Tech Talk: Smartphones 101 - What You Really Need to Know
- Windy City Ruth
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Let’s face it — smartphones aren’t just phones anymore. They’re step-counters, calendars, cameras, flashlights, health monitors, and your direct connection to the world. But if you’ve ever stared at your screen and thought, “Where do I even start?” — you’re not alone.
This Tech Talk is here to walk you through the basics and help you feel more confident using that powerful device in your hand.
Why Learn the Basics?
Whether you’re using a smartphone to keep in touch with your grandchildren, check the weather, or make a doctor’s appointment, knowing the basics can save you time and reduce stress. It can even boost your safety — like knowing how to use the flashlight in a power outage or call 911 quickly.
And yes, it can be fun once you get the hang of it!
This guide covers the most important things you need to know to get started using your smartphone with confidence.
🤔 First Things First: What Kind of Phone Do You Have?
There are two major types of smartphones:
iPhone (Apple) — These have the Apple logo (a small apple with a bite out of it) on the back.
Android — This includes brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Google Pixel.
You’ll need to know which one you have, because the buttons and menus can look different.
If you’re unsure, tap Settings and (the icon looks like a gear) scroll down — on an iPhone, it will say “iPhone” or “Apple ID” near the top; on an Android, it may list your device name like “Samsung Galaxy.”
🔓 Unlocking the Phone
To wake up your phone, press the side button or tap the screen. If your phone has a passcode or fingerprint reader, you’ll need to enter that to get started.
Tip: If you forgot your passcode, ask a trusted friend or family member to help reset it — or visit your local phone provider’s store.
📞 Making a Call
Tap the Phone icon (usually green with a white phone symbol).
Tap Contacts or use the Keypad to dial.
Press the green button to call, and the red one to hang up.
Need visuals?
💬 Sending a Text Message
Tap the Messages or Text icon (usually green on iPhone, blue on Android).
Tap the pencil or "+" to start a new message.
Type a name or phone number.
Tap the message box to type, then tap Send.
Want to use your voice instead of typing? Look for the microphone icon on your keyboard and speak your message!
📸 Taking and Viewing Photos
Most smartphones have two cameras — one on the front for selfies or video calls, and one on the back for regular photos.
Tap the Camera app.
Point the camera at what you want to capture.
Tap the white circle (shutter button) to take the photo.
To view photos:
Open the Photos or Gallery app
Scroll to see everything you’ve taken
Tap to open, swipe left or right to browse
More help:
🔧 Adjusting Text Size and Volume
If your screen is hard to read or your ringer is too quiet, you can fix that easily.
To make text larger:
iPhone: Change text size
Android: Adjust display size and font
To adjust volume:
Use the volume buttons on the side of your phone, or go to Settings > Sounds.
🌐 Using the Internet and Apps
To browse the web:
Tap the Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android) icon
Type in what you want to search (e.g., "Chicago weather today")
Tap a result to read more
To try new tools, open your App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) — it’s where you can download free apps like:
Weather apps
Grocery delivery
Games and puzzles
Health trackers
News and music
Just be sure to check reviews and stick with well-known names.
🛟 Safety & Accessibility Features
Modern smartphones include tools to make life easier:
Flashlight – Usually found in the Control Center (swipe down from top)
Emergency SOS – Can quickly call 911
Magnifier – Turns your phone into a digital magnifying glass
Voice Assistant – Use Siri or Google Assistant to ask questions hands-free
More accessibility options:
🙌 Final Words of Encouragement: It’s okay to learn one step at a time. No one was born knowing how to use a smartphone — and no question is too small. Every tap and swipe you learn gives you more independence, connection, and confidence.
If you ever feel stuck, come back to this blog, ask a friend, or explore the excellent beginner guides at:
And signup for Windy City Seniors newsletters and email here.
💡 Stay curious — and stay connected.
You’ve got this. And Windy City Seniors is here to cheer you on every step of the way! ♥
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