Android Cheat Sheet for Seniors

A free, quick-reference guide to help you use your Android phone with confidence. Print it out and keep it next to your phone.

Basic Controls

Go Home: Press the Home button, or swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
Go Back: Tap the back arrow, or swipe inward from the left or right edge of the screen.
Recent Apps: Tap the square button (or swipe up and hold) to see open apps. Swipe them away to close.
Lock / Unlock: Press the side button once to lock. Press again and swipe up to unlock.
Volume Up / Down: Use the rocker button on the side of your phone.
Take a Screenshot: Press the Power button + Volume Down at the same time.
Restart Your Phone: Hold the Power button for 3 seconds, then tap "Restart".

Open the Phone App: Tap the green phone icon on your home screen.
Call a Contact: Tap Contacts, find the person, then tap their phone number.
Use the Keypad: Tap the keypad icon, dial the number, then tap the green call button.
Speaker / Mute: During a call, tap the speaker icon for hands-free or the mute icon to silence yourself.
Video Call: Open Google Meet (or Duo) and tap a contact to start a video call.
Add a Contact: Open the Contacts app, tap the + button, enter the name and number, then tap Save.

Send a Text: Open Messages (speech bubble icon), tap the pencil icon, type a name, then type your message.
Send a Photo: In a message, tap the + or camera icon next to the text box to attach a picture.
Voice Message: Hold the microphone icon to record your voice, then release to send.
Delete a Message: Long-press on the message, then tap the bin or delete icon.
Group Chat: Start a new message and add multiple contacts to create a group conversation.

Take a Photo: Open the Camera app and tap the big round button.
Switch to Selfie: Tap the camera-flip icon (two arrows) to use the front camera.
Record Video: Swipe to "Video" mode, then tap the red button to start recording.
View Your Photos: Open Google Photos (colourful pinwheel icon) to see all your pictures.
Share a Photo: Open a photo, tap the Share icon, and choose how to send it.
Delete a Photo: Open a photo and tap the bin icon. It goes to Trash for 30 days before being permanently removed.

Connect to WiFi: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. Tap your network name and enter the password.
Turn On Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Pair New Device to connect wireless headphones or speakers.
Adjust Brightness: Swipe down from the top of the screen and drag the sun slider left or right.
Make Text Bigger: Go to Settings > Display > Font Size and drag the slider to the right.
Do Not Disturb: Swipe down twice from the top and tap the circle icon to silence all notifications.
Change Wallpaper: Long-press on the home screen, then tap "Wallpaper & Style" to choose a new background.

Emergency SOS: Press the Power button 5 times quickly to call emergency services.
Emergency Contacts: Go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency Contacts to add a trusted person.
Find My Device: Visit google.com/android/find from any browser to locate, ring, or lock a lost phone.
Block a Caller: Open recent calls, long-press the number, and tap "Block".
Lock Screen Message: Go to Settings > Display > Lock Screen > Add text (e.g. "If found, please call...").
Stay Safe from Scams: Never share passwords or bank details over the phone or by text message.

Swipe Down: From the top of the screen to open notifications and quick settings.
Swipe Up: From the bottom of the screen to go home or open the app drawer.
Pinch to Zoom: Place two fingers on the screen and spread them apart to zoom in on photos, maps, and web pages.
Long Press: Press and hold an item for extra options like copy, delete, or move.
Swipe from Edge: Swipe inward from the left edge to go back to the previous screen.
Double Tap: Double-tap to zoom in on photos, maps, and web pages.

Force Restart: Hold the Power button + Volume Up for 10 seconds until the screen goes black, then release.
App Not Working: Go to Settings > Apps, choose the app, and tap "Clear Cache". Then reopen the app.
Update Android: Go to Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates and install if available.
Running Slowly: Close unused apps by swiping them away in recent apps, then restart your phone.
Save Battery: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and turn it on when your battery is running low.
Storage Full: Delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use to free up space.

These step-by-step guides go deeper on the topics covered in this cheat sheet.