Do you have a brand new iPhone but no idea how everything works? In this article, we’ll give you useful basic tips to get to know the iPhone.
5 useful iPhone basic tips
An iPhone is of course much more than a mobile phone for calling. If you decide to buy an iPhone, you actually get a handy computer at home. But what can you do with it and how does it work? We explain the basic functions and apps, so that you can get started with your new iPhone right away.
1. The first time: set up iPhone
First of all, you start with setting up your iPhone. When you buy these in the store, you can always ask an employee to do this for you. If that is not possible, for example because you get the iPhone delivered to your home, you can also easily do it yourself.
There is no manual in the box, but the iPhone takes you step by step through the setup process. First, insert your SIM card into the holder and turn on the iPhone by pressing the power button on the right. The setting is very simple: follow the steps on the screen. Read the article below for a detailed instruction on setting up a new iPhone.
2. Video calling via FaceTime
In addition to making calls, it is also possible to make video calls with an iPhone. This way you can see your conversation partner on the screen while you are talking to them. You don’t need to download anything to make video calls: the FaceTime app is already standard on every iPhone. You will find the green FaceTime icon on your home screen.
- You can call someone via FaceTime by opening the app and pressing the plus sign;
- Enter the name of the contact you want to call;
- Tap the correct contact to start the conversation.
It is also possible to call several people at the same time. You can also (temporarily) turn off your microphone and switch cameras. You can read more about this in the article below.
3. Download and set up WhatsApp
If you have a new iPhone, there is a good chance that you want to reach your friends and family via WhatsApp. This is an app that you can download from the App Store. Open the App Store and type ‘WhatsApp’ in the search bar, or click the link below. Then tap on ‘Download’. Likewise, you can also download other apps, such as Facebook. Make sure you have a working internet connection.
Once WhatsApp has been downloaded, the app will appear on your home screen.
- Open the app and go to the next screen by agreeing to the terms;
- Enter your phone number;
- WhatsApp will now send you a verification code via SMS. If you have entered the correct phone number, the app will automatically recognize this and you can immediately start WhatsApp.
To start a new chat, tap the pencil icon at the top right and then tap the name of the contact you want to WhatsApp.
4. Take and send a photo
You no longer have to bring a separate camera with you when you go out. iPhones usually take very good photos. To take a photo, tap the Camera app icon on your home screen. You can take a photo by tapping the white shutter button. You switch between different modes by swiping left and right on the screen.
Photos you’ve taken are automatically saved in the Photos app. This can also be found on your home screen. You can reach the home screen from any app by swiping up or pressing the home button. You can recognize the Photos app by the white icon with a colored flower. Here you will find all the photos you have taken. In the ‘Photos’ tab you will find the latest photo at the bottom.
To send a photo, tap on the first desired photo. At the bottom left of the screen you will see a share icon: a square with an arrow pointing up. Here you will see options to send your photo. For example, tap WhatsApp to send the photo to someone you know. Select the desired contact and tap ‘Next’. Here you can optionally type something more. Is your message finished? Then press the blue arrow to send the message.
5. Troubleshooting
Does your iPhone freeze or is something not working? Always try to restart your device first. You do this with newer iPhones by pressing the on / off button and the lower volume button at the same time. With older iPhones you only need to press and hold the on / off button for a long time. Drag the power button to the right to turn off your device. Press the same key to turn your iPhone back on.
Doesn’t that solve your problems? First check if you have a good internet connection. On iPhone you can also read all kinds of useful tips on how to solve various problems. For example, we explain how you can reset your iPhone, or what you can do if your iPhone no longer charges. Does your iPhone no longer turn on? Then we’ll show you what you can do.