Using Your Smart Device

Be sure the people you are working with understand the basic operations of their phones and similar smart devices, like iPads and other tablets. This page includes a list of those basic operations. If you know how to complete these operations on one type of device but not on others, work with other members of your team to learn a bit about different operating systems. Divide into expert teams and help each other learn.

Be sure you are comfortable with these basic operations. Are there others you would add to the list?

Turn the device on and off.

• Identify the external buttons on the device--particularly volume up and down.
• Show the emergency medical ID and calling 911.
• Show the battery life icon.

Use cellular or WiFi data.

• Participants may not understand the difference between using cellular data and WiFi data. Some users may not have WiFi plans for their devices.
• It's best to encourage them to use WiFi data during your sessions since you don't know what type of data plan they have. Don't ask questions to others about their plans.
• Show them how to connect to WiFi in the device's Settings.

Master Touchscreen (Multi-touch) Gestures.

Some people struggle with the difference between tapping a screen lightly and pressing on the screen. This is harder for people who struggle with fine-motor skills. Be sure your older adults can successfully use the following multi-touch gestures. They can all be practiced.

• Tap: A quick touch and release on the screen, equivalent to a mouse click.
• Long press: Used to move apps on the home screen.
• Swipe: Dragging a finger across the screen, commonly used for scrolling or navigating.
• Pinch and Spread: Using two fingers to zoom in (spread) or out (pinch).

Apple has identified 15 multi-touch gestures and Lifewire describes seven Android gestures. You can adjust how you can interact with some of these gestures in a device's settings.

Organize the Home Screen.

The main screen users see when unlocking their phone or tablet can contain app icons, widgets, and shortcuts. Be sure your older adults understand the difference between their device's home screen and the lock screen.

Some adults may not realize there can be multiple screens they can access or that they can add items to their home screen. Those with iPhones or iOS devices, in general, should know how to navigate across screens, organize the apps on their screens, and how to combine like apps into a folder. Android users should be able to drag an app onto the home screen and know how to use shortcuts and widgets. They can also make folders.

You may want to show your older adults how to set the background on their home screen with one of their pictures. They'll appreciate being able to customize their phone or tablet with a picture of family, friends, a favorite pet, or other favorite photo.

Use the Camera and Access the Photo Gallery.

Almost all smartphones come with front and back cameras. Some tablets do. After taking photos, they're stored in the device's gallery or Photos app. Be sure your participants understand how to switch the camera from front to back and vice versa, if they have that option. There are also different filters and filming options you can share and they can practice.

Be sure your participants know how to access their photos. Some may not realize they can share them with other devices and other people. Know how to do this on multiple platforms. Participants may also want to know how to add pictures their family has sent to them via text or email to the gallery or Photos.

Use Voice Commands.

Many smart devices have built-in voice assistants, like Apple's Siri or the Google Assistant. These can be activated with a button or a voice command. Accessing voice commands differs by device type and sometimes by which version of the device your partners have.

If users don't know how to use the assistant, demonstrate simple tasks like "What day is it?" or "What is the weather outside?" Be sure the voice assistant is turned on in Settings.

Know How to Adjust Settings.

Every device and many applications--like web browsers--have Settings. It is a built-in app that is now pretty universally represented by some type of gear icon. You can adjust device features, preferences, and configurations in Settings.

Some older adults may not realize they can adjust the settings on their devices and will have to be shown how to make their devices work better for them. Settings that can make a smart device easier for an older person to use include brightness, Accessibility Settings, sounds, and privacy and security.

Familiarize yourself with the settings on your own phone or other device and consider which ones would help older adults. Work with others to understand Settings on different devices.

Any of these basic features might be helpful to put into a one-page handout you will share with adults. It may be helpful to first figure out what your older participants do and do not know about their devices so you can develop the most useful information.