š± Seniors Power Up! Smartphone Basics and Safety
- kaedixon8
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
š§āš» About the Presenter
Seniors Power Up!, a non-profit arm of The Rock Insurance Agency, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and empowering seniors with the confidence and skills to thrive in a digital world. This presentation will cover smartphone basics for Apple (iPhone/iPad) and Android (Samsung/Google) devices.
š Passcode, Face ID, or Screen Lock
Passcodes are crucial for keeping your phone secure. They ensure that only you can access your device.
iPhone/iPad
Passcode: Go to Settings -> Face ID & Passcode -> Turn Passcode On. Enter a 6-digit code you'll remember (or tap Passcode Options for a 4-digit code).
Face ID: Go to Settings -> Face ID & Passcode -> Set Up Face ID. Follow the on-screen prompts to scan your face. You can now unlock your phone by simply holding it up to your face.
Android
Screen Lock: Tap the Settings icon -> Security -> Screen Lock. Choose from PIN (4+ numbers), Password(4+ letters/numbers), or a Pattern (a drawn design).
š Increasing Font Size
Large fonts can make reading easier and give your eyes a much-needed break.
iPhone/iPad
Go to Settings -> Display & Brightness -> Text Size. Drag the slider to the right to increase the font size across your device.
Android
Go to the Settings app -> Accessibility. Drag the slider to the right to increase the font size.
š Adjusting Your Phone's Volume
Ensure you can hear important notifications, calls, and media.
iPhone/iPad
Ringtone/Alerts: Go to Settings -> Sounds & Haptics. Slide the bar at the top to change the default volume.
Media: Use the physical buttons on the left side of your phone to adjust the volume of videos and music.
Android
Ringtone: Go to Settings -> Sound and vibration -> Volume. Drag the Ringtone bar to the right to increase the volume.
Media: Use the physical buttons on the left side of your phone to adjust the volume.
š¶ Wi-Fi
Safely connect to Wi-Fi to use the internet and save cellular data.
Apple & Android
Connecting: Go to the Settings app -> Wi-Fi (or Network & internet on Android) -> Internet. Tap on the name of the network you want to join. If it has a lock icon, you'll need to enter a password. A blue checkmark (Apple) or a "Current network" label (Android) confirms you're connected.
Public Wi-Fi Safety: When using public Wi-Fi at a library or cafe, ask an employee for the network name and password. Networks with a password are generally more secure than open, password-less ones.
š Updating Software
Keeping your phone's software up-to-date is important for security and performance.
iPhone/iPad
It's best to be on Wi-Fi and plugged in. Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update. Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
Android
It's best to be on Wi-Fi and plugged in. Open the Settings app -> System update. Follow the on-screen steps to update the software.
š Location Settings
Enable location settings so you can find your phone if it's lost.
iPhone/iPad
Open Settings -> tap your name -> Find My. Turn on Share My Location and Find my [device].
Android
Open Settings -> Location. Turn on Location. Next, go to Settings -> Security -> Find My Device and ensure Store recent location is on.
š§ Connecting to Bluetooth
Use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to devices like headphones or speakers.
Apple
Open Settings -> Bluetooth. Make sure it's on. Tap the accessory you want to pair from the list. For Apple devices like AirPods, simply open the case with the AirPods inside, and hold it next to your device.
Android
Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Bluetooth icon. Touch and hold the icon to open Bluetooth settings. Tap Pair new device and select the name of the device you want to connect to.
šø Scanning a QR Code
Use your phone's camera to easily visit a website from a QR code.
Apple & Android
Open your Camera app. Point the camera at the QR code. A banner will appear at the top of the screen. Tap the banner to go to the website.
Practice scanning a QR code here: SCAN NOW
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