Smartphone Basics for Older Adults: Unlocking the Digital World

If you’re new to smartphones, they can seem scary and confusing. But they don’t have to be. Read on for a simple guide to the basics of using a smartphone.

What are smartphone apps?

A smartphone is a mobile phone with many of the same functions of a computer, but in the palm of your hand. It uses software applications, or “apps,” to do different tasks. You use apps to make phone calls, send text messages, take photos, browse the internet, play games and much more.

Some apps are already loaded on your phone when you buy it. You can download other apps to your phone from an online store. How you use your smartphone and download apps depends on what kind of phone you have.

Do you have an Apple iPhone?

Only Apple makes iPhones.  Apple uses an operating system called iOS. You download apps from the Apple App Store  while using your phone.

Do you have an Android smartphone?

Lots of companies make smartphones that run on an Android  operating system. Some examples of companies that make Android phones include Samsung, Motorola, Google, Sony, Nokia and more. While you are on your phone, you can download apps from the Google Play Store. 

Common smartphone features

• Touchscreen – Smartphones do not have a keypad with buttons that you press. Instead, they use a touchscreen. You interact with your phone by touching or tapping the screen with your fingers or a special pen, called a stylus. You touch your screen to type, scroll pages, and open and use apps like the BCBSOK App.
• Internet Connectivity – Smartphones can connect to the internet by Wi-Fi or mobile data. This lets you use apps to browse the web (e.g., Google Chrome or Safari), send emails (e.g., Outlook, Apple Mail, Gmail), watch or “stream” videos (e.g., Netflix, TikTok) and more.
• Camera – Most smartphones have a built-in camera app. You use the camera app to take photos, selfies and videos. Then, you can share them with others. Photos and videos will be stored in a photo library app on your phone.

Using Your Smartphone

How you use your phone’s features depends on what kind of phone you have. The store where you bought your phone, a friend or family member may be able to show you how to use it.

• Setting up your smartphone – The first step after getting a smartphone is setting it up. This includes picking a language such as English or Spanish, setting a password or passcode, connecting to the Wi-Fi, and signing into a Google account or Apple ID.
• Charging your smartphone – Smartphones run on rechargeable batteries. Use a charging block and cable to charge your phone. You should charge it daily to make sure it doesn’t run out of power.
• Navigating your smartphone – Once you’ve signed into your phone, you’ll notice a grid of icons. Each icon stands for a different app. Tapping an icon will open the app. How you get out of an app and return to your home screen depends on your phone. For an Apple iPhone, use your finger to swipe up from the bottom of the phone screen. If you have an Android, you can tap the “home” or “return” button at the bottom of your screen.
• Making a call – Tap the phone app on your device to open it. Enter the phone number you want to call on the screen keypad. Then tap the call button that looks like a phone. You can also start a phone call from the Contacts app. Tap to open Contacts, choose the name and tap the phone icon to call.
• Sending a text message – This is very similar to making a call. Tap to open the Messages app on your phone. Tap the recipient’s name to open it. Type your message in the text window and tap the arrow to send. You can also start a text message from the Contacts app. Tap to open Contacts, choose the name and tap the message bubble icon to write and send a text.

For more details on how to use your smartphone, you can find free informational classes and resources at Senior Planet from AARP.  

Sources: Smartphone Basics Explained For Seniors & Beginners,  Green Smartphones, 2023; Tech Made Easy for Seniors with New Instructional Guides, DOROT;  iPhone User Guide,  Apple;  Gesture, Swipe, and Press to Navigate Your iPhone,  Apple Support, 2024; What is Android,  Android.

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