Quick iPad Help

iPad Cheat Sheet for Seniors: Simple Commands, Buttons & Everyday Tasks

Keep the iPad basics close at hand. This easy-reference guide covers common buttons, simple gestures, Wi-Fi, FaceTime, screenshots, copy and paste, text size, Safari, charging, and what to do when you get lost on the screen.

See the Cheat Sheet
My iPad Cheat Sheet Quick everyday reminders
Go Home Swipe up from bottom
Wi-Fi Settings → Wi-Fi
Brightness Swipe down top-right
Screenshot Top + volume button
FaceTime FaceTime → New
Lost? Go Home and start again
Made to glance at—not memorize Print it, keep it nearby, and use it whenever you forget a step.

You do not need to memorize dozens of iPad commands. A small group of gestures and settings handles most everyday tasks. This page puts those basics in one place so you can quickly check what to do and continue using your iPad.

The first section is the actual cheat sheet. More detailed explanations appear underneath if you need them.

Your iPad may look a little different. Older models may have a round Home button, while newer iPads use swipe gestures instead. Some menu wording can also change with iPadOS updates.
Quick Reference

iPad cheat sheet for seniors

These are the everyday actions worth keeping nearby.

My iPad Quick Cheat Sheet

Everyday buttons, gestures, and shortcuts

⏻
Turn iPad On Press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears.
↑
Go to the Home Screen Swipe upward from the bottom edge. Older iPad: press the Home button once.
≋
Open Control Center Swipe downward from the top-right edge of the screen.
◒
Change Brightness Open Control Center and move the brightness control.
◖
Change Volume Use the physical volume buttons along the outside edge.
Wi
Connect to Wi-Fi Settings → Wi-Fi → choose your network → enter password.
Aa
Make Text Easier to Read Settings → Accessibility. Adjust text and display options.
◎
Search the Internet Open Safari → tap the search field → type what you need.
☎
Make a FaceTime Call FaceTime → New → choose a person → FaceTime.
◉
Take a Photo Open Camera → point the iPad → tap the round shutter button.
▣
View Your Photos Open the Photos app.
⧉
Take a Screenshot No Home button: top + either volume button. Home button model: top + Home.
C
Copy Text Select the text → tap Copy.
P
Paste Text Touch where you want the text → tap Paste.
A
Download an App Open App Store → search → choose the app → tap Get.
⚡
Charge the iPad Connect the charging cable and confirm the battery shows it is charging.
Finger Gestures

4 iPad gestures worth remembering

These simple movements handle a surprising amount of everyday iPad use.

↑
Swipe Up

On newer iPads, swipe up from the bottom edge to return to the Home Screen.

↓
Swipe Down

Swipe down from the top-right edge to open Control Center.

↕
Scroll

Slide one finger upward or downward to move through a webpage, email, or list.

⇔
Pinch

Place two fingers on the screen and move them apart to enlarge supported photos, maps, and webpages.

Know Your iPad

What the main iPad buttons do

Button locations vary by model, but their basic jobs are easy to remember.

Top Button Turns the iPad on, locks the screen, and is used in certain shutdown and screenshot combinations.
Volume Buttons Raise or lower sound volume. On newer models they can also be part of the screenshot and shutdown button combinations.
Home Button Found only on older iPad models. Press once to return to the Home Screen.
USB-C / Charging Port Used for charging on most newer iPads and for connecting supported accessories.
Quick Instructions

Everyday iPad tasks in one or two steps

1

Connect to Wi-Fi

Open Settings → Wi-Fi. Turn Wi-Fi on, choose your network, and enter the password if requested.

2

Open Control Center

Swipe downward from the top-right edge. This gives quick access to brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, and other controls.

3

Make a FaceTime Call

Open FaceTime → tap New → enter the person's name, number, or email → tap FaceTime.

4

Make Safari Text Bigger

In Safari, open the Page Menu beside the search field and use the large A to increase webpage text size.

Useful Shortcut

How to take a screenshot

A screenshot saves a picture of whatever is currently displayed on your iPad. It is useful for saving confirmation numbers, directions, messages, or anything else you want to remember.

iPad without a Home button Quickly press the top button and either volume button at the same time, then release them.
iPad with a Home button Quickly press the top button and Home button at the same time, then release them.
Where does it go? Your screenshots can be found in the Photos app.
Handy Skill

How to copy and paste on an iPad

Copy and paste lets you move text from one place to another without typing it again.

1
Select the text

Touch and hold near the text, then adjust the selection handles if needed.

2
Tap Copy

When the editing menu appears, choose Copy.

3
Tap Paste

Touch where you want the copied text to appear, then choose Paste.

The Best Shortcut

What if you get lost on the iPad?

This is worth putting directly on the cheat sheet because it solves a lot of frustration.

Go Home and start again.

On a newer iPad, swipe upward from the bottom edge of the screen. On an older model with a round Home button, press that button once.

Once your familiar app icons appear, simply reopen the app you wanted to use.

!

One iPad rule worth remembering

Do not install an app, call an unfamiliar telephone number, send money, or give someone remote access to your iPad simply because a pop-up says your device has a virus or urgent problem. Close the message and get help from someone you trust if you are unsure.

Need More Than the Cheat Sheet?

Keep going with our iPad guides

iPad Basic Instructions for Seniors

Need the full explanation? Our beginner guide walks through the everyday iPad basics one step at a time.

Read the Full Instructions →
Useful Add-Ons

Simple accessories that can make an iPad easier to use

A few practical additions can make more difference than adding complicated technology.

▰

Protective iPad Case

A case can improve grip and protect the tablet from everyday bumps and drops.

See Cases on Amazon
⌨

Bluetooth Keyboard

A physical keyboard can make longer emails and messages more comfortable to type.

See Keyboards on Amazon
Common Questions

iPad cheat sheet questions

Can I print this iPad cheat sheet?

Yes. Use the Print Cheat Sheet button near the top of this page. The print layout is designed to print only the main quick-reference sheet rather than the entire article.

How do I get back to the Home Screen?

On most newer iPads, swipe upward from the bottom edge. On an older iPad with a physical Home button, press the Home button once.

How do I make text bigger on an iPad?

Open Settings → Accessibility and review the display and text options. Safari also allows you to increase webpage text using the Page Menu and the large A control.

How do I take a screenshot on my iPad?

On an iPad without a Home button, quickly press the top button and either volume button together. On a model with a Home button, quickly press the top button and Home button together.

Where are screenshots saved?

Screenshots are available in the Photos app, including within the Screenshots collection.

What's the easiest thing to do when I get lost on the screen?

Return to the Home Screen and start again. On a newer iPad, swipe upward from the bottom edge. On an older model with a Home button, press the Home button once.

60AndOver.net Editorial Team. This cheat sheet is intended as straightforward beginner guidance. Button placement and menu wording can differ slightly by iPad model and software version.

Affiliate disclosure: 60AndOver.net participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page at no additional cost to you.
Helpful Apple resources: iPad User Guide  ·  Connect to Wi-Fi  ·  Take a Screenshot  ·  Copy and Paste
Relationship Resource

Looking for companionship later in life? eharmony offers a dating platform many seniors use to meet people who want something more meaningful.

Visit eharmony for Seniors →
Scroll to Top