Getting Started with Your Smartphone
Congratulations on your new smartphone! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from turning it on for the first time to making your first call. Take your time - there's no rush.
In This Guide
Step 1: Turning On Your Phone
Every smartphone has a power button, usually located on the right side of the phone. Here's how to turn it on:
Find the power button. It's typically on the right side of your phone. It might be slightly raised or have a different texture so you can feel it.
Press and hold the button for about 3-4 seconds. You'll feel a small vibration or see the screen light up.
Wait for the phone to start. You'll see a logo appear (Apple logo for iPhones, or your phone brand for Android). This can take 30 seconds to a minute.
Step 2: Using the Touchscreen
Unlike older phones with buttons, smartphones use a touchscreen. Here are the basic ways to interact with it:
Tap
Touch the screen once quickly with your fingertip. This is like clicking with a mouse - use it to select things, open apps, and press buttons.
Swipe
Touch the screen and slide your finger in a direction without lifting it. Use this to scroll through web pages or move between screens.
Press and Hold
Touch something and keep your finger there for 2-3 seconds. This often shows additional options, like a right-click on a computer.
Pinch
Use two fingers and move them together (to zoom out) or apart (to zoom in). Helpful for making text or photos bigger.
Step 3: Understanding the Home Screen
The home screen is what you see when you first unlock your phone. Think of it as your phone's desktop. Here's what you'll find:
Apps (Application Icons)
These small pictures represent programs on your phone. Tap one to open it. Common apps include Phone (for calls), Messages (for texts), and Camera.
Status Bar (Top)
Shows the time, battery level (how much charge is left), and signal strength (bars showing your phone connection).
Navigation (Bottom)
Most phones have a way to go back or return to the home screen at the bottom. This might be buttons or a small bar you swipe up on.
Step 4: Making Phone Calls
Making calls on a smartphone is similar to a regular phone, just with a touchscreen.
Find the Phone app. Look for an icon that looks like a telephone handset. It's usually on your home screen or in a dock at the bottom.
Tap the Phone app to open it.
Look for the keypad. You should see numbers 0-9 like a regular phone. If not, look for a "Keypad" button at the bottom.
Type the phone number by tapping each digit.
Tap the green phone button to start the call.
To end the call, tap the red phone button.
Step 5: Sending Text Messages
Text messages (also called SMS) let you send written messages to other phones.
Find the Messages app. Look for an icon that looks like a speech bubble. It's often green or blue.
Tap the compose button (usually a pencil or "+" symbol) to start a new message.
Enter the phone number or contact name of the person you want to message.
Tap in the message area at the bottom. A keyboard will appear.
Type your message by tapping the letters on the keyboard.
Tap the send button (usually an arrow pointing up or to the right).
Step 6: Connecting to WiFi
WiFi connects your phone to the internet through your home router. This is often faster than using mobile data and doesn't count against your phone plan.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings (the gray gear icon).
Tap WiFi.
Make sure WiFi is turned on (the switch should be green).
Tap your network name from the list.
Enter your WiFi password and tap Join.
On Android:
Go to Settings (usually a gear icon).
Tap Network & Internet or Connections.
Tap WiFi.
Tap your network name from the list.
Enter your WiFi password and tap Connect.