iPhone Tips for Seniors: Basic Settings

[@johnboyd7158]

Excellent, Mr Bowlin. Im a 71 year old Vietnam combat vet who was just gifted an iPhone 13 Pro Max. Ive been using android for 10* years, so your information is greatly appreciated. A combination of age, arthritis and PTSD creates challenges for new technology, which your videos help a lot. Many thanks!

[@ilianagonzalez4955]

I was feeling so useless because I was not able to use the Notes app, now after I found your video I am so happy. Is a different feeling. I am 61 years old and disabled not really a computer wizard. Thank you so much for your great help. 😇💙

[@RichBowlin]

You're so welcome. I'm glad the video helped.

[@stevekirby3489]

I have viewed your Basic Settings video again, just to refresh my knowledge of iPhone techniques. Bravo, Mr Bowlin. So many educational videos have presenters who talk too fast or who forget to look straight into the camera lens (like you!) or who speak in long sentences full of obscure technical jargon.

[@RichBowlin]

Wow. Thanks! I've made a lot of these videos for my 91 yr old mother. She always reminds me not to talk too fast!

[@LoriMiller1111]

Thank you soooo much! Just got my first iPhone. First cell phone actually, since using a Tracfone

[@RichBowlin]

So glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@MaryEllenAfter60]

Thank you!!! My 72 year old sister just changed from an android flip phone to an iPhone. I watch quite a few videos on YT before I landed on your videos. I sent her links to your videos, and they were so helpful to her. Just want you to know how wonderful, and easily understood your videos are. I've used an iPhone for 10 years, and I learned some new things from you. Blessings..MaryEllen

[@RichBowlin]

Wow! Thanks for the kind note. I'm so glad these videos are helpful!

[@polyMATHY_Luke]

These videos will be invaluable for my parents! Thanks so much!

[@RichBowlin]

You're so welcome!

[@helencannon1259]

Got it.

[@mrsELEVATED1]

Thank you. My 70 year old mom insisted on an iPhone. Well she got what she wanted. And now she hates it. We're going to try your series. Thank you !

[@RichBowlin]

Hope it helps. I've got a lot of iPhone tutorials on the channel. I try to teach at a pace that won't drive your mom nuts. Thanks so much for watching!

[@stevekirby3489]

Congratulations, Mr Bowlin, for a well-planned introductory tutorial. I am a British senior & have just bought myself an iPhone 12 after over 10 years with Android phones. And I have been struggling with those unfamiliar Apple "quirks". Usually I am prejudiced against a North American accent, but no problem this time, & you have a well-structured step by step script. So I am subscribing to the series of tutorials on KZbin.

[@RichBowlin]

Thank you. I have a number of friends with Android phones. They're actually very good. But for me, the iPhone and its applications, just seemed to work better. Plus, my 91 yr old mother likes her iPhone and she's the main reason behind my videos. Glad it helped you.

[@marymerry602]

I am going to be helping my 85 year old friend tomorrow get acquainted with his newly acquired iphone. Your video's are a lifesaver, they give me a plan so I can teach him the most important & helpful things first. I will make sure he subcribes to your channel so if he forgets what he was taught the video's can refresh his memory.

[@RichBowlin]

How nice of you to help your friend! Thanks for watching. Maybe the videos will help a little too.

[@MactGamer]

​@@RichBowlin yay

[@nellyabasin8115]

Thank you So much for this video , easy to understand and follow your instructions. For 76 years young women this video is absolutely brilliant. I subscribe and filling very happy to find help . Thank you very much.

[@RichBowlin]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eternallearner4753]

Thank you. So glad I found your channel. I’m a fairly recent convert to iPhone from my defunct Android phone. Video by video you are slowly but surely erasing the guilt I have been feeling for spending what I considered rather too many £s on my new phone. A full set of your videos should be provided with every Apple purchase. Kind regards from across the pond.

[@RichBowlin]

So glad the videos are helpful. Yes, the iPhone is expensive. But they last a long time and Apple supports them a long time too. So the long-term cost is usually less than other brands. Thanks so much for watching!

[@edwardrubbo1429]

Thank you so much for these videos. Grandmother has been using an iPhone since the 3G network was shutdown and now she just got an iPad. This is the perfect guide to show you each change you can make on the iPad/iPhone to make it easier for the Apple product/computer illiterate.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks! So glad the videos helped!

[@JDHopeful]

Thank you so much! I’m a law student in Indiana, originally from Florida where my 79-year-old grandmother is. My wife and I switched to iPhone from android a few years ago after burning through a phone every year. My grandmother’s phone began overheating within one minute of speaking to me through video chat so we switched her to iPhone today and she is just now getting used to it. Hopefully these videos will help her.

[@RichBowlin]

I hope the videos help! Good luck in law School. I retired after 30 yrs of practicing law. It's a challenging and wonderful profession.

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Yes, Android phones in particular get quite warm and even hot pretty quickly the first 4 or 5 days someone is using them. It happens with iPhones, too, just not as noticeably. There is so much going on the first few days after someone starts using a new phone. One reason is that today's smartphones are actually *learning* the user's habits and preferences. And the new user is messing around with the phone so much the first few days that *way* more is going on in the smartphone than is normally the case after things have settled down. I certainly hope your grandmother's phone didn't get too hot! Video chats of any sort are quite processor-intensive and even *after* the initial 'honeymoon' period a new user has with their smartphone the phone can get quite warm if not hot.

[@maurafashjian1311]

Wonderful videos that I've been using with my 93 year old mother who received an iPhone for her birthday. Just a note; you seem to have overlooked 'How to Set Up Voicemail'. Thanks for providing such clear, concise and easy to comprehend instruction. Kudos to you. This Series is truly Outstanding!

[@RichBowlin]

I sure did! Still, thanks for watching and hoped the video helped a little.

[@dgbx6]

Holy smoke! Am I ever glad to have come upon this video series. I've been sort of waiting for my Iphone to tell me how do deal with it for months, - and it's done a very poor job. This is great. Thank you.

[@RichBowlin]

Welcome aboard! Glad the video was helpful!

[@sandracalder5681]

Thank you so much. I did learn, even though I have been using for years. Just doing by trial and error. Can’t wait for next one. You are very easy to hear and take time to explain. 😀

[@MousyLeigh]

Thank you. My grandma needs this

[@Neasyorc]

Yo dude! Thanks for your help! I wanted to find a guide that would help my mom out!

[@RichBowlin]

Glad I could help!

[@cybersal7]

I’m so glad I found you. I’m on my second iPhone and I have a third one that I use without a Sims for things other than calls.. I detest Bill Gates and I hate Microsoft but I will have to say that those window phones are the easiest I’ve ever used in my life and I’ve had just about every one. I’m still getting helpful tips after all these years. Thank you.

[@RichBowlin]

Your welcome. Thanks so much for watching!

[@kerrydarrigan8204]

Awesome video, I like how you take your time, and actually show what your touching/tapping on, most of these leave me frustrated as I cannot follow along, but I had no trouble following along with your video! Great Job, I wish I found you sooner.

[@RichBowlin]

Glad to help!

[@LindaCrowder10021950]

I share you with my friends. You are so handy to have around. Thanks for what you do!

[@RichBowlin]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@quiltdiva553]

Thank you so much Mr. Bowlin for your very informative video clips on the Iphone. This has been a big help for us to decide buying one. Thanks again!

[@helgagolley3714]

Thank you very much most helpful

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@LSMestres]

I really like your videos for Seniors on how to use the iPhone. Another series that would be great is one on the iPhone SE which still has the home button. This means there are a few items that work differently. Example: Control Center access - on the iPhone SE you access it from the bottom of the phone and swipe up. The iPhone SE is what my Parents have and your videos would be perfect for them!!!!! Thank you.

[@kimlarjohnson2263]

thank you. i teach adults IT and lately i am getting older adults and it is my mission to get them to learn as i'm struggling w adult ed where i teach & their funding & numbers so i'm branching out on my own. This term voluntarily because there is a gap in market that i don't like. i also teach a disabled man and he is getting an iphone and i am making him watch you because you are great at explaining.

[@ba611]

What a great site!! You have a knack for explaining things in a very ez way to understand.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks! Glad the video was helpful.

[@ragingsilver]

About to get my dad an iPhone and these tips are useful. The latest OS update will have a simple mode for the seniors or hard of sight so will be great when it gets released :)

[@RichBowlin]

Yep. I should have the public beta of iOS 17 soon to begin testing all of the new features. Then I'm going to put out a new round of videos on how to use the iPhone (to update the older series).

[@susanp.vessicchio6364]

Thank you.

[@brianclifford5791]

Hi Rich, these are truly great videos. May I suggest you consider making a video covering iPhone/iPad Touch Screen settings. With my new iPhone I have found myself prodding and poking on the screen trying to enable a touch function. Perhaps it might be useful for your viewers to learn the recommended basic settings in the Touch Setting?

[@dymechik721]

Thanks so much for creating this! I’ve been looking everywhere for easy-to-follow iPhone tips for my grandma. It’d be amazing to see a video with general tips for navigating the basic iPhone functions (powering on/off, making a call, sending an email/text). Most videos on KZbin are so outdated at this point. Great video!

[@RichBowlin]

So glad it helped! My mom is learning how to use the iPhone and iPad too. In this iPhone series there will be a really basic "How to turn on'" "How to turn off" "how to swipe." etc. video.

[@stevekirby3489]

Yes that’s exactly what I need to see.

[@marieregina5550]

Do you have a video on what to do with a phone right out of the box? Really basic things such as turning it on and then what to do from there? I've never had a smartphone and have no idea how to use one. Something like that would be truly helpful.

[@RichBowlin]

I sure do! Click on this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHTVnZ-gjcZnsMU

[@dorothygudukas8703]

This is really going to help me!!! Thank you!!

[@stevennovakovich2525]

Great video series, Rich! I recently purchased an iPhone SE 2022 (3rd gen) and I absolutely love it! Your videos have helped immensely!

[@TubeYouTakashi]

Thank you thout I know the baseicx well, But I found aother way to do, I am goad to listning yor comments

[@John10Smith10]

Thank you, Rich. This video was very helpful for me

[@RichBowlin]

You're welcome!

[@GrammyTapDancing]

If buying today which iPhone do you suggest for my parents to buy new now?

[@RichBowlin]

You know, they're all good. But if it's the first iPhone they'll own, I'd probably buy the iPhone SE. Hope this helps.

[@GrammyTapDancing]

@@RichBowlin tnk u

[@ccsnd77]

This was so very helpful! Thank you!

[@RichBowlin]

You are so welcome!

[@pattijanikowski2338]

awesome!! Thanks much

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks! Hope it helped.

[@cjani74]

Perfect Video for Seniors.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks so much!

[@howardberens4701]

Next video

[@howardberens4701]

@@RichBowlin

[@judymorgan8671]

Thank you

[@llaffallott]

A basic question: I have my first iPhone and want to know - should I charge it before the initial set-up, or will the battery have charge already?

[@RichBowlin]

The iPhone battery comes somewhat charged right out of the box. But you'll need to recharge it within the first 24 hours of use. Hope this helps.

[@llaffallott]

@@RichBowlin Thanks again - you're doing really good work.

[@gonzalojanica2242]

Thanks

[@RichBowlin]

Welcome!

[@wavetoearf]

i love these viodeos

[@RichBowlin]

Great! I'm glad they're helpful!

[@suzysanders6267]

My daughter bought a brand new Apple iPhone 13 and so she gave me, her 74-year-old mother, her SX max. My prior phone was an Apple 6s so this is a Big change. Also we got a very heavy duty otter box case which makes it very difficult on my tiny fingers so we are going to exchange that for a simpler case but she says should have a glass cover. So Here is my question, do you have an introduction video for seniors on the use of the SX max and the how to do’s? She is losing her patience.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks for watching! I have a lot of how-to videos for the iPhone. Just check out the iPhone Tips for Seniors playlist.

[@ceafva]

Rich, I couldn't find your video you talked about here about setting up the PARA system. I looked several times, maybe its called something else?

[@ceafva]

Are you talking about the PARA on the iPad or iPhone?

[@thetrumanshow4791]

I'd like to see 20 minute, 30 minute, and 40 minute options for auto lock.

[@ninasylvia8539]

thanks for this series. just an aside, for those seniors with hearing challenges, the background music makes it harder to hear your voice.

[@RichBowlin]

Noted!

[@geraldparks8157]

Images, letters & numbers accidentally expanded in size so as to take up the entire I Phone 12 making it impossible to see anything other than a few items.

[@StevieD.]

These videos for seniors are really helpful, but the background music is distracting.

[@RichBowlin]

So a lot of my earlier videos have background music. Some have loved it and it's annoyed the daylights out of others. I'm much more careful about using music now. And the volume if I do use it. I'm slowly learning how to make these videos better. Thanks so much for watching!

[@joantheurer2815]

The videos are very helpful...I was lost til I came upon your helpful videos...I went thru up to #7, cannot find 8,9,10,11,12,13,or 14 on you tube....are those 8-14 available on You Tube?? Please comment. Thank you

[@RichBowlin]

Video #7 for the iPhone is the latest. But there's more to come. Thanks so much for watching!

[@TheMamaAmmah]

I have been trying to figure out how to help my husband with large fingers to text easier. Any suggestions? Thank you

[@Stjohn909]

This is a great series, and I've linked it for my mom to watch on her desktop. I'm curious though, why did you put the How To Swipe module at #7? I've struggled to teach my mom how to both tap and swipe over Zoom, and that's necessary for pretty much everything else. Other than that, it's a great series and very well-produced with good audio, which is crucial for understanding.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks for the kind words. You know, I just took it for granted that people knew how to swipe until I talked to my mom who was struggling. That's when I decided to make this video. Better late than never! Thanks for watching and I hope it helps your mom too.

[@davidmg1925]

starts at 1:24

[@CUTSIE240]

Hello again, Rich! I hope you don't mind me asking this question of you, but I need help! You know how when you turn your phone sideways (landscape) while watching a video, etc., the phone display automatically shifts from portrait to landscape?....well, mine has suddenly stopped doing that for some reason and I'd like to have it start again! My phone is an iPhone SE 2020. What made it stop doing that and how can I fix it? Thanks! P.S. My husband still owes me that dinner for getting his 200+ contacts back that he lost! Lol

[@RichBowlin]

You might have locked the orientation. Swipe down from the top right and open control center. You’ll see a little lock with an arrow around it. Tap on that to unlock the orientation. Hope this helps!

[@CUTSIE240]

@@RichBowlin Yes! It worked! Thank you so much!

[@rhetarae]

Tell people how to hang up the iPhone ie red button after calls. Today learned from granddaughter: the little button upper left Touch it and then the dial pad shows the button to disco. And … yesterday while with a non IPhone user , needed to access voice directions for driving from where we were to my hospital in San Diego. I had no access to internet from car??, Had not been out much since Covid / switched 😂internet provider, I felt stupid and incompetent Called tech support ATT ? Accent). I had to beg him to tell me correct settings to fix. Re: cellular /. I had also forgotten how to make sure Siri was on and I did not remember which button to push to t urn it on . Thx I use the screen shot trick all the time . Still replaying your great videos Keel it up:! I use Macs and Finder for saving to folders and grateful for your Files tutorial on I-Phone iPad next !!! 0:03

[@ixd7ev254]

Your context is confusing. My phone doesn’t show the same icons as yours. I can swipe down from the top right, but then when you touch the bottom right your screen goes back to a bunch of other icons. Mine goes to a black, pretty much blank , pulsing page called a code to scan

[@asd67lkj]

Hi Rich, I was just watching a video on using the iPhone as a stand alone GPS. The user had his emergency/NOK details on the home screen. Any tips on how that can be achieved?

[@maryann9579]

fyi - having background music can be very difficult for people like me who are hearing impaired.

[@RichBowlin]

So I'm learning how to keep the background music at the proper level. If it's too loud it makes the video hard to watch. My more recent videos are a lot better. I'm sort of learning as I go when it comes to making these videos. Thanks so much for watching!

[@yellowtevo]

Can anyone tell me how to get out of camera mode? There is no back button, no home button. If I swipe all I get is the original screen with the date and time on it. I can't get to any menu. I have an iPhone XR. Every time I want to finish using the camera I have to shut off and restart the phone?

[@RichBowlin]

Hi! I'm guessing that you might be opening the camera from the Lock Screen (it has the time and date on it). The camera icon is in the lower right corner. So when you pick up your phone and open the camera, you're really not "unlocking" the phone, just the camera. When you're finished with your camera and you swipe up to get to the Home Screen, you just get the Lock Screen again. All you have to do now is just swipe up one more time on the Lock Screen and you should be good to go. Hope this helps!

[@yellowtevo]

@@RichBowlin Thank you so much! It did indeed solve the problem. I'll be subscribing.

[@ixd7ev254]

How do you find the page your phone calls App Library?

[@GothicKittyMadness]

but not everyone has a iPhone without Touch ID so everything is different unless you have a newer mode.

[@RichBowlin]

This is such a good point. I really need to reference iPhones with a home button when I make these videos. My mom has a home button and she said the same thing. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching.

[@Madronaxyz]

First, I need to know how to get to the home screen. The home button does not take me to a screen that has my apps.

[@JJFlores197]

What happens when you push on the home button?

[@debra13]

does all this work for iphone 14? I don't understand even these most basic- how do you swipe and in what direction. On my home screen if I swipe right I get that app thing, but not if I do what you are doing... but I don't quite understand what you are doing. This is my first iphone. I hate all of this- I'm tech challenged. I hope you answer questions and old videos. I really need you a lot.

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Dee. I completely understand. Yes, even though this is an older video (by KZbin standards) most of what's in the video applies to your new iPhone. I'll be making an updated series soon. Don't give up. Once you get the hang of even a few things it'll get not only easier, but a pleasure to use the iPhone. Thanks so much for watching!

[@debra13]

@@RichBowlin Thanks.

[@kygent508]

Would like to see these in order can I?

[@RichBowlin]

Sure. Just tap on my name and it'll take you to my KZbin page. From there you can choose the video you want to watch.

[@ixd7ev254]

You start out by saying tap a bell. Where is that bell? I don’t see a bell

[@kellyfalk1790]

I wish I could find q cards to help my mom remember what each app is.

[@RichBowlin]

I've been thinking about making a video showing how to just put the apps you use on your home screen. What do you think?

[@PigeonsPie1]

This was supposed to be a tutorial for a first time user. I am on KZbin trying to find such. Straight away you go to 'How to set Screen Brightness'. Please tell me how to use the phone FIRST... I know I have missed calls. I can't use Text. All this stuff and you go straight to 'How To Set Your Phone' I can't even get ICONS.... I could give you some choice words right now.,... I am in tears...

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Ernestine! I understand the frustration. But T\this video was about setting up your phone. I do have a video on how to actually use your phone. Click on this link and watch it. I hope it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2rpIKmbbWiZ5Y

[@MasterofRB2]

0:03 should've started the video here (start it here if you're showing it to a boomer)

[@goodtimegwyn]

I'll show my mum, but she's 92 and tbh all she needs to know is how to make a call and how to hang up. She phones me and then spends ages shouting down the phone 'whaaatttt, I can't hear you,- because you muted it mum - oh dear, I can't hear her - mum I can hear you- she's not there!!!' How can I hang up? Green phone to make a call, red phone to hang up! I can't see a phone!!!! So what I am trying to say is that this is great, but not basic enough.

[@RichBowlin]

Thanks for watching. My mom will be 92 in a couple of months. She's struggled some too but she told me these how-to videos have helped. Not all of them though! I just try to make videos that help the most people. It's a challenge.

[@scottkirsch4883]

Was given an iPhone for work, your beginner video isn't beginner enough 😔

[@tonytony6912]

Sounded more like a biased commercial. Why don't I feel like you guys did objective research?

[@RichBowlin]

Hi Tony. No commercials from me. In fact, I've never even had a sponsor before. I just do my best to help seniors get the most out of their iPad and iPhone. That's not to say that other tablets and phones aren't great. My son in law has an awesome Samsung phone. I love it. But since I have Apple products, I tend to just focus on them for my videos. Either way, thanks kindly for watching and commenting.

[@davidmg1925]

The giittish piano playing in the back round very unhelpful.

[@karenchadwick9138]

Ugh. You're either not using iPhone SE2020 or - you have magic fingers. I cannot find first thing you are showing - I get Notification Center - NOT what you are showing. ugh.

[@RichBowlin]

Well....I'm sorry it's not working for you. I'm using the new iPhone mini. If you're trying to get to Control Center you have to swipe down from the top right corner. Swiping from the top center will bring down notifications. I hope this helps!