Learning Your New iPhone: An iPhone Manual or a Video Guide?
People often ask us the easiest way to learn a new iPhone. The honest answer: it depends. Some people have never used a smartphone. Some have never used an Apple product. Others are switching from a Samsung or another Android phone. Find the situation that sounds like you below.
The iPhone is your first smartphone
This is the most common situation, and the hardest one to find good help for. By “smartphone,” we mean a phone that uses a touch screen for most things and can browse the internet and download apps. Flip phones don’t count.
The best approach depends on how you like to learn. We suggest one of two routes:
- If you like to read: the iPhone Manual for Beginners teaches the iPhone step by step with detailed illustrations, and it doubles as a reference when you need a refresher. Many seniors prefer this route.
- If you’d rather watch: the video course How to Use the iPhone for Beginners covers the most important parts of the iPhone in about 30 minutes.
Apple’s built-in Tips app, which is already on your iPhone, is also worth a look once you know the basics.
You’re switching from Android
If you’re coming from a Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, or other Android phone, learning the iPhone will be much easier. It works a lot like other smartphones, and you’ll pick up the differences quickly. Apple’s free Move to iOS app for Android can transfer your contacts, photos, and messages. Most people in this group don’t need a book or video. If you want a quick tour of the iPhone’s ins and outs, the video guide is a good fit.
You’ve used an iPad or iPod touch
You probably don’t need outside help. The iPhone works almost exactly like an iPad or iPod touch, so there’s very little to adjust to.