How to Copy and Paste
Copy and paste lets you take text from one place and put it somewhere else without retyping it.
You can use it for:
Website addresses
Phone numbers
Messages
Email addresses
Instructions
Notes
On iPhone
To copy text:
Press and hold on the word or text
Adjust the selection handles if needed
Tap Copy
To paste:
Tap where you want the text to go
Press and hold
Tap Paste
On Android
The steps are very similar:
Press and hold the text
Adjust the highlighted area
Tap Copy
Tap where you want the text to go
Press and hold
Tap Paste
On a Computer
To copy:
Highlight the text
On Windows, press Ctrl + C
On Mac, press Command + C
To paste:
Click where you want the text
On Windows, press Ctrl + V
On Mac, press Command + V
Watch Out for This
Before pasting sensitive information, make sure you are putting it in the correct place.
Be especially careful with:
Passwords
Bank information
Verification codes
Account numbers
Still Not Sure?
Practice by copying one sentence from a note and pasting it into another note.
Once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature.
How to Copy a Website Link
A website link is also called a URL.
It is the address that takes someone directly to a webpage.
Copying a link is useful when you want to:
Send someone a webpage
Save a page for later
Share an article
Ask someone to check a suspicious site
On iPhone or Android
If you are already on the webpage:
Tap the address bar at the top or bottom of the browser
Tap Copy
You may also see a Share button.
Tap it and choose Copy Link.
From an App
In many apps:
Tap Share
Look for Copy Link
This works in many social media, shopping, and news apps.
On a Computer
Click the website address at the top of the browser
Highlight it
Press Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac
How to Paste the Link
Tap or click where you want to send it.
Then choose:
Paste
Watch Out for This
If someone sends you a suspicious link, you do not need to open it just to copy it.
If possible, press and hold the link and choose Copy Link without opening it.
Still Not Sure?
Try copying the address of a website you already trust and pasting it into a text message or note.
How to Save a Photo
Saving a photo lets you keep a copy on your phone or computer.
You might want to save:
A family photo
A receipt
A product image
Instructions
Evidence of a suspicious message
On iPhone
If the photo is in a webpage, message, or app:
Press and hold the image
Tap Save to Photos or Save Image
The picture should appear in the Photos app.
On Android
Press and hold the image
Tap Download Image, Save Image, or a similar option
The image may appear in:
Gallery
Photos
Downloads
From a Text Message
Tap the photo.
Look for a:
Download icon
Share button
Save option
On a Computer
Usually:
Right-click the image
Choose Save Image As
Pick where you want to save it
Watch Out for This
Do not download unexpected files or images from suspicious messages if the device warns you that the file may be unsafe.
Still Not Sure?
If you cannot save the photo directly, you can often take a screenshot instead.
How to Scan a QR Code
A QR code is the square black-and-white pattern you may see on:
Menus
Flyers
Tickets
Products
Payment signs
Websites
Scanning one can open a webpage or app.
On iPhone
Open the Camera app
Point the camera at the QR code
Do not take a picture
Wait for a link to appear
Tap the link if you trust it
On Android
On many Android phones:
Open the Camera app
Point it at the QR code
Wait for a link or notification
Tap it if you trust it
Some phones may use Google Lens instead.
Check Before You Open
Before tapping the link, look at the website address shown on your screen.
Ask:
Does the website name make sense?
Is it the company I expected?
Does anything look misspelled?
Watch Out for This
QR codes can lead to scam websites too.
Be especially cautious if the QR code asks you to:
Make a payment
Enter a password
Give banking information
Download an app
Still Not Sure?
If the code is supposed to belong to a business, you can always visit the company’s website directly instead.
How to Find Your Phone Settings
Your phone’s Settings area controls things like:
Wi-Fi
Privacy
Notifications
Passwords
Location
Updates
Apps
Security
Knowing where Settings is can make many other tech tasks easier.
On iPhone
Look for the gray gear icon labeled:
Settings
Tap it.
From there, you can search for a specific setting using the search bar near the top.
For example, type:
Location
Password
Bluetooth
Privacy
Update
On Android
Look for the gear icon labeled:
Settings
You may find it:
On your home screen
In your app list
In the quick settings menu when you swipe down from the top
Once inside, use the search bar if available.
Use the Search Tool
This is one of the easiest tricks.
Instead of scrolling through every menu, search for the thing you need.
For example:
“Location”
or
“Software update”
Watch Out for This
Phone menus may look slightly different depending on the brand and software version.
If the exact wording does not match a guide, use the Settings search tool.
Still Not Sure?
Remember one thing:
Look for the gear.
That is usually your starting point.
How to Send a Photo in a Text Message
You can send a picture directly through a text conversation.
On iPhone
Open Messages
Open the conversation
Tap the photo or + button
Choose Photos
Select the picture
Tap Send
On Android
Open your messaging app
Open the conversation
Tap the photo, camera, or attachment icon
Choose the image
Tap Send
Check Before Sending
Make sure you selected the correct photo.
If the image contains personal information, check what is visible first.
Watch Out for This
Be cautious about sending photos of:
Driver’s licenses
Credit cards
Bank statements
Social Security cards
Passwords
Verification codes
Still Not Sure?
Try sending a simple photo to someone you trust for practice.
How to Update an App
Apps receive updates to fix problems, add features, and improve security.
On iPhone
Open the App Store
Tap your profile picture
Scroll to available updates
Tap Update
You may also be able to turn on automatic app updates in Settings.
On Android
Open the Google Play Store
Tap your profile icon
Choose Manage apps & device
Look for available updates
Tap Update
Only Use Official App Stores
Update apps through:
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
Do not use random links in texts or emails to update an app.
Watch Out for This
A message saying:
“Your banking app is outdated. Click here immediately.”
could be a scam.
Open the official app store yourself instead.
Still Not Sure?
Search for the app directly in the official app store.
If an update is available, you should see an Update button.