Learn Your Smartphone
Listed below are steps to help seniors learn how to use their smartphone. We all have different levels of experience with these devices, so feel free to skip the steps you’re already familiar with and explore the topics that interest you. This simple guide will help seniors navigate this section of the website.
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Step 1 : Get a smartphone.
It may seem obvious, but the first step is to make sure you have a smartphone. Not all phones are “smartphones” and older models may not be able to handle today’s technology. If you’re like my friend Charlie, who says, “All I need is this to call,” consider this: Would you use a horse and a map if you needed to send a letter today? Outdated devices can hold you back in our modern world. Below are some examples of phones that aren’t smartphones:
A key difference between cellphones and smartphones is how you interact with them. Cellphone’s typically have physical buttons with numbers and small letters, while smartphones primarily use a touch screen for input and navigation.
If you need help choosing a phone we recommend choosing the brands Samsung or Iphone. Both are different in how you navigate. If you never owned a smartphone before we recommend you choose the easier option listed below . If you are upgrading your current smartphone , please talk to your cell phone provider.
Easier Option: There is also a brand built for seniors to make things super simple while also being able to use smartphone features. However you do need to use the cellphone provider called Lively in order to use these phones.
Click the Smartphone Image Below to Check Out Their Phones on Amazon. You would still need to purchase a phone plan through the cellphone provider after purchasing the phone.
If you want to go a more complex route with more features continue scrolling. If you are looking for a simpler approach we suggest clicking the link above !
Step 2 : Power Device on.
Yes sometimes we don’t understand how to turn on these things. In the user manual there should be instructions on how to turn on the phone . If you click the circle below this will bring you to a site called Wikihow. Their article explains in detail how to turn on your phone . If you want to come back to this page after clicking that link and reading, all you have to do is click the back <- button on your browser . This is located at the top left corner of your screen. Now click the button below if you need help turning on your phone.
Step 3 : Setting up your phone.
If you’re new to setting up a phone, we recommend seeking help from a friend or family member. Alternatively, visiting the physical store of your cellphone provider (like Verizon or T-mobile) can be extremely helpful, as their staff can provide expert guidance on getting your phone up and running.
Step 4: Add Contacts.
Once your phone is set up, the next step is to start adding your contacts.
Click an image below on how to add contacts . Iphone users, click Iphone circle. Android users ( samsung and other brands), click Android circle.
Step 5 : Test out calling.
Try calling one of your contacts from the contacts menu. Tap on the contact you want to call, then tap the phone icon labeled “call” or “mobile.”
Step 6: Time to text.
There are two ways to send a text: through the messaging app or directly from your contacts list. Since we just practiced using your contacts, let’s learn how to text from there. In the next step, we’ll cover the messaging app.
To text from your contacts, tap on the contacts icon (usually a picture of a contact book), then select the contact you want to message. Next, tap on the conversation bubble icon on your screen – this is the standard icon for texting across most phones. They come in all shapes and sizes but it’s the same type of image. See image examples below.
Now click the conversation bubble on your phone from your contact list . This will bring you to the messaging app . Your contact will already be set to receive the message once you type it out .
To be continued…
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