Reference: smartphone, internet and connections, safety

Reference

This section explains words that keep coming up on your phone, in messages from the bank and in conversations with the grandchildren. The definitions are short and clear without any special training. We do not tie them to particular devices or apps: the meaning of a term stays the same, even if the button on your screen is called something slightly different.

An unfamiliar word on the screen is no reason to worry. Most often it stands for something simple you have long known by another name.

— From the editors

Smartphone

App: A program on your phone for one task: calls, messages, photos, banking, the weather. Each app is shown by an icon on the screen. Apps are installed from the phone's built-in app store.
Notification: A short message that appears at the top of the screen: about a new email, a missed call, money leaving your account. Notifications can be opened, swiped away or switched off for individual apps.
Update: A new version of the phone's system or of an app. It usually fixes bugs and improves security. It comes through the phone's settings or the app store, never through a link from a stranger.
Accessibility features: A section of settings for people who need large text, screen magnification, read-aloud or captions. These features are described in your phone manufacturer's guide.

Internet and connections

Mobile internet: Internet access through the mobile network, on the terms of your plan. It works almost anywhere your phone has signal, but some plans limit the amount of data.
Home internet: A connection through a router in your flat or house. It is usually faster and does not use your plan's data, so video calls and updates are best done at home.
Video call: A call over the internet in which you can see each other. You need an app, a camera, a microphone and a stable connection.
Backup: A saved copy of your contacts, photos and other data kept outside the phone. If the device is lost or broken, the data can be restored on a new one.

Safety

One-time code: Digits that arrive by SMS or in an app to confirm a sign-in or payment. Entering such a code is like putting your signature on something. Never tell it to anyone.
Two-factor authentication: A second step to confirm a sign-in: as well as a password, you need a code, an approval in an app or a security key. It protects your account even if someone has learned your password.
Phishing: Deception using fake websites, emails and messages that look genuine. The aim is to trick you into giving away a password, card details or a code. Protection: do not follow links in messages, and type addresses yourself.
Social engineering: Tricks scammers use to make people act in a hurry: frightening them, rushing them, playing on their sympathy, asking them to tell no one. The best response is to pause and call your family or the bank yourself.

Materials on the topics in this section

Practical
Video calls with the grandchildren: how to set them up without worry. Plus a catalogue of upcoming articles.
Questions
Short answers: smartphone settings, calls and photos, money, documents and scams.
Collections
Reading paths: your first week with a smartphone, tips for children and grandchildren, keeping money safe.
Topics
A map of the reference: the smartphone, keeping in touch, money and documents, safety.

Questions
Short answers: smartphone settings, calls and photos, money, documents and scams.
Collections
Reading paths: your first week with a smartphone, tips for children and grandchildren, keeping money safe.
New
A dated feed of new articles in the reference.

Sources

Bank of Russia — financial literacy materials
Gosuslugi public services portal — help
Smartphone manufacturers' accessibility guides

Information is current as of the preparation date. Smartphone menus and settings change with system updates, so the names of options on your device may differ. Look for exact steps in your phone manufacturer's guide, and for the rules of your bank and the Gosuslugi portal on their official websites.