What a tablet is and how it works
A tablet is a flat, handheld computer with a touchscreen. Unlike a laptop, it has no keyboard or mouse attached—you control it by tapping and swiping your fingers on the screen. Inside, it runs an operating system (usually Apple's iOS or Google's Android) that manages all the programs and functions, much the way Windows runs a desktop computer.
When you touch the screen, sensors underneath detect where your finger is and send that information to the processor. The processor then tells the screen what to display. This happens so fast that it feels when ready. The tablet stores everything—your photos, messages, apps, settings—on internal memory, similar to a hard drive in a computer.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on your tablet by holding the power button until the Apple or Android logo appears, then follow the setup prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and sign in.
- Navigate by tapping icons to open apps, swiping left or right to move between screens, and swiping up from the bottom to see all open apps.
- The home screen is your starting point—tap any icon to open an app, and tap the back button or swipe to return to the previous screen.
- Adjust brightness, volume, and Wi-Fi in the Settings app, which is usually a gear icon on your home screen.
- Charge your tablet regularly using the cable that came with it, and keep it plugged in overnight once a week to maintain battery health.
Turning on your tablet and setting it up
When you first unbox your tablet, locate the power button. On most tablets, it is on the right edge or top edge. Press and hold it for about 10 seconds until you see the manufacturer's logo (an Apple logo for iPads, or the Android logo for other tablets). The screen will light up and show a welcome message.
Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with an account. For an iPad, you need an Apple ID (an email address and password). For Android tablets, you need a Google account. If you do not have one, the setup will walk you through creating one. This account is how you read apps and store your information.
Once setup is complete, you will see your home screen—a grid of colorful squares called icons. Each icon represents an app (a program). This is your starting point every time you use the tablet.
Understanding the home screen and basic navigation
The home screen shows all your apps as icons. Tap any icon once with your finger to open that app. The most common apps come pre-installed: Mail (for email), Safari or Chrome (for browsing the web), Photos (for pictures), and Settings (a gear icon for adjusting your tablet).
To move between screens, swipe left or right with your finger. Swiping means placing your finger on the screen, then sliding it in one direction without lifting. This reveals more apps if you have more than one screen full. To go back to a previous screen or close an app, swipe from the left edge toward the right, or tap a back arrow if one appears.
To see all the apps you have open at once, swipe up from the very bottom of the screen (on older iPads, double-tap the home button instead). This shows thumbnails of each open app. Tap one to switch to it, or swipe it up and off the screen to close it.
How to use touchscreen gestures
A tablet responds to several finger movements. Tap means touching the screen once and lifting your finger when ready—this opens an app or selects something. Swipe means sliding your finger across the screen in one direction—this scrolls through a list, moves between screens, or closes an app. Pinch means placing two fingers on the screen and bringing them together—this zooms out (makes things smaller). Spread means placing two fingers close together and moving them apart—this zooms in (makes things larger).
You can also long-press by holding your finger on something for a few seconds. This often opens a menu with extra options. For example, long-pressing an app icon on the home screen usually lets you delete it or move it to a different spot.
Practice these gestures in the Photos app. Open it, tap a photo, then pinch to zoom out and spread to zoom in. This builds muscle memory and shows you how responsive the screen is.
Connecting to Wi-Fi and using the internet
Your tablet needs Wi-Fi to browse the web, send email, or read apps. During setup, you connected to a Wi-Fi network. To change networks or reconnect, open Settings (the gear icon), tap Wi-Fi, and select a network from the list. Enter the password if prompted.
Once connected, open Safari (on iPad) or Chrome (on most Android tablets) to browse the web. Tap the address bar at the top, type a web address (like www.google.com), and tap Go. Swipe left and right to move between web pages you have visited, or tap the back and forward arrows.
If Wi-Fi is not available, some tablets have cellular service (like a phone). This costs extra but lets you use the internet anywhere. Check with your tablet's manufacturer or your service provider about costs.
Adjusting volume, brightness, and other settings
To change volume, use the physical buttons on the side of your tablet. Press the up button to increase volume, the down button to decrease it. You will see a volume slider appear on screen.
To adjust brightness, open Settings and look for Display or Screen. Tap the brightness slider and drag it left (darker) or right (brighter). You can also turn on Auto-Brightness, which adjusts brightness based on the light around you.
Other common settings are in the Settings app: turn Wi-Fi on or off, manage your account, change the text size, enable Do Not Disturb (which silences notifications), and adjust privacy options. Spend a few minutes exploring Settings to see what options are available. Nothing you change will break the tablet—you can always change it back.
Charging your tablet and caring for the battery
Your tablet comes with a charging cable and power adapter. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet, then connect the cable to the charging port on the bottom or side of your tablet. A lightning bolt icon will appear on the screen, showing that charging has started. Most tablets charge fully in 2 to 4 hours.
Tablets have rechargeable batteries that degrade over time with heavy use. To extend battery life, charge your tablet regularly—do not wait until the battery is completely empty. Once a week, let it charge overnight. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or very hot places, as heat damages the battery.
If your tablet is not holding a charge after a year or two of regular use, the battery may need replacement. Contact the manufacturer or visit a repair shop. Battery replacement is usually less expensive than buying a new tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an iPad and other tablets?
An iPad is made by Apple and runs iOS. Other tablets run Android (made by Google) and are made by Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, and others. Both work the same way—you tap icons and swipe to navigate. The main difference is the apps available and how they look. iPad apps are often designed first for iPad, while Android apps are designed for many different devices.
How do I read apps?
On an iPad, open the App Store (a blue icon with a white symbol). On Android tablets, open Google Play (a colorful triangle). Search for the app you want, tap it, and tap the read or install button. Most apps are free, though some cost money. You will need your account (Apple ID or Google account) to read.
Can I connect a keyboard and mouse to my tablet?
Yes. Most tablets work with wireless keyboards and mice via Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth in Settings, then put the keyboard or mouse in pairing mode (usually by holding a button on it). Your tablet will find it and connect. A keyboard and mouse make typing easier and are useful if you plan to write long emails or documents.
What should I do if my tablet is frozen or not responding?
Hold the power button until a shutdown menu appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. This restart usually fixes freezing. If it does not, try holding the power button and volume-down button together for 10 seconds (the exact steps vary by model—check your tablet's manual).
Is it safe to leave my tablet plugged in overnight?
Yes. Modern tablets have built-in protection that stops charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in will not damage it. However, charging generates a small amount of heat, so avoid covering the tablet while it charges. Overnight charging once a week is fine and actually helps battery health.