Set up a phone or tablet for someone new to devices

Out‑of‑the‑box setup with a simplified home screen reduces frustration and helps new users feel in control. This guide covers the essentials: language, Wi‑Fi, account setup, accessibility tweaks and making the home screen simple.

1. Power on and choose language and region.
2. Connect to Wi‑Fi using the network name and password.
3. Create or sign in to the device account (Google account for Android; Apple ID for iPhone/iPad).
4. Skip or decline optional services you don’t need (advertising, voice assistants) for simplicity.
5. Install only essential apps: phone, messages, email, video call app, news or weather.
6. Simplify the home screen: keep one page only, place essential apps in large icons,      remove or hide non‑essential apps.
7. Set Emergency Contact and Medical ID (where available) and add a clear lock screen message if helpful.
8. Turn on automatic updates for apps and the operating system.
9. Set a simple but secure screen lock (PIN or fingerprint) and enable app‑level security for banking apps.
10. Leave a short printed note showing: device name, Wi‑Fi name, Wi‑Fi password, key      apps installed, and an emergency contact number.

• Can’t connect to Wi‑Fi: Recheck the password, move closer to the router, or restart the router.
• Forgot account password: Use the device’s account recovery options or help the user set up a recovery phone/email.
• Apps won’t download: Check available storage and restart the device; try updating the device OS if needed.
• Device slow or overheating: Close background apps, reduce screen brightness and check storage usage.

• Increase text size and choose a high‑contrast theme if needed.
• Enable voice assistant shortcuts for common tasks (call a family member, open camera).
• Create speed‑dial shortcuts and add favourite contacts to the home screen.
• Schedule a follow‑up check after a few days to answer questions and adjust settings.

Device name: _______ | Wi‑Fi: _______ | Wi‑Fi password: _______ | Key apps installed: _______ | Emergency contact: _______.