How to Use a Smartphone If You’ve Never Had One

Smartphones can feel intimidating at first, but they are powerful tools that help seniors stay connected, safe, and informed. This beginner-friendly guide covers the essential skills every senior should know — from making calls and sending texts to using helpful apps and avoiding scams. Whether you have never used a smartphone or want to build more confidence, this tutorial will walk you through each step in simple, clear language.

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Getting to Know Your Phone

Every smartphone has a few basic parts you should know:

• Home button or gesture: Takes you back to the main screen from any app. On iPhones without a button, swipe up from the bottom edge. On most Androids, swipe up or press the home icon.
• Volume buttons: Located on the left side of most phones. Press up to make sounds louder, down to make them quieter.
• Power button: On the right side or top. Press once to lock or wake the screen. Hold it down to turn the phone on or off.
• Touchscreen: Tap to open apps or press buttons. Swipe (slide your finger) to scroll through pages. Pinch two fingers together to zoom out, spread them apart to zoom in.
• Battery charging port: Usually at the bottom. Plug in the charging cable when the battery is low.

Making and Receiving Calls

The main reason most people have a phone is to make calls. Here is how to do it:

• To make a call: Tap the green phone icon on the home screen. This opens the dialer. Type the number using the number pad, then tap the green call button. To end the call, tap the red button.
• To answer a call: When someone calls, your screen will show their name or number. Swipe the green answer icon or tap Answer. If you do not want to answer, tap Decline or ignore it.
• To call a contact: Open the Phone app and tap the Contacts tab. Find the person you want to call and tap their name, then tap the phone number.
• To adjust call volume: During a call, use the volume buttons on the side of your phone to make the caller louder or quieter.
• To use speakerphone: During a call, tap the Speaker icon to hear the caller through the phone speaker without holding it to your ear.

Sending and Receiving Text Messages

Text messages (also called SMS) let you send short written messages to anyone with a phone number. They are free with most plans:

• To open Messages: Tap the Messages or Text icon (usually a green or blue speech bubble).
• To read a new message: When you receive a text, your phone will show a notification. Tap it to open and read the message.
• To send a new text: Tap the compose button (usually a pencil icon or a + sign). Type the person name or phone number in the To field. Tap the message box and type your message using the on-screen keyboard. Tap the Send button (usually an arrow).
• To reply to a text: Open the conversation, tap the message box at the bottom, type your reply, and tap Send.
• To send a photo: While in a conversation, tap the camera icon or + icon, select Photos, choose the picture you want, and tap Send.

Using the Camera

Smartphones have built-in cameras that are easy to use:

• To take a photo: Tap the Camera app icon. Point the phone at what you want to photograph. Tap the large white circle button at the bottom to take the picture.
• To switch cameras: Tap the flip camera icon (two arrows forming a circle) to switch between the back camera and the front-facing selfie camera.
• To view your photos: Open the Photos or Gallery app. All your pictures will be displayed. Tap any photo to view it larger.
• To share a photo: While viewing a photo, tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up). Choose how you want to share it — by text message, email, or social media.

Helpful Apps for Seniors

Apps are programs that add useful features to your phone. Here are some that seniors find especially helpful:

• Medication Reminder Apps: Apps like Medisafe or Round Health remind you when to take your pills and track what you have taken.
• Weather Apps: The built-in Weather app shows today forecast and alerts for severe weather.
• Maps and Navigation: Google Maps or Apple Maps can give you directions to any address using your phone GPS. Type in a destination and the app will guide you turn by turn.
• Magnifier and Flashlight: Most phones have built-in tools. Swipe down from the top of the screen to find the flashlight icon and a magnifier tool.
• Video Calling Apps: FaceTime (iPhone) or Zoom let you see family members while talking to them. Look for the Video Call or Camera icon when calling someone.

Staying Safe on Your Phone

Unfortunately, scammers target seniors through phones. Here is how to protect yourself:

• Never share personal information: Do not give your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords to anyone who calls or texts you unexpectedly.
• Do not click unknown links: If you receive a text message with a link from someone you do not know, do not tap it. It could be a scam.
• Ignore calls from unknown numbers: If you answer and it is a recording asking you to press a button, hang up immediately.
• Use a call blocker: Most smartphones have a feature to block unwanted calls. Go to Settings then Phone then Silence Unknown Callers and turn it on.
• Ask before you act: If someone calls claiming to be a family member needing money, hang up and call that family member directly to verify.
• Keep your phone updated: When your phone shows a software update notification, install it. Updates fix security problems.

Making Your Phone Easier to Use

Most smartphones have built-in accessibility features designed for older eyes and hands:

• Make text larger: Go to Settings then Display & Brightness then Text Size. Drag the slider to the right to make all text bigger and easier to read.
• Enable bold text: In the same settings area, turn on Bold Text to make letters thicker.
• Increase contrast: Look for Increase Contrast or Dark Mode in Settings under Accessibility. This makes text stand out more against the background.
• Use voice typing: Instead of typing, tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and speak your message. The phone will type it for you.
• Set up emergency contacts: Both iPhone and Android let you add emergency contacts in the Health or Safety settings. These contacts can be reached from the lock screen without unlocking your phone.

Using the Phone Help Contacts Tool

SoloAgeHaven has created an interactive tool where you can find all the important phone numbers mentioned in this guide, organized by category and ready to use. Visit the Phone Help Contacts Tool to access a complete directory of emergency services, medical help, mental health support, legal aid, utility companies, and scam reporting numbers.

SoloAgeHaven

Open Phone Help Contacts Tool →

Related reading

• Smartphone Basics for Seniors: A Step-by-Step Guide to Staying Connected
• The Best Weekly Pill Dispensers for Seniors (Tested Picks to Never Miss a Dose)