Smartphone Basics for Seniors: A Beginner's Guide

Smartphones can feel intimidating if you didn't grow up using them. The screens are small, the buttons are invisible, and it seems like everyone around you just knows how to use them instinctively.

But here's the truth: smartphones are designed to be learned, and millions of people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s use them every day. This guide covers the absolute basics so you can feel confident picking up your phone and doing the things that matter most.

Getting to Know Your Phone

The Home Screen

When you turn on your phone, the first thing you see is the home screen. Think of it as a desk — it holds small pictures called apps (short for applications) that each do a specific thing.

• Phone app — for making and receiving calls
• Messages — for sending and receiving text messages
• Camera — for taking photos and videos
• Settings — for adjusting how your phone works
• Contacts — your digital address book

You open an app by tapping its icon once with your finger.

Touchscreen Basics

• Tap — Touch the screen once quickly. This is like clicking a mouse.
• Swipe — Slide your finger across the screen. Swipe up/down to scroll through a page. Swipe left/right to move between screens.
• Pinch — Place two fingers on the screen and move them apart to zoom in, or together to zoom out. Great for reading small text.
• Press and hold — Touch and keep your finger on something for a second or two. This often opens extra options.

Making the Screen Easier to Read

If the text on your phone is too small:

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Display & Brightness
3. Tap Text Size
4. Drag the slider to the right to make text bigger

On Android:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Display
3. Tap Font size or Display size
4. Move the slider to make everything bigger

Essential Tasks

Making a Phone Call

1. Tap the Phone app (usually a green icon).
2. Tap the Keypad tab at the bottom.
3. Type in the phone number.
4. Tap the green phone button to call.
5. To hang up, tap the red button.

Tip: You can also tap Contacts, find the person's name, and tap their phone number to call them directly.

Sending a Text Message

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the button to start a new message (usually a pencil or plus icon).
3. Type the person's name or phone number at the top.
4. Tap the text field at the bottom and type your message.
5. Tap the Send button (usually an arrow).

Tip: Don't worry about making it perfect. Texts are casual — short messages are completely fine.

Taking a Photo

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Point your phone at what you want to photograph.
3. Tap the big round button at the bottom of the screen.
4. Your photo is automatically saved to your phone's photo gallery.

Tip: Hold the phone with both hands to keep it steady. Make sure the camera lens (on the back of the phone) isn't covered by your finger.

Connecting to Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi gives your phone a faster internet connection and saves your cellular data.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on (the switch should be green or blue).
4. Tap the name of your home network from the list.
5. Enter the password and tap Join or Connect.

Tip: Your Wi-Fi password is often printed on a sticker on your router (the box from your internet provider).

Staying Safe

Lock Your Phone

Always set up a lock screen so no one else can access your phone if you lose it.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Look for Face ID & Passcode (iPhone) or Security (Android).
3. Set a 6-digit PIN code that you'll remember.

Be Careful with Unknown Callers

If you receive a call from a number you don't recognize, it's okay to let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.

Don't Download Apps from Unknown Sources

Only download apps from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). These stores review apps for safety.

Keep Your Phone Updated

Software updates fix security problems and keep your phone running smoothly.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Look for Software Update (iPhone) or System Update (Android).
3. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Common Questions

"What's the difference between Wi-Fi and cellular data?" Wi-Fi connects your phone to the internet through your home router. Cellular data connects through your phone plan's network. Wi-Fi is usually faster and doesn't count against your data plan.

"How do I make the volume louder?" Use the volume buttons on the side of your phone. The top button makes it louder, the bottom one makes it quieter.

"What if I accidentally delete something?" Don't panic. Most things on smartphones can be recovered. Deleted photos stay in a "Recently Deleted" folder for 30 days. Deleted messages can sometimes be recovered too.

"What if I can't figure something out?" That's perfectly normal. Ask a family member, visit your phone provider's store for free help, or call SafeLineCare. We're here to walk you through anything you need, at your pace, without judgment.