How to Use a Smartphone

Understand what kind of smartphone you have. While there many makes and models of smartphones on the market today, the two major platforms they run on are Android and iOS.

• iOS: iOS is developed by Apple and is used on all iPhone and iPad devices. iOS devices tend to be a little more expensive, but they are also a little more user-friendly and have better security features. Apple is a little bit stricter on what apps are allowed for iPhone and iPad and does not allow you to install apps from unverified third-party sources.
• Android: Most non-Apple smartphones run on the Android operating system. It's a little more complex and not as easy to use. Smartphone developers can customize the Android operating system for their own phone models. This means that the layout can be a little different from one phone make and model to another. Android is a little less strict on what apps are allowed the platform, and you can install apps from unverified third-party sources. This also means that Android devices have more security flaws and require you to be more vigilant about what you download and install on your smartphone.

Install the SIM card. SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module. The SIM card is a tiny rectangular shaped card with an integrated circuit on the bottom. The SIM card is provided by your cellular service provider and contains your account information and phone number. A valid SIM card must be installed in your phone for it to work. Most of the time, the retailer you purchase the phone from will install the SIM card for you. If you need to install a SIM card, use the SIM card tool that came with your phone and insert it into the compartment with a tiny pinhole in it. This will eject the compartment. Place the SIM card in the tray and replace it into your smartphone. On iPhone and iPad, the SIM card tray is usually located on the right side of the phone. On Android phones, the SIM card tray is found along to the top or side of the phone.

• On some older smartphones, you need to remove the back and take out the battery to access the SIM card storage area.
• If you don't have a SIM card tool, you can use a paperclip to open the SIM card compartment.
• Some newer phones have an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card.

Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. Your smartphone comes with a charger. To charge your smartphone, plug it into an electrical outlet and plug the USB cable into the charger. Then plug the opposite end of the USB cable into the bottom of your smartphone. A brand new phone may come with a little bit of a charge, but it's a good idea to make sure your phone is fully charged before using it. Allow a few hours for your phone to fully charge.

Power on your smartphone. Press and hold the power button on your smartphone to power it on. The screen will light up. The Power button is located on the top-right shoulder of most iPhone and iPad devices. On Android devices, it is typically on the upper-right side.

Select your language and region. The first time you power on your smartphone, there is a setup process to go through. The setup process is going to be a little different from one phone model to another. Usually, the first step is to select your language and region. Use the drop-down menu to select your language and country you live in.

Enter your wireless network and password. Smartphones can connect to the internet using two methods. They can access mobile data from the 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, or 5G network that your cellular service provider has set up. Cellular service plans often have a limited amount of mobile data you can access per month on their network. You can lower the amount of mobile data usage you use each month by connecting your smartphone to your home Wi-Fi network. In order to connect to your wireless network, enter the name of your wireless network and wireless password when prompted. Your smartphone will connect to your Wi-Fi network when it is within range.

Create or sign in to your email account. In order to download apps and access services for your device, you need to sign in to account. During the setup process, you will be given the option to create a new account and sign in or sign in to an existing account. If are using an iPhone or iPad, you can use create or sign in to an Apple ID email address. If you are using an Android device, you can sign in or create a new Google account. Your account will have an email address attached to it. Some devices, such as Samsung Galaxy or Amazon Kindle devices may require or give you the option to sign in to an Amazon or Samsung account.

Set up your lock-screen security. Your smartphone has a lot of personal information on it. You want to make sure other people can't access your smartphone if it's ever lost or stolen. It is recommended that you select a lock-screen security option to prevent other people from accessing your phone. Most modern smartphones have lots of options you can use as lock-screen security. Your phone will automatically lock when it is not being used. You will need to use the lock-screen to unlock your phone. Follow the instructions to select and set up a lock-screen security option. Some options are as follows:

• PIN/Passcode: This option allows you to set up a passcode or 4-8 digit PIN number you use to unlock your phone. Make sure you set up a passcode or PIN that you can remember.
• Pattern: This option allows you to draw across a 3x3 grid of dots to unlock your phone. Make sure you select a pattern that you can remember.
• Fingerprint: Many newer phones come with a fingerprint scanner. On iPhones, touch the Home button below your screen to scan your fingerprint. On Android, the fingerprint scanner is on the back of the phone below the camera.
• Retinal Scan: Some newer phones can use the camera to scan the retinas of your eyes. To use this feature, hold your phone up in front of your face so the forward-facing camera can see your eyes. The screen will usually mark where your eyes need to be placed in the camera.
• Facial Recognition: This method stores a 3D or 2D scan of your face and allows you to unlock your phone by viewing your face.
• No security: This option allows you to bypass the lock-screen security and unlock your phone instantly. This is not recommended.

Set up voice assistance (optional). Most modern phones come with a voice assistant. On iPhone and iPad, this is Siri. On Android devices, this is the Google Assistant. Follow the instructions to set up the voice assistant. it will usually ask you to speak a few sentences into the microphone. This will teach it to recognize your voice. To access the voice assistant, press and hold the home button below the screen.

Use the Settings app

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/7\/7e\/Iphonesettingsappicon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Iphonesettingsappicon.png\/30px-Iphonesettingsappicon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an iPhone icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/e\/ed\/Android7settingsapp.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Android7settingsapp.png\/30px-Android7settingsapp.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

to change your setup options. If you need to change any of the options you selected during the setup process, you can do so using the Settings app on your smartphone. It has an icon that resembles a gear. Tap the Settings app icon on your Home screen to open the Settings app.