The Day Martha Nearly Called Her Grandson… from the Alarm Clock App
Martha is 53, recently retired from her school librarian job, and excited to finally own her very first iPhone. Her goal? “I just want to take pictures, call my friends, and not accidentally brake anything.”
We sat together at her kitchen table one afternoon as she held her iPhone like it might explode. The hardest part, she confessed, wasn’t using the phone—it was not knowing where to start.
She’s not alone. Most new iPhone users feel overwhelmed in the beginning. That’s why today, I’m giving you the same checklist I gave Martha: the must-do settings every new iPhone user should review—before you dive into the fun stuff.
Why These Settings Matter
The iPhone works great “out of the box,” but a few key tweaks can make it:
- Easier to use
- More private and secure
- Better suited to your lifestyle
Let’s walk through them together—no jargon, no rush.
✅ Step 1: Make Text Bigger and Easier to Read
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size
Here you can:
- Turn on Bold Text
- Use Larger Text to increase font size
- Reduce transparency if things look too “see-through”
Why it matters: You shouldn’t have to squint or hunt for your reading glasses. Make your iPhone comfortable for you.
✅ Step 2: Turn Off Keyboard Clicks and Random Sounds
Go to:
Settings → Sounds & Haptics
Turn off:
- Keyboard Clicks
- Lock Sound
Why it matters: Many new users find these sounds annoying or jarring. Your iPhone shouldn’t beep at you like a microwave every time you type.
✅ Step 3: Set Up Face ID or Touch ID
Go to:
Settings → Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID, depending on your model)
Follow the prompts to register your face or fingerprint.
Why it matters: It’s your simplest line of defense against nosy neighbors, accidental pocket purchases, or grandkids playing detective.
✅ Step 4: Turn On “Find My iPhone”
Go to:
Settings → tap your Apple ID at the top → Find My → Find My iPhone
Make sure it’s turned on. Also activate Send Last Location.
Why it matters: If you ever misplace your phone (and let’s be honest—it happens), this setting helps you locate it on a map or make it ring, even if it’s silent.
✅ Step 5: Choose Your Favorites for Quick Access
Go to:
Phone App → Favorites
Add the people you call most often.
Why it matters: It saves time and removes guesswork. No more digging through your Contacts when you just want to call your daughter.
✅ Step 6: Set Up “Do Not Disturb” for Better Sleep
Go to:
Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb
Schedule it for the night, say 10 PM to 7 AM.
Why it matters: Calls and notifications won’t buzz you awake unless they’re from people you approve (like emergency contacts).
✅ Step 7: Turn Off Unnecessary Notifications
Go to:
Settings → Notifications
Tap each app and turn off notifications for the ones you don’t care about (looking at you, Candy Crush).
Why it matters: Too many pings and banners can cause stress and confusion. Let’s keep your phone helpful—not noisy.
Martha’s Moment of Triumph
After we finished going through this checklist, Martha looked up and said, “I feel like this phone finally works for me—not the other way around.”
She now FaceTimes her grandson with ease (from the actual FaceTime app), uses Siri to set reminders, and doesn’t get startled by random notification dings anymore. And she hasn’t once called me in a panic since.
A Quick Recap
Here are your first must-do settings:
- Adjust Display & Text Size for comfort
- Silence annoying keyboard and lock sounds
- Set up Face/Touch ID for easy security
- Activate Find My iPhone for peace of mind
- Add Favorites for quick calling
- Use Do Not Disturb for restful nights
- Manage notifications so you’re in control
Want a Step-by-Step Guide That Walks Beside You?
If this checklist helped you feel more confident, you’ll find even more practical tips, explanations, and friendly support in my book, Learning iPhone for Absolute Beginners – 2025 edition. It’s written with adults and thoughtful first-time users in mind—just like Martha.
Take it one tap at a time. You’ve got this.