Making sense of mobile phones

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Making sense of mobile phonesAbout mobiles 3

Where can I buy a mobile phone? 4

Which mobile phone is right for me? 5

How do I set up my mobile phone? 7

How do I use my mobile phone? 9

Where can I go for more information? 11

Technology informationWe have other guides about getting online and eReading available in large print, braille and on audio CD. You can order a guide from our Helpline by calling 0303 123 9999 or by emailing helpline@rnib.org.uk

You can also find out more about technology by visiting rnib.org.uk/technology

Contents

Once connected through a mobile phone provider like O2 or Vodafone, mobile phones allow you to communicate in a range of different ways. The two main ways are voice calls and text messaging. Voice calls can be made or received from any location to any mobile phone or landline telephone. Text messages are short written messages that you can send to other mobile phone users. If you have a smartphone, you may also be able to perform other tasks like accessing the internet or email.

Smartphones and appsSmartphones are mobile phones that allow you to do many of the things you can do on a computer, for example sending and receiving emails, searching the internet and reading documents or eBooks. Smartphones often also allow you to take and send photographs.

In addition, smartphones allow you to install apps. An app is a program that you download to your device from the internet to do a specific task, for example checking your bank balance. Apps appear on screen as small icons. Most apps are free but some cost a small amount, usually just a couple of pounds.

Apps are a great way to become more independent, for example there are some that use the camera on a phone as a live video magnifier so that you can read a menu or price tag. There are also apps that can tell you how to get home by train, providing information about station locations, train times and platform numbers.

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Mobile phones are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family wherever you are. They also allow you to get information when you are out and about, especially if you have a smartphone. Mobile phones also enable you to easily request help whenever you need it.

In this guide we offer information about where you can buy mobile phones, things to consider before buying one, how to set up your new phone, how to use it and where you can find more information.

About mobiles

Where can I buy a mobile phone?Mobiles, including smartphones, can be purchased from a range of high street stores such as Carphone Warehouse, Everything Everywhere (EE), O2, Three and Vodafone. You can also call any of these mobile phone operators or visit their websites to purchase a phone and have it delivered to you. However we think it is useful to go to a store and try out a phone before you buy it, in order to make sure that it is suitable for your requirements.

RNIB also sells a range of mobile phones with larger fonts and high contrast screens that are designed specifically for blind and partially sighted people. You can find out about these by calling RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or by visiting RNIB’s online shop rnib.org.uk/shop

4 Photo: Tyler Olson/Shutterstock.com

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Which mobile phone is right for me?RNIB does not recommend specific mobile phones, however we can help you to think about the features that you might need in a phone, so that you can choose the right phone for you. Depending on your level of useful sight, budget and lifestyle you should consider:

•Price – the price of mobile phones varies greatly from free (on a monthly contract) up to £500. If you sign up to a monthly contract, you can sometimes get a free phone, so it is worth asking if your preferred handset is available this way.

Be cautious about purchasing older versions of phones because the features you might need, such as magnification, may not be included.

•Physical controls – most smartphones are controlled using a touchscreen, which is a glass screen that you swipe or touch instead of pressing buttons. However some smartphones and mobile phones still have physical buttons that you can press.

If you choose a phone with a touchscreen and need text-to-speech, check that this is included.

•Screen size – if you are partially sighted, getting a device with a bigger screen may be helpful.

•Screen resolution – if you are partially sighted and want to use magnification, having a screen with a high resolution can improve the image clarity and help to keep text sharp, making it easier to see.

•Storage space – if you intend to have apps, photos, music or eBooks on your mobile phone, make sure that it has enough storage space. Many phones offer you the option of adding extra storage by using a memory card that you insert into the phone.

•Camera – some apps use a camera, for example recognition apps where you point the camera at an object and it will identify it for you, so having a good quality camera (upwards of 5 megapixels) will be useful.

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More tips on choosing your phoneIf you are a screen reader user or need your phone to have text-to-speech, the iPhone and some Android phones are likely to be suitable for you.

If you are partially sighted and need to increase font sizes, change screen colours or magnify the screen, the iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 8 and Blackberry 10 phones are likely to be suitable for you.

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How do I set up my mobile phone?SIM cardWhen you buy a mobile phone the first thing you’ll need to do is insert your SIM card. The SIM card is a small chip that identifies the phone as yours and links your phone number to the device. It is usually provided by your mobile phone operator and is included with your phone.

SIM cards come in different sizes, so make sure that you check with the shop that your SIM card will fit into the device. If you already have a SIM card and it’s not the right size for your new device, you can have it altered to fit or get an adaptor. This is usually free to do and can be done in the store.

You might also be asked to call a separate telephone number to activate your SIM card. You should be given details about this when you purchase the phone or you can ask the staff in store to do this for you.

BatteryThe next thing you’ll need to do is insert the battery into the phone and charge it up. Some smartphones have a battery that isn’t removable. If that’s the case with your phone, you can plug it in straightaway to start charging it. If your phone does have a removable battery, be sure to fit it the correct way. Normally, the batteries are shaped so that they will only fit one way round.

Once you have inserted your SIM card and the phone is charged, you can switch the phone on.

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Switching it onMost mobile phones, even the ones that are controlled with a touchscreen, will have a number of physical buttons around the sides of the device. One of these buttons will turn the device on and off. The power button will often need holding down for a few seconds to turn the device on or off.

When you turn the device on for the first time, you will have to go through a number of screens that allow you to set up some basic settings on the phone such as the date and time. On the iPhone and Android devices, you can activate the screen reader during the setup process, which if you are a blind user, will enable you to enter this information independently.

On the iPhone, there is a physical button at the bottom of the screen called the home button. Click this button three times to turn the screen reader on. On Android devices, place two fingers on the touchscreen and keep them there until the phone turns the screen reader on.

SecuritySome people like to set up a PIN number on their phone to prevent others being able to use it. If you are not prompted to do this as part of the setup process, you can usually set it by accessing the security options from the settings menu.

Photo: Bloomua/Shutterstock.com

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How do I use my mobile phone?SettingsAfter you have turned on the phone for the first time and have finished the setup process, you can tailor the rest of your settings via a central settings menu. This often includes any accessibility settings, although these can also sometimes be found in a dedicated menu. Once you have confirmed your preferred settings the phone is ready to use.

Voice calls and text messagesTo make a call you usually need to select the telephone icon. Then you will be able to dial a number directly or select from the address book or contact list. A contact list is a list of telephone numbers that you have stored on the phone. Storing numbers is useful because it saves you entering the number each time and also helps you to identify callers by showing you the name of who is calling.

You can send text messages by going to the message section, which is usually accessed via an icon that looks like an envelope. You can type your message, add the contact or telephone number and then select the “send” option.

AppsIf you want to install apps on your device, you will need to find a store application on your device. This icon is sometimes shown as a shopping bag. This application will load and display a search screen, so that you can browse for the app that you are looking for by name or search a certain type or genre of app, for example news apps. When you select the app that you want, it will download onto your device from the internet and appear shortly afterwards as an icon. You may have to register a credit or debit card with the store before you are able to purchase apps. The app will remain on your device unless you uninstall it. Each time you would like to use the app, you will need to select the icon.

Locking the deviceTo lock the device, so that you don’t press anything accidentally when it is in your pocket or bag, you can usually press the power button briefly. This will lock the device without turning it off completely. To unlock the phone you normally press this button again or press the home button that is found underneath the screen. To unlock it fully, you will then have to swipe or slide your finger across the screen. If you have a PIN number you will need to enter this instead of swiping the screen.

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Where can I go for more information?You should spend some time familiarising yourself with your phone, so that you feel confident using it. If you still have queries, both your mobile phone operator and RNIB can help.

StoresThe store that you bought the mobile phone from will be able to help you with any ongoing queries or problems. Some stores offer a free service that will set up your new phone and show how to use it before you leave the store, so it’s worth asking if your chosen store provides this service.

Over the phoneYou can also call your mobile phone operator at anytime and they will be able to help you over the phone.

RNIBRNIB has a range of resources to help, including other guides and videos. Call 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/technology

The Technology Support Squad can also help you to set up or use your mobile phone. To find out more call 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/techsupport

RNIB works with Action for Blind People to draw on a wide range of skills and resources to support blind and partially sighted people. Our close relationship enables us to provide a unique combination of complementary strengths and expertise to support an ever increasing number of blind and partially sighted people.

© RNIB November 2013 Registered charity number 226227Action for Blind People Registered charity number 205913 (England and Wales) SC040050 (Scotland) PR12379P