Start here
What's Actually Inside a Smartphone
Next
Getting Around: Basic Navigation
Then
Apps, Data, and Connectivity
Build on it
Calls, Texts, and Contacts
Protect yourself
Keeping Your Phone and Your Information Safe
What's Actually Inside a Smartphone
A smartphone is essentially a small computer that fits in your pocket. It has a processor (its brain), storage (where your photos and apps live), a battery, and a screen you control by touching. Most phones also include cameras, a microphone, a speaker, and sensors that detect things like your orientation and ambient light.
Every smartphone runs an operating system — the core software that controls how everything works. The two you'll encounter in the US are Android (used by many different phone makers) and iOS (used exclusively on Apple iPhones). The operating system determines how your menus look, where settings are located, and which app store you use. Most things work similarly between them, but the exact steps may differ slightly.
Operating system
The core software that runs your phone and controls how everything looks and behaves. Android and iOS are the two main options on smartphones sold in the US.
App
A program you run on your phone, similar to software on a computer. Apps can be pre-installed or downloaded from your phone's official app store.
Mobile data
An internet connection provided by your phone carrier that works almost anywhere your carrier has coverage. Your plan includes a monthly data allowance.
Wi-Fi
A wireless internet connection from a router, usually in your home or a business. Using Wi-Fi doesn't count against your mobile data plan.
Screen lock
A security feature that requires a PIN, password, fingerprint, or face scan to unlock your phone and access its contents.
Storage
The built-in space on your phone where apps, photos, videos, and other files are saved. Phones list storage in gigabytes (GB).
Getting Around: Basic Navigation
Modern smartphones are designed to be touched. Here are the core gestures you'll use constantly:
- Tap — a quick single touch to open an app or press a button.
- Swipe — slide your finger across the screen to scroll through content or move between screens.
- Pinch or spread — place two fingers on the screen and move them together or apart to zoom out or in.
- Long press — hold your finger on something for a moment to see more options.
Along the bottom or top of your screen you'll also find navigation controls. These might be physical buttons or on-screen icons for going back, returning to your home screen, or switching between open apps. If you're unsure which is which, the home button (often a circle or house icon) always returns you to the main screen.
Lost? The Home Button Always Rescues You
No matter where you are in an app or menu, pressing your home button (or swiping up from the bottom on newer phones) takes you back to your main screen. Think of it as your reset button whenever something feels confusing. From the home screen, you can always start fresh.
Apps, Data, and Connectivity
An app (short for application) is a program you run on your phone — think of it like software on a computer. Your phone comes with several pre-installed, including a web browser, camera, maps, and clock. You can download more from your phone's official app store: the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android. Stick to these stores — they screen apps for safety before listing them.
Your phone connects to the internet two ways: mobile data (provided by your carrier, counted against your monthly plan) and Wi-Fi (a wireless network in your home or a public space). Use Wi-Fi when it's available to conserve your data allowance. To connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings, find Wi-Fi, and tap the name of your network.
Planning a trip? Your smartphone is a powerful travel companion for maps, translations, and boarding passes. See the Travel Tips hub for ideas on using your phone smarter on the road.
Calls, Texts, and Contacts
Making a call is straightforward: open the Phone app, tap the keypad icon, dial the number, and press the green call button. To end a call, tap the red button. Your recent calls are saved automatically in the call log, which appears when you open the Phone app.
Texting uses the Messages app. Tap to start a new message, type or paste a phone number (or choose from your contacts), write your message, and tap Send. You can also send photos, voice messages, and short videos this way.
Your Contacts app stores names and numbers so you don't have to memorize them. Tap the plus sign or "New Contact" to add someone manually, or save a number directly from a call. Once someone is in your contacts, their name will appear automatically when they call or text you.
Down the road, if you upgrade to a new device, your contacts can move with you. The guide to switching phones without losing data walks through that process clearly.
Keeping Your Phone and Your Information Safe
Your phone holds a lot of personal information — contacts, photos, email, and sometimes payment details. Two basic habits protect most of it:
- Set a screen lock. Go to Settings and look for "Security" or "Face ID & Passcode" (on iPhone). Choose a PIN, password, fingerprint, or face recognition. This prevents anyone who picks up your phone from accessing it.
- Keep your software updated. Updates fix security gaps. When your phone prompts you to install an update, do so over Wi-Fi when convenient. You can also check for updates manually in Settings under "Software Update" or "System Update."
Watch Out for Phishing Texts and Calls
Scammers sometimes send texts or make calls pretending to be your bank, carrier, or a government agency. They may ask for your PIN, password, or payment information. Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information this way. When in doubt, hang up and contact the organization directly using a number from their official website.
As your comfort grows, you may find yourself relying on your smartphone for more and more tasks. For an honest look at where phones shine and where they still fall short, see the real trade-offs of using a smartphone for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Android phones are made by many different manufacturers and run software developed by Google. iPhones are made exclusively by Apple and run iOS. Both can do the same core tasks — calling, texting, browsing, and running apps — but their menus, settings, and app stores are organized differently.
Connect to Wi-Fi whenever you're at home or somewhere you trust, since Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against your monthly data plan. You can also turn off automatic app updates so they only happen over Wi-Fi. Check your phone's Settings to see a breakdown of which apps are using the most data.
Most phones allow you to reset access through your Google or Apple account after several failed attempts. You may need to verify your identity by email or a trusted phone number. In some cases, resetting the phone to factory settings is the only option, so storing recovery info somewhere safe is important.
Generally, yes — the Apple App Store and Google Play Store screen apps before listing them. Stick to these official stores and avoid downloading app files from websites. Check the number of downloads and user reviews before installing anything unfamiliar.
Open your phone's Contacts app (or the Phone app), tap the option to add a new contact, and type in the name and number. Most phones also let you save a contact directly from a call or text by tapping on the number and choosing "Add to Contacts."
Most battery experts suggest avoiding letting your battery drop below around 20% regularly, and not charging to 100% every single time if you can help it. Charging overnight occasionally is fine for modern phones. Using your phone while it charges is generally safe and won't harm the battery.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.