Topics
Reference topics
The reference is divided into four topics, based on the tasks that most often bring people to a smartphone: the device itself and its settings, keeping in touch with family, money and documents, and safety. Each topic has cards with materials and a tip on where to start if you are short of time. The materials are linked: the practical article relies on the glossary, the answers rely on general rules, and the collections gather what you need for a particular situation in life.
There is no need to learn everything at once. One new habit a week is a good pace, and there is no hurry.
Selection criteria: the question comes up for someone who has recently started using a smartphone, or for a relative who helps them; the answer explains a general principle and suits most devices; the advice needs no special knowledge, does not promote phones, apps, banks or operators, and does not take the place of official websites or manufacturers' guides.
Smartphone
Large text and zoom, volume, the lock screen, emergency calls, charging, backups and system updates.
- Five settings to start with
A short example on the home page: text size, volume, emergency calls, screen lock and backup.
- Answers about the smartphone and settings
Why the sound disappears, how to make letters bigger, whether to accept updates.
- Smartphone terms
What an app, a notification, an update and accessibility features are.
Keeping in touch
Video calls with children and grandchildren, messages and voice notes, family photos, shared family chats.
- Video calls with the grandchildren
A practical article: getting ready, a test call, light and sound, what to do if the call drops.
- Answers about calls, messages and photos
How to send a photo, record a voice message and keep your pictures safe.
- For children and grandchildren
A collection for those helping their parents learn the phone who want to do it without getting frustrated.
Money and documents
The banking app, paying by phone, booking a doctor online and requesting certificates through the Russian Gosuslugi portal — in general terms, without tying it to specific services.
- Answers about money and documents
How to check you are on the official website, and why an SMS code is your signature.
- Keeping money safe
A collection of materials on using a banking app calmly and without unnecessary risk.
- New articles
The reference feed: what has been published and who it will help.
Safety
Phone scammers, suspicious links and messages, two-factor authentication, strong passwords.
- Safety glossary
Phishing, two-factor authentication, one-time codes, social engineering — in plain words.
- A call "from the bank"
A short answer on the home page: hang up and call back yourself.
- Archive
All reference materials by date and topic.
Related sections
- 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.
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.