Your family got you a smartphone. Maybe for Christmas, maybe for your birthday. They meant well.
But now you’re holding this expensive device and you’re not entirely sure how to use it. The buttons aren’t where you expect. The screen does things you didn’t tell it to. And texting? That tiny keyboard is impossible.
You might have even considered going back to your old flip phone.
Before you do that, let me explain some basics. Smartphones aren’t intuitive, but once someone shows you the fundamentals, they start to make sense.
First, let’s clear this up. There are two main types of smartphones:
iPhone — Made by Apple. If it says “iPhone” on the box, that’s what you have. These all work the same way.
Android — Made by several companies (Samsung, Motorola, Google, etc.). These are similar to each other but have small differences depending on the brand.
Both are good. iPhone is usually easier for beginners because everything is consistent. Android gives you more customization but can be more confusing.
Which do I have?
Let’s start with what everyone gets wrong:
To turn on: Press and hold the side button (or top button) until you see the Apple or Samsung logo.
To turn off:
To wake the screen: Just tap the screen or press the power button once.
When you first turn on your phone, you see the lock screen. This prevents accidental touches when your phone is in your pocket or purse.
To unlock:
This is where all your apps (little square icons) live. Each icon opens a different program.
Common icons:
Good news: this works almost exactly like your old phone.
To answer a call: When someone calls, swipe or tap the green button.
To hang up: Tap the red button.
To see recent calls: Open the Phone app and you’ll see a list of recent calls. Tap any number to call it back.
Texting (also called “text messaging” or “SMS”) is sending short written messages to someone’s phone.
Your message is delivered instantly to their phone.
When someone texts you:
This is where people struggle. That tiny keyboard is hard to use at first.
Typing tips:
Punctuation:
You’ll see these in texts:
Open the Photos app (iPhone) or Gallery app (Android). All your photos are there.
Volume buttons are on the side of your phone:
Ringer vs. Media Volume:
Silent mode:
Your phone needs to be charged regularly — usually every day or two.
To charge:
Battery percentage: Look in the top right corner for a battery icon. If it’s getting low (below 20%), charge it soon.
Pro tip: Charge your phone overnight every night. Make it a routine.
“I can’t hear anything when someone calls.” Check your volume buttons. Also make sure you took the phone off silent mode (look for a switch on the side).
“The screen went black.” It’s just sleeping. Press the power button once to wake it up.
“I tapped something and now I don’t know how to get back.” Look for a back arrow or < symbol, usually in the top left corner. Tap that to go back.
“My phone is frozen/stuck.” Force restart it:
“I deleted something important.” If it’s a text message, it’s probably gone. Photos are usually in a “Recently Deleted” folder where you can recover them for 30 days.
Smartphones are pretty durable, but:
Don’t be afraid to explore your phone. You’re not going to permanently break anything by tapping around. Worst case, you open an app you didn’t mean to — just go back to the home screen.
Your phone can connect to the internet two ways:
WiFi — Wireless internet from your home router. Free (you already pay for home internet).
Cellular Data — Internet through your phone carrier (AT&T, Verizon, etc.). Limited by your phone plan, may cost extra.
When at home, use WiFi. This saves your data allowance. Go to Settings → WiFi and connect to your home network (you’ll need your WiFi password).
Here’s what I tell everyone: you’re learning a new language.
Your old phone had buttons you could feel. This phone is all touch and swipes and gestures that nobody ever explained to you. Of course it’s confusing.
But smartphones can:
Once you get comfortable with the basics, your phone becomes less frustrating and more helpful.
If you’d rather have someone sit with you and show you how your specific phone works, that’s exactly what I do.
I serve the entire Pee Dee region — Florence, Darlington, Hartsville, and surrounding areas. I’ll come to your home and help you:
No judgment. No tech jargon. Just patient explanations and hands-on practice.
Call or text: 854-204-7526 Email: [email protected]
$100 flat rate for up to 2 hours of in-home help. Most people feel much more comfortable with their phone after just one session.
You deserve to use the phone your family gave you without stress. Let me help make that happen.
