How to learn your new iPhone
I often get asked what is the easiest way to learn how to use your iPhone. My answer: it depends. There are a lot of variables to consider. Some people have never used a smartphone in their life. Some people have never used an Apple product in their life. Others are switching from a Samsung or Motorola smartphone. I’ll break down my recommendations here so if any apply to you, you can evaluate the advice.
The iPhone is your first “smartphone”, and you have no idea what you are doing.
The first scenario is quite common, and finding help for these people can be tricky. What do I mean by your first “smartphone”? By smartphone I mean a phone that utilizes a touch screen for the majority of its features and that can browse the internet and download apps. Older flip phones do not count. So what are you to do in this scenario? It depends on how you like to learn. The two options I would recommend are either to get a book that teaches you how to use your iPhone, or watch a video course on how to use your iPhone. I have found that many seniors prefer to go the book route, whereas many baby boomers seem to prefer the video.
If you want to learn via a book, I would recommend the iPhone Manual for Beginners. The book is very successful at teaching people how to use their iPhone and contains detailed illustrations to help the learning process. It also works as a great reference manual for when you need a quick review.
If you are looking to learn by watching a video, I would recommend How to Use the iPhone for Beginners. The video is about 30 minutes and covers most of the important aspects of the iPhone.
You are switching from a Samsung or other smartphone to the iPhone.
If you fall in this category, learning to use your iPhone will be much easier. The iPhone shares some similarities with other smartphones and you can pick up on these pretty quickly. Most people in this category probably won’t need a book or a video guide. You can most likely figure out the iPhone slowly over time. However, if you feel the need for a quick course on the iPhone’s ins and outs, I would recommend the video guide How to use the iPhone for Beginners.
You just got an iPhone, but you have experience using an iPod or iPad.
Lastly, if you find yourself in this category there is no need to seek outside assistance in learning your device. Upon using your iPhone, you will quickly realize that the iPhone is almost identical to the iPad and iPod touch in terms of how it works. So if you have used those devices in the past there will be very little adjustment needed. If you think you still need some assistance with your iPhone, subscribe to my newsletter on the right. I send out weekly emails with tips and tricks for using your iPhone, including my monthly recommended apps.