New
New articles
The feed of new articles in the reference. Each entry is prompted by a material prepared for the reference itself. We do not reprint technology news, new phone reviews or press releases, and we do not publish rankings of devices or apps. If a material changes substantially — for example, when advice on protecting yourself from scammers changes — we add a new dated entry rather than quietly editing the old one. Each entry has a short description, a note on why the material may be useful to you, and topic tags. The full list of materials by date and topic is in the reference archive.
The feed is short because every entry is a real article. We are not chasing frequent updates, and we do not frighten people with news.
Reference topics
A map of the reference: smartphone, keeping in touch, money and documents, safety.
Why it matters: Shows where to look for the answer to your question.
Reference
Glossary: the smartphone, internet and connections, safety — clear definitions without jargon.
Why it matters: Gathers in one place the words you meet on your phone and in messages from the bank.
Video calls with the grandchildren: set up without worry
Eight steps with hypothetical examples and a checklist: choosing an app, installing, permissions, favourites, a test call, lighting, caution.
Why it matters: Helps you get comfortable with video calls and not fall for calls from strangers.
Five settings worth starting with
Large text, volume and vibration, emergency calls, screen lock, a backup of your contacts.
Why it matters: One calm evening, and your phone becomes noticeably easier to use.
Questions and answers
Smartphone and settings, calls and photos, money, documents and scams — short answers to common questions.
Why it matters: A quick answer to a specific question without reading a long article.
Collections
Reading paths: your first week with a smartphone, tips for children and grandchildren, keeping money safe.
Why it matters: Saves time: you read only what you need for your situation.
Related sections
- Collections
Reading paths: your first week with a smartphone, tips for children and grandchildren, keeping money safe.
- Reference
A glossary of plain-language definitions: the smartphone, internet and connections, safety.
- Archive
All reference materials by date and topic.
Sources
- SG21 reference materials
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.