Age UK's digital instruction guides

The internet can seem complicated, but Age UK's step-by-step digital instruction guides can help you make sense of it. You can download the ones you need below.

Our step-by-step instruction guides can help you feel confident and safe online. They cover everything from sending an email and doing your shopping to just making sure you're using the internet securely.

Whether you're a service provider looking for an additional helpful resource when delivering sessions, you're the friend or family member of someone hoping to get online, or you'd like to get online independently and just want a steer in the right direction, these guides are for you.

There are guides for beginners, guides at an intermediate level, and some guides at a more advanced level, for when you're feeling more confident online.

Whatever the level, each guide includes:

• detailed step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow
• a glossary or terminology list to help you make sense of digital jargon
• helpful screenshots to illustrate various steps in the guide
• a handy section for notes at the back, so you can jot down helpful tips and reminders.

Choosing your device

Before you can get online, it's important to find a device you feel comfortable using. Whether it's a tablet, smartphone, laptop or desktop computer, or even something else, this guide can help work out what might suit you.

Making your device easier to use

There's lots you can do to make your device work best for you. You might need to make the font a bit bigger, for instance, or to start using the device's voice controls. This guide can show you how.

Connecting to the internet

Setting up an internet connection and getting online on your device can feel complicated – but these guides help explain things.

Sending and receiving emails

From setting up an email account to sending and receiving your first emails, these guides can help you connect with others. 

Using apps

There's lots you can do on your device when you feel comfortable downloading and using apps – from games to social media. These guides show you how.

Video calling

Our guides can help you stay connected with friends and family by making and receiving video calls.

Online shopping

Shopping online can be really convenient – and can help you find a bargain. But knowing where to start and how to do it safely can seem daunting. Our guides can help.

Entertainment and hobbies

Feeling comfortable online can open up a whole new world of entertainment and hobbies, and help you continue doing things you already enjoy in a different way. Our guide can help you get started.

Accessing local services

These guides can help you access local services online and do things such as book a doctor's appointment and pay a utility bill using your device.

Staying safe online

We all want to feel safe when using the internet. These guides can help you look out for scams, keep your accounts secure, and feel confident online.