What a tablet is and how it works
A tablet is a flat, portable computer with a touchscreen. Unlike a laptop or desktop, you control it by tapping, swiping, and pinching the screen with your fingers instead of using a keyboard and mouse. The most common tablets run either Apple's iOS (iPad) or Google's Android operating system, though some run Windows.
Inside, a tablet has a processor (the brain), storage (where files live), a battery, and a screen. When you tap an icon on the screen, you are sending a signal to the processor to open that program. Everything you do—opening email, watching video, taking a photo—happens through touch commands on that screen.
Tablets are lighter and thinner than laptops, which makes them straightforward to hold and carry. The battery usually lasts 8 to 12 hours of regular use, so you can work or browse for most of a day without plugging in.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on a tablet by holding the power button until the Apple or Android logo appears, then follow the setup screens to connect to Wi-Fi and create or sign into an account.
- The home screen shows app icons; tap any icon to open that program, and swipe up from the bottom or tap the back arrow to close it and return home.
- Pinch two fingers together to zoom out and spread them apart to zoom in on text, photos, and web pages.
- Charge your tablet using the cable that came with it, and plug it in when the battery icon shows red or low.
- Settings (usually a gear icon) lets you adjust brightness, sound, Wi-Fi connection, and other features.
Turning on your tablet and setting it up
When you first unbox a tablet, hold down the power button (usually on the top or side edge) for about 3 seconds until you see the Apple logo (iPad) or the Android logo (most other tablets). The screen will light up and show a welcome message.
Follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and either create a new account or sign into an existing one. For an iPad, you need an Apple ID. For Android tablets, you need a Google account. If you do not have one, the setup screen will walk you through creating it—you will need an email address and a password you can remember.
Once setup is complete, you will land on the home screen, which shows a grid of colorful squares called app icons. Each icon represents a program you can open.
Understanding the home screen and opening apps
The home screen is your starting point. It displays all the programs (apps) installed on your tablet. To open an app, tap its icon once with your finger. The app will open in full screen.
If you do not see an app you want, swipe left or right across the home screen to see more pages of icons. You can also search for an app by swiping down from the top of the screen (iPad) or swiping up from the bottom (Android), then typing the app name in the search box.
To close an app and return to the home screen, swipe up from the very bottom of the screen (iPad) or tap the back arrow in the top left corner (Android). You can also press the home button if your tablet has one—it is usually a physical button at the bottom center of the device.
Basic touch gestures and how to use them
Tablets respond to several finger movements. Learning these gestures makes using a tablet much faster.
Tap means press your finger on the screen once and lift it. Use tap to open apps, press buttons, and select items.
Swipe means drag your finger across the screen in one direction. Swipe left or right to move between pages or photos. Swipe up or down to scroll through a web page or list of emails.
Pinch means place two fingers on the screen and move them together (pinch in) or apart (pinch out). Pinch in to zoom out and see more of a page or photo. Pinch out to zoom in and see details more clearly. This is useful when reading small text on a website.
Long press means hold your finger on an item for 2 to 3 seconds without lifting. This often opens a menu with extra options, like copying text or deleting a file.
Connecting to Wi-Fi and the internet
Tablets need Wi-Fi to browse the internet, send email, and read apps. During setup, you chose a Wi-Fi network and entered its password. If you need to connect to a different network later, open Settings (usually a gear icon), tap Wi-Fi, and select the network name from the list. Enter the password if prompted.
The Wi-Fi icon appears in the top corner of your screen. If it shows a full set of bars, your connection is strong. If it shows no bars or an X, you are not connected.
If you cannot connect, make sure you entered the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you still cannot connect, restart your tablet by holding the power button until a shutdown menu appears, then tap Restart.
Charging your tablet and managing battery life
Your tablet comes with a charging cable and power adapter. Plug the cable into the port at the bottom or side of the tablet, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. A battery icon in the top corner will show the charging progress. Most tablets charge fully in 2 to 4 hours.
To extend battery life between charges, lower the screen brightness (find this in Settings), close apps you are not using, and turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when you do not need them. If your battery is very low, your tablet may enter low-power mode, which slows performance but stretches the remaining charge.
Tablets are designed to be charged regularly. It is fine to leave your tablet plugged in overnight—modern tablets stop charging once the battery is full and will not overcharge.
Adjusting settings and customizing your tablet
Settings is where you control how your tablet looks and behaves. Open it by tapping the gear icon, usually on the home screen or in the app drawer. From there, you can adjust brightness, volume, font size, and which apps can use your location or camera.
Common settings you may want to change: Display controls screen brightness and how long before the screen turns off when idle. Sound controls volume and notification sounds. Accessibility offers larger text, high-contrast colors, and voice control for people who need them. Privacy lets you decide which apps can access your photos, contacts, or microphone.
If something is not working as expected, Settings is usually the first place to look. You can also restart your tablet from Settings by tapping About or System, then Restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an iPad and an Android tablet?
Both are tablets, but they run different operating systems. iPads run Apple's iOS and work best with other Apple devices. Android tablets run Google's Android system and come from many manufacturers like Samsung and Lenovo. The basic gestures and functions are similar, but the menus and settings look different. Choose based on what other devices you own or what features matter to you.
Can I use a tablet without Wi-Fi?
You can use many apps without Wi-Fi—like reading saved documents, taking photos, or playing games stored on the device. However, you cannot browse the internet, send email, or read new apps without a connection. Some tablets have a cellular option that lets you pay for mobile data, similar to a phone, but most tablets rely on Wi-Fi.
How do I take a screenshot on a tablet?
On an iPad, hold the power button and volume-up button together for a moment until you see a flash. On Android, hold the power button and volume-down button together. The screenshot saves to your Photos or Gallery app. You can then share it or edit it.
What should I do if my tablet is frozen or not responding?
Try closing the app by swiping up from the bottom (iPad) or tapping the back button (Android). If the whole tablet is frozen, hold the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then press the power button again to restart. This fixes most freezing problems.
Can I connect a keyboard and mouse to a tablet?
Yes. Most tablets support Bluetooth keyboards and mice, which connect wirelessly. Some tablets also accept a stylus (a pen-like tool) for drawing or writing. Check your tablet's manual or settings to see which accessories are compatible. A keyboard is useful if you plan to type long emails or documents.