and install, so there's really no excuse. If you're having trouble updating because you're running out of storage, just plug your iPad or iPhone into a (secure) PC or Mac and launch iTunes.

Follow Marie Brewis on Twitter.

Secure your new phone, tablet, laptop or PC for free: How to install AVG Free antivirus

Secure your new phone, tablet, laptop or PC for free: How to install AVG Free antivirus

Best TV to watch at Christmas 2015 and how to watch TV on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 & Sky

We outline the best TV to watch this Christmas 2015 on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, Virgin and BT Sport. Plus: how to watch TV on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC.

See also: How to track the ISS on Christmas Eve.

Best TV to watch at Christmas: BBC

Highlights of the BBC's Christmas Day 2015 programming include:

4:45pm - Stick Man on BBC One

5:15pm - Doctor Who on BBC One

6:15pm - Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special on BBC One

7:30pm - Call the Midwife Christmas Special on BBC One

8:45pm – Eastenders on BBC One

Then at 10:25pm you can catch Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show on BBC One.

Of course, don't forget to tune in to the live Christmas Day service from Bath Abbey at 10am on Christmas Day on BBC One, and then The Queen's Speech at 3pm.

How to watch BBC TV on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC

BBC Channels are available on all UK digital, satellite and cable TV systems. You can watch live or catch-up via the BBC iPlayer. iPlayer is available online, or as an app native to most digital TV platforms including Sky TV. You can also use the iPlayer app via games consoles such as the PlayStations 3 and 4, and the Xbox One and Xbox 360.

There are BBC iPlayer apps for iPhone and iPad, as well as many recent Android devices. BBC content is free to view, but UK users must have a valid TV Licence in the house in which they live. (See also: How to watch UK TV when abroad.)

Best TV to watch at Christmas: ITV

ITV tends not to compete with the BBC at Christmas, as it makes all its money from advertising and no-one really wants to advertise at Christmas. ITV's big shows include Christmas episodes of Emmerdale (6:45pm) and Coronation Street (7:45pm). Also watch:

5pm – Paul O'Grady: For the love of dogs at Christmas

8:45pm – Downton Abbey – the Finale

On Boxing Day, be sure to tune in to Surprise Surprise at 7pm, particularly if you're a One Direction fan.

You might also like: Best Christmas TV ads 2015

How to watch ITV on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC

ITV channels are available on all UK digital, satellite and cable TV systems. You can watch live or catch-up via the ITV Player. ITV Player is available online, or as an app native to most digital TV platforms, including Sky TV.

There are ITV Player apps for iPhone and iPad, as well as many recent Android devices. ITV content is free to view and ad supported, but UK users must have a valid TV License in the house in which they live. (See also: How to connect a laptop to TV with HDMI and more.)

Best TV to watch at Christmas: Channel 4

Like ITV, Channel 4 tends to take it relatively easy over the Christmas period itself. You can catch the Alan Carr: Chatty Man Christmas Special at 9pm followed by the 8 out of 10 Cats special at 11pm, though.

Channel 4 is showing some great movies over Christmas including The Snowman, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Scrooged, Home Alone 2 and Ferris Bueller's Day off. Find out more about the best films to watch at Christmas here.

How to watch Channel 4 on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC

Channel 4 is available on all UK digital, satellite and cable TV systems. You can watch live or catch-up via the 4oD app. 4oD is available online, or as an app native to most digital platforms including Sky TV.

There are 4oD apps for iPhone and iPad, as well as many recent Android devices. Channel 4 content is free to view and ad supported, but UK users must have a valid TV Licence in the house in which they live.

See also: Best free Christmas apps for Android

Best TV to watch at Christmas: Channel 5

Channel 5 is bringing its own more specialist stylings to the Christmas period, with Michael Buble's Christmas 2015 special at 5:10pm, followed by Britain's Favourite Christmas Songs Countdown until 8:50pm when Chas & Dave's Xmas Knees Up begins.

How to watch Channel 5 on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC

Channel 5 is available on all UK digital, satellite and cable TV systems. You can watch live or catch-up via the Demand5 app. Demand 5 is available online, or as an app native to most digital TV platforms including Sky TV.

There are Demand5 apps for iPhone and iPad, as well as many recent Android devices. Channel 5 content is free to view and ad supported, but UK users must have a valid TV Licence in the house in which they live. (See also: Do I need a TV Licence?)

Best TV to watch at Christmas 2015: Sky TV / Virgin / BT Sport

Sky, Virgin and the rest are principally about movies and sport. Over Christmas the Sky Sports and BT Sport channels will be focused primarily on football. Sky in particular is big on movies, with hundreds of new movies available to watch on demand or live.

Sky's own channels also have their fair share of original programming, including the Stella: Christmas Special at 9pm on Sky 1.

Read next: How to make personalised Christmas videos

How to watch Sky TV / Virgin / BT Sport on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC

To watch Sky TV on your television, you need either a cable or satellite system or web-connected set-top box, and you need a subscription to Sky TV or to pay one-off for Sky Now. If you subscribe to BT or Virgin, you van also access some or all of Sky's TV channel via your ISP subscription, depending on who that is with and how much you pay. Content is viewable live or on-demand.

Sky subscribers can also (or instead) watch TV online or on mobile devices via the Sky Go apps, or online. Sky Now allows you to pay for daily or weekly access to Sky programming, viewable online or via mobile device.

To access BT Sport programming, you need a compatible set top box. BT Sport is free to BT broadband subscribers, but requires a monthly subscription for Sky- and Virgin TV subscriber s. BT Sport subscribers can also (or instead) watch TV online or on mobile devices via the BT Sport apps, or online. See also: Best smartphones of 2016.

Read next: How to create a Christmas playlist on YouTube

Best TV to watch at Christmas 2015 and how to watch TV on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 & Sky

Best TV to watch at Christmas 2015 and how to watch TV on your phone, tablet, laptop or PC including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 & Sky

How to set up a new Windows Phone smartphone: email, contacts, apps and more

Whether your new Windows Phone is your first smartphone, an upgrade or you're coming from Android or an iPhone, here's how to get set up including your email, contacts, apps and more. (This guide is written for Windows Phone 8 devices, including 8.1, but it's very similar if you have a phone running Windows 10.)

First, charge up your new phone by connecting the charger. If one wasn't supplied, use the USB cable to connect the phone to another USB charger or - failing that - the USB port on your laptop or PC. The computer will need to be on for the smartphone to charge.

Also, use the supplied SIM tray tool - or the tool-less mechanism for removing the tray - and insert your SIM card. If your SIM doesn't fit, you can cut it down or request a new SIM from your mobile provider. Here's how to cut down a SIM card.

How to set up a new Windows Phone

Step 1. Hold down the power button - usually the middle one on the right-hand side, but check the manual - until you feel the phone vibrate. It should now turn on.

Step 2. Follow the instructions on screen. Choose your language, accept the Terms of Use, and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Choose the name of the network that matches your wireless router, and then enter the password. On the next screen you can choose whether or not to use WiFi Sense. This helps reduce the amount of mobile data you use by automatically connecting to Wi-Fi wherever possible.

Step 3. On the next screen, you can choose to accept the recommended phone settings or select them yourself. We recommend tapping 'custom' and then deciding if you want apps to auto update, send information to Microsoft and more.

Step 4. Set the time, region and date. We recommend leaving the box unchecked for 'Send my location to Microsoft'.

Step 5. Now it's time to enter your Microsoft ID. This is a Microsoft account that's needed for keeping your stuff in sync and saving your photos, documents, settings and other things in a backup so they can be restored if anything goes wrong. Here's how to restore a Windows Phone backup.

If you don't already have a Microsoft account, you can create one now on the phone. You just need an email address and to choose a password.

Step 6. When you've created or signed in with your account, you'll be asked if you want to automatically upload photos and videos. It's a good idea to allow this, as it means you don't have to think about transferring or backing up photos and videos you take with your phone. They will be sent wirelessly to your free OneDrive storage, which is part of the free Microsoft account.

We recommend choosing Best quality for both.

Step 7. That's the basic set up finished. If you already had a Microsoft account, your email, contacts and everything else associated with the account should be synching already.

You should now see the home screen of your new Windows Phone. Many of the 'tiles' are live which means the information they show is right up to date.

You can arrange this 'Start' screen however you like. Just tap and hold on a tile and then tap the arrow to resize the tile or tap the little pin icon to remove it altogether. You can drag the selected tile to a different position on the screen and it will stay there. Once you're finished, tap the Windows icon at the bottom of the screen.

Step 8. To set up other email account, swipe from the right to the left of the screen to show all the apps. Tap on a letter to bring up the alphabet, then tap on S to find Settings. Tap on Settings and then email+accounts.

Tap 'add an account' and choose one of the options. If your email isn't listed, then tap 'other account'. If your email provider is in the list, you'll need to enter only your email address and password. For other accounts you might have to search for the settings using Google.

Most email accounts also include contacts, which means adding a Gmail or iCloud account will also import contacts.

Step 9. Back in the Settings menu, tap on 'lock screen'. You can choose various options, but the most important is to scroll down and tap the slider under 'Password'. You can now enter a code which you'll use to unlock the phone when you turn it on. A new option will appear where you can choose whether to ask for the password every time, or only after a certain amount of time has elapsed.

Step 10. To install new apps, press the Windows button at the bottom to return to the Start screen. Look for the Store icon - a bag with the Windows logo - and tap it. You can tap the magnifying glass icon to search for apps, such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter and others, or you can use the charts to see what's popular in both the paid and free sections.

Here are the new features which are well worth investigating in Windows Phone 8.1, and some funny commands you can use with Windows Phone 8.1's built-in digital assistant Cortana

See also:  How to add a number to a contact list in Windows Phone 8 and How to use a Windows Phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot

How to set up a new Windows Phone smartphone: email, contacts, apps and more

How to set up a new Windows Phone smartphone: email, contacts, apps and more

How to set up a new iPhone or iPad: configure email, apps, contacts, security and more with our easy step-by-step guide

If Santa's been generous this year, you might be the recipient of a shiny new iPad or iPhone. Setting them up is really easy, and here we'll show you how to how to choose the right options, create an Apple ID, get your email working, install apps and more. The video above shows the process for an iPhone, but it's almost identical on an iPad.

See also: Best new features in iOS 9 and How to download YouTube videos on an iPhone and iPad

There's no need to have a laptop or PC as you can use an iPad and iPhone without one. The only thing you'll need is a wireless router so you can connect to the internet and activate your new device.

Out of the box, iPhones and iPads should have enough battery power to complete the setup process, but it's worth connecting the included charger and fully charging the battery as soon as possible.

If you've bought an iPhone or iPad for your kids, here's how to make it child friendly

How to set up a new iPhone or iPad

Step 1: Hold down the power button for a couple of seconds until you see the white Apple logo appear on the screen, then release it. You'll then see a 'Hello' message and you can swipe to the right to begin and choose your language. (Note that the screens here have been modified to save space.)

Step 2: Now choose your region. This should be the country where you live, as it will affect localisation such as the time and date format, currency, keyboard layout and more.

Step 3: It's time to connect to a wireless network, and the iPhone or iPad will search for nearby networks: choose yours from the list. If you don't know your router's network name check on the labels or in the manual. Usually, it's the one at the top of the list as it will have the strongest signal.

Enter the password for your Wi-Fi network and once connected your iPhone or iPad will activate by contacting Apple's servers.

Step 4. Choose whether or not to enable location services. It's best to enable them as many apps use your location, and it's generally useful. You can choose in the Settings app later which other apps are allowed to use your location.

Step 5: You'll be asked whether to set up the device as a new iPhone or iPad or restore an existing backup. If your new device is an upgrade from an old iPhone or iPad, it's usually best to restore the most recent backup. This backup may be stored online in iCloud, or it may be on your laptop or PC in iTunes.

Note that you can only restore an iPhone from an iPhone backup, and an iPad from an iPad backup, not from a smartphone to a tablet or vice versa.

If yours is the first iPhone or iPad you've owned, choose 'Set up as a new iPhone or iPad'.

Step 6: If you already have an Apple account, sign in using your email address and password. If not, tap Create a free account. You can skip this, but it will mean you can't use many of the iPad or iPhone's features, and you won't be able to install any extra apps.

As part of the process, you'll need to enter your credit or debit card details: you'll only be charged if you buy an app. Downloading free apps won't cost you a penny - just as you'd expect.

Step 7: Agree to the Ts and Cs (you can't use your device if you don't), and you'll see a message saying it's now ready to use. If you haven't done so already, insert the SIM card. Some iPads have SIM trays for mobile data, but you don't need a SIM to use the iPad. A tool for removing the tray will be included in the box.

Step 8: Tap Use iCloud on this screen. You can choose not to, but you'll miss out on a lot of useful features. Tap the About iCloud link to learn more about what it can do for you. One of the most important features is the ability to locate your iPhone or iPad if it's lost or stolen: Find My iPad (or iPhone) is enabled automatically when you tap Use iCloud.

Step 9: Assuming you use iCloud, you'll also be asked using which addresses and numbers you'd like people to be able to send you messages via iMessage. You can tick or untick email addresses and phone numbers in the list. iMessage is Apple's messaging app that lets you send messages (including text messages), photos and videos to other iMessage users.

Step 10: Next is the option to use iCloud Drive. This is for storing documents online and it's best not to use it if you have older devices which can't be upgraded to iOS 8 or OS X Yosemite (the operating system for Mac computers). If you only have the iPhone or iPad and a Windows computer, you can enable it safely.

Step 11. You'll be asked next to create a passcode. Don't skip this, because it means others can't get access to your iPhone or iPad if you lose it or leave it lying around. Type in a four-digit code twice. The latest iPads and iPhones will ask you to create a six-digit passcode.

Step 12. Choose whether or not to use Siri. Siri is Apple's digital assistant that lets you dictate messages, set alarms, launch apps, perform web searches and much more. It's well worth using Siri.

Step 13. Decide whether you want to send error reports to Apple (you don't have to) and then you'll be greeted with this message. Tap Get Started to start using your new iPhone or iPad.

Step 14: The first thing you'll probably want to do it get email set up. Here's how to add your Gmail account, but the process is very similar for other email accounts.

Step 15: Many email accounts also include contacts and calendars which you'll choose to enable (or not) in the previous step. Here's how to transfer contacts from an Android phone

How to set up a new iPhone or iPad: beyond the basics

That's the basics done, but if you want more, here's how to set a song as your iPhone ringtone and we also explain how to transfer photos from your computer to your iPhone (or iPad).

To install new apps, tap on the App Store icon and browse the thousands upon thousands of apps. Here are the best apps to install on a new iPhone or iPad

Finally, if your iPhone or iPad does get lost, here's how to use Find My iPhone

How to set up a new iPhone or iPad: configure email, apps, contacts, security and more with our easy step-by-step guide

How to set up a new iPhone or iPad: configure email, apps, contacts, security and more with our easy step-by-step guide