:INFO
Start here
Do not try to learn everything today. Get four things working: the screen, the internet, your Apple Account and one video call. Let the helper watch, and you tap.
Steps checked against Apple's support pages on 2026-11-14. Apple changes menus, so use the links.

:INFO
Find any setting fast
If a step does not match your screen, open Settings, pull the screen down a little, tap the Search box and type two words such as text size or Wi-Fi. Tap the result and you land in the right place.

:CHECKLIST
Your first hour
[ ] 1. Turn it on: press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears. Swipe up from the bottom edge to reach the Home Screen.
[ ] 2. Make the text bigger: Settings, then Display & Brightness (on newer software it may be Appearance), then Text Size. Drag the slider right.
[ ] 3. Turn on Bold Text if you want darker words. Search Settings for bold text.
[ ] 4. Join Wi-Fi: Settings, Wi-Fi, switch on, tap your network name, type the password, look for the blue checkmark.
[ ] 5. Sign in to your Apple Account (the older name was Apple ID): Settings, then Sign in at the top.
[ ] 6. Save family in Contacts, then open FaceTime and make one call.
[ ] 7. Write your Wi-Fi name and password on a card and keep it near the router.

:NOTE
Wi-Fi name and password are usually on a sticker on the internet box (the router). Take a photo of it with a phone so you do not lose it.

:INFO
Your first video call
FaceTime is Apple's video call app. Open FaceTime, start a new call, type a saved contact's name or a phone number or email, then choose video.
Sit facing a light and lean the iPad on a cushion or books. Ask the family to call once the day before to test sound and picture.

:NOTE
Scam safety. Apple says it will never ask you to share your password or a verification code. Call back only on a number you already have.
Apple says gift cards cannot pay bills or government fees, so anyone asking for gift card codes is likely a scammer.

:LINK
https://support.apple.com/en-us/111107
Apple: Connect to Wi-Fi on your iPhone or iPad

:LINK
https://support.apple.com/en-us/105088
Apple: Use FaceTime with your iPhone or iPad

:LINK
https://support.apple.com/en-us/102568
Apple: Recognize and avoid scams

:LINK
https://support.apple.com/en-us/120933
Apple: About gift card scams

:INFO
Not affiliated with Apple
This is an independent checklist written with AI help and checked against Apple's public pages on 2026-11-14. Apple, iPad and FaceTime are trademarks of Apple Inc. Tell us if a step no longer matches your screen.

:CONTACT
A step is wrong or missing?
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:LINK
https://slatesource.com/register?ticket=FIRSTHOURGUIDES2026
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