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📱 Traveling Without Being a Tech Expert: The Phone Skills Every Traveler Should Know

You don't have to be a technology expert to travel with a smartphone.

You don't need to know every setting. You don't need to understand every feature. And you definitely don't need to memorize a bunch of instructions before you leave home.

You just need to know how to find the information when you need it.

I was reminded of this recently when I switched from an iPhone to an Android phone for my business.

I'm pretty comfortable with technology. I can usually figure things out. But suddenly, I would know exactly what I wanted to do and have no idea where Android had hidden the button.

So I'd look it up.

And then I'd have one of those:

"Oh. There it is."

moments.

It made me think about something we often forget: what seems obvious to one person may be completely unfamiliar to someone else.

If nobody has ever shown you where a particular feature is, why would you automatically know?

And honestly, this happens to people who are perfectly comfortable with technology.

Phones change. Menus move. Software gets updated. And switching from one type of phone to another can make something you used to do without thinking suddenly feel like a scavenger hunt.

That's especially worth remembering when you're traveling.

Your phone can help you find directions, check a reservation, connect to Wi-Fi, pull up a ticket, share your location, and find information you need right when you need it.

But you don't have to become a smartphone expert to use it confidently.

You just need to know what you're trying to do, where to look first, and how to find the answer when you're stuck.

📱 First Things First: Know What Phone You Have

Before you start searching for instructions, it helps to know exactly what you're holding.

And "I have an iPhone" or "I have a Samsung" may not be specific enough.

The exact model matters.

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Go to:

Settings → General → About

Look for Model Name.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Look in:

Settings → About Phone or About Device

The wording and location can vary depending on the manufacturer and software version.

Why does this matter?

Because the more specific your question is, the better chance you have of finding instructions that actually match your phone.

Instead of searching:

How do I take a screenshot?

Try:

How do I take a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy S25?

Or:

How do I scan a document on an iPhone?

And if you know the exact model, include it.

Your phone model is one of the most useful pieces of information you can have when you're looking for help.

💡 One Important Thing to Know Before We Start

Your phone may not look exactly like the examples in this article.

That's normal.

iPhones can change when iOS is updated. Android phones can vary by manufacturer, model, and software version. Even two phones made by the same company may not have exactly the same menus.

So if you follow an instruction and don't see the button someone told you to look for, don't assume you're doing something wrong.

Your phone may simply be different.

That's why you'll see the same pattern throughout this article:

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

🤖 Android - Where to look first

🔎 Can't find it? - Here's what to search

The goal isn't to memorize every step.

It's to learn where to start.

🔎 The Skill That Makes All the Other Skills Easier

Here's the thing I really want you to take away from this article:

You don't have to remember how to do everything on your phone. You need to know how to find the information when you need it.

Maybe you need to take a screenshot today.

Six months from now, you might need to scan a document.

A year from now, you might switch phones and have to figure something out all over again.

That's okay.

You don't have to store every answer in your head.

You just need to know where to look.

And once you've got that down, you're golden.

👀 Step One: Look for Familiar Words

When you don't know where something is, start by looking for words that describe what you're trying to do.

Try looking for:

• Settings
• Wi-Fi
• Location
• Share
• Files
• Downloads
• Camera
• Search

You don't have to know the technical name for something.

If you're trying to connect to the internet, look for Wi-Fi.

If you're trying to send a picture, look for Share.

If you're trying to find something you downloaded, look for Files or Downloads.

Start with the words that seem closest to what you're trying to accomplish.

🔎 Step Two: Use Your Phone's Search

Many phones have a search bar or search option within Settings.

If you know what you're trying to accomplish, try typing those words.

You don't need to know exactly where the setting lives.

You can simply search for it.

🌐 Step Three: Ask Google

And if you still can't find it, ask Google.

You don't have to use the "right" technical terminology.

Describe what you want to do in plain English.

Try:

How do I share a photo on a Samsung Galaxy?

Or:

How do I find downloaded files on an iPhone?

Or:

How do I turn on location services on a Motorola phone?

If you know your exact model, include it.

You don't have to phrase your question perfectly. Google is usually pretty good at figuring out what you're asking.

And searching for instructions isn't a sign that you're bad with technology.

It's how people learn.

📸 Want to Take a Screenshot?

A screenshot saves what's currently displayed on your phone's screen as an image.

That can be incredibly handy when you're traveling.

You might screenshot:

• A confirmation number
• A boarding pass
• Directions
• An excursion meeting location
• A phone number
• Important information from a website

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

On most newer iPhones, press the Side button + Volume Up at the same time.

iPhones with a Home button use a different button combination.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

On many Android phones, press Power + Volume Down at the same time.

Some phones offer additional ways to take a screenshot.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I take a screenshot on [your phone model]?

📥 Want to Find Something You Downloaded?

This can be one of those "I know I downloaded it, but where did it go?" moments.

Maybe it's:

• A cruise document
• A hotel confirmation
• A boarding pass
• A ticket
• A travel insurance document
• A PDF someone sent you

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Look for the Files app.

The Downloads folder is often where downloaded files end up.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Look for Files, My Files, Downloads, or Documents.

The name and location can vary by phone manufacturer.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

Where are downloaded files on [your phone model]?

Or:

How do I find downloaded PDFs on [your phone model]?

📸 Want to Find and Share a Photo?

You've just taken a great picture and want to send it to someone.

The good news is that you don't need to know much technical terminology.

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Open the Photos app.

Find the picture and look for the Share icon.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Look for your phone's Photos, Gallery, or similar photo app.

Select the picture and look for Share.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I share a photo on [your phone model]?

🔲 Want to Scan a QR Code?

And if you've ever looked at a QR code and thought, "Okay...what am I supposed to do with that?"-you're not alone.

QR codes are everywhere when you travel.

You might encounter them on:

• Restaurant menus
• Hotel information
• Cruise ships
• Excursion information
• Tickets
• Signs
• Wi-Fi information

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Open the Camera and point it at the QR code.

You may also have a Code Scanner option available.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Start with the Camera.

Some Android phones also have a QR scanner available through Quick Settings or another built-in tool.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I scan a QR code on [your phone model]?

📄 Want to Scan a Paper Document?

Sometimes you don't just want a photograph of a document. You want a digital copy you can save or send.

You might scan:

• A receipt
• A form
• Travel information
• A document someone gives you
• Something you want to keep for your records

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Look in the Notes app for the option to Scan Documents.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

The exact method varies.

Look in your camera or document/storage apps for a Scan option.

Google Drive also has a built-in document-scanning feature on Android.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I scan a document on [your phone model]?

📷 Want to Keep a Photo of Important Information?

Your phone's camera can be a surprisingly useful travel tool.

Consider taking photos of things such as:

• Your hotel information
• Cruise documents
• Travel insurance information
• Your rental car
• Your parking location
• Important phone numbers
• Signs with directions or instructions

You can then find the information in your photos when you need it.

💡 One important reminder

A photograph is a backup, not necessarily a replacement for the original document.

For example, you may need to carry your actual passport or identification even if you have a photograph of it stored on your phone.

📶 Want to Connect to Wi-Fi?

Whether you're at an airport, hotel, restaurant, or cruise ship, you'll probably encounter Wi-Fi.

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Go to:

Settings → Wi-Fi

Choose the network you want to join.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Look under:

Settings → Wi-Fi or Network & Internet

The exact wording depends on the phone.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I connect to Wi-Fi on [your phone model]?

💡 Travel tip

Your phone will often remember Wi-Fi networks you've connected to before.

That can make returning to a hotel or another familiar location a little easier.

📍 Want Your Phone to Know Where You Are?

These two terms sound like the same thing, but they're not:

Location Services and Location Sharing.

Location Services

This allows your phone to determine where you are.

You may need it for:

• Maps
• Directions
• Nearby locations
• Certain travel services
• Finding a lost phone

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Look under:

Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Look for:

Settings → Location

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I turn on location services on [your phone model]?

📍 Want Someone Else to Know Where You Are?

That's Location Sharing.

This can be useful when:

• You're meeting someone in a large airport
• You're trying to find your travel companion in a busy port
• You're exploring somewhere unfamiliar
• You want a family member to know where you are

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Look for Location Sharing in places such as Find My, Messages, or Maps.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Google Maps includes Location Sharing, although other location-sharing options may also be available depending on your phone.

🔎 Can't find it?

Search:

How do I share my location on [your phone model]?

🗺️ Want to Find Your Way Somewhere?

Your phone can be an incredibly useful travel tool when you're trying to find your way around an unfamiliar place.

You don't need to become a navigation expert.

Start by learning how to:

• Search for a destination
• Ask for directions
• Check your current location
• Choose walking or driving directions
• Follow the route on the map

🔎 Can't figure something out?

Search:

How do I get directions in Google Maps on [your phone model]?

🧳 Travel tip: Think about offline maps

If you're traveling somewhere with unreliable cellular service, consider downloading an offline map before you leave.

This can be especially useful when you're:

• Driving
• Exploring a port
• Traveling internationally
• Visiting an area where cell service may be limited

Search:

How do I download an offline map for [destination]?

🔋 Want to Make Sure Your Phone Is Ready for the Day?

This one sounds almost too obvious.

But a dead phone isn't particularly helpful when you're trying to find your hotel, pull up your boarding pass, or figure out where you're supposed to meet your excursion.

Before a travel day:

• Charge your phone
• Bring the correct charging cable
• Know what kind of charger your phone uses
• Consider carrying a portable power bank
• Give your phone a little extra charge before a long excursion or travel day

And if you're traveling with someone else, don't assume their charging cable will work with your phone.

If you're cruising, you can also see how your phone fits into the bigger picture in my guide to your first cruise embarkation.

Ask me how I know. 😉

🆘 What If You Lose Your Phone?

This is one skill you don't want to learn after your phone disappears.

🍎 iPhone - Where to look first

Apple uses Find My to help locate a missing device.

🤖 Android - Where to look first

Android uses Find Hub.

Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, also provide their own device-finding tools.

🔎 Want to make sure you're prepared?

Search:

How do I find my lost [phone model]?

💡 Most important tip

Set this up before you travel.

Once your phone is missing, it isn't exactly the ideal time to discover how the feature works.

🤔 "But Mine Doesn't Look Like That!"

If you've ever searched for instructions online and thought:

"That's not what my phone looks like."

You're not alone.

Your phone may be different because:

• You have a different model
• Your software is a different version
• Your phone manufacturer changed the menu
• The instructions you're reading are older
• The instructions were written for a different phone

What should you do?

1. Check your phone model.

2. Check your software version if necessary.

3. Search again using your exact model.

4. Look for instructions from the phone manufacturer or another reliable source.

And most importantly:

Don't assume you've done something wrong.

Different doesn't mean wrong.

🔎 The Most Useful Phone Skill of All: Knowing How to Search

If you remember only one thing from this article, remember this:

You don't have to know the answer before you start looking for it.

You just need to know how to ask the question.

A simple formula is:

How do I + what I want to do + on + my phone model?

For example:

How do I take a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy S25?

How do I find downloaded files on an iPhone?

How do I share my location on a Google Pixel?

How do I scan a document on an iPhone?

You can also search for:

[phone model] + [what you're trying to do]

You don't have to use the "right" technical words.

Describe what you're trying to accomplish.

Google is usually pretty good at figuring out what you're asking.

🧳 A Quick Phone Check Before You Travel

You don't need to master everything on this list.

But it wouldn't hurt to know whether you can do these things before you leave home.

Before Your Trip

• ☐ I know what phone model I have.

• ☐ I know how to charge it.

• ☐ I know how to connect to Wi-Fi.

• ☐ I know how to take a screenshot.

• ☐ I know where downloaded files go.

• ☐ I know how to find and share a photo.

• ☐ I know how to scan a QR code.

• ☐ I know how to turn Location Services on.

• ☐ I know how to share my location.

• ☐ I know how to find my phone if I lose it.

• ☐ I've saved or photographed important travel information.

• ☐ I know how to search for instructions if I get stuck.

And if you can't check every box?

That's okay.

The goal isn't to know everything before you travel.

The goal is to know how to find the answer when you need it.

❤️ You Are Not Bad at Technology

Sometimes technology makes it feel like everybody else got the instruction manual except you.

They didn't.

Someone showed them.

They looked it up.

They pushed a few buttons and figured it out.

Or-and this happens more often than people admit-they forgot how to do it and had to look it up again.

I've certainly had those moments since switching to Android.

And here's something else I've learned:

Learning something once doesn't mean you're required to remember it forever.

If you only take a screenshot once every six months, there's no reason you necessarily have to remember which buttons to press.

Look it up.

If you haven't scanned a document since last year, you might have to look that up too.

That's not failing at technology.

That's using the information that's available to you.

And once you know how to find that information, you can figure out a whole lot more than you might think.

📱 You Don't Have to Know Everything

Your phone can be one of your most useful travel tools.

But you don't have to master every feature before your next vacation.

Remember three things:

1. Know what you're trying to accomplish.

2. Know what words to look for.

3. Know how to search for instructions specific to your phone.

That's enough to get you started.

Because confident technology use isn't about knowing every answer.

It's about knowing how to find your way when you don't know the answer.

And honestly, that's a pretty useful travel skill, too.

You don't have to be a tech expert to travel confidently. You just need to know where to look.