If you’re new to the iPad, an app like this can be invaluable to help explain the basics. But we’ve got more than 200 tips, and it’s hard to digest so much information in one sitting.
Here, then, is a handy quickstart guide to nudge you in the direction of our most useful tips for iOS beginners. Simply read through this article and tap the links to see more information on a particular topic.
Cover Sheet
Notifications are a key part of iOS – the pop-ups that alert you to new activity, whether it’s a missed call, a text message, or an app update. Recent notifications are shown on the Cover Sheet, so it’s important to be familiar with how it works. See full tip
Take note
iPads are great for jotting down lists, ideas, or any kind of quick thoughts. Learn how to take down typed or handwritten notes on iOS. See full tip
FaceTime
Make live video calls to friends and family all over the world, completely free with Apple’s FaceTime service. See full tip
iMessage
Talk to your other iPhone- or iPad-owning friends for free using Apple’s text chat service. See full tip
Emojis
Don’t get left behind – everybody’s using emojis these days. See how to access over 2,000 icons from the iOS keyboard. See full tip
Find my iPad
It’s important to set this up as soon as possible, to assist if your device is ever lost or stolen. See full tip
Camera focus
Autofocus is great, but sometimes the camera needs a little manual assistance to get the best shots. See full tip
Edit Photos
Once you’ve taken some great photos, you’ll want to know the editing basics: crops and filters are just a tap away. See full tip
Reader view
If you find something good to read online, use this specialist mode to remove all ads and formatting, presenting a clearer view of the content you’re interested in. See full tip
Insert media
Want to share photos with your friends or family? Adding attachments to emails is pretty simple once you know how it’s done. See full tip
What is iCloud?
If you’ve set up an Apple ID, you’re probably already using iCloud. But there are lots of great benefits to the service that you should be aware of. See full tip
Siri commands
Talking to your device used to be a sign of madness, but nowadays we have virtual assistants to talk back. See what sort of things you can ask Siri. See full tip
Share your location
The Maps app makes it simple to share your exact location with friends if you’re trying to meet up somewhere new. See full tip
Multitasking gestures
Navigate the apps and services on your iPad even quicker using these lesser-known swipes and gestures. See full tip
Restart apps
Learn what to do if something goes wrong and an app stops responding. See full tip