Whether you've been away for a while or are setting up online for the first time, this guide walks you through everything step by step — from getting an email address to staying safe. No experience needed.
The digital world moves fast, and if you've been out of it for a while it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you don't need to do everything at once. This guide is laid out in order — work through it at your own pace, and each step will make the next one easier.
Everything in this guide is free. You don't need to spend money to get online safely and set yourself up properly.
These are the things everything else builds on. Do these before anything else.
An email address is your digital identity — you'll need it for almost everything else. Gmail (from Google) and Outlook (from Microsoft) are both free, reliable, and widely accepted. Choose something professional if you can, ideally using your name — firstname.lastname@gmail.com is ideal for job applications and official correspondence.
Keep your login details somewhere safe and private — your email is the master key to everything else online.
📌 Gmail: gmail.com · Outlook: outlook.com — both free, no ID required to sign upYour email password is the most important one you'll set. Make it long (at least 12 characters), something nobody could guess, and don't use it anywhere else. If you have an iPhone or Android phone, your built-in password manager can generate and store it for you — you only need to remember one master password or use your fingerprint.
On iPhone: Settings → Passwords. On Android: Settings → Google → Passwords.
🔑 Test how strong your password is with our free checker →This means that even if someone knows your password, they still can't get into your account without a code sent to your phone. It takes two minutes to set up and is one of the most important things you can do. In Gmail: click your profile photo → Manage your Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification.
A smartphone gives you access to almost everything in this guide. If you don't have one yet, many charities and organisations provide donated or subsidised devices for people who need them — see the support organisations section below. Libraries also offer free computer access if you need to get online while you sort out a device.
📍 Find your nearest library: gov.uk/local-library-servicesOnce you have an email address, you can start accessing the services you need. These are the most important ones to set up early.
A single GOV.UK account lets you access benefits, Universal Credit, your National Insurance record, tax information, and driving licence details all in one place. You'll need your email address and some form of ID to verify your identity. Go to sign-in.service.gov.uk to get started.
🌐 sign-in.service.gov.uk — free to set upOnce you're registered with a GP, the NHS App lets you book appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and access your health records from your phone. Search "register with a GP" at nhs.uk if you don't have one. The NHS App is free in the App Store and Google Play.
🌐 nhs.uk/nhs-app — free downloadMost high street banks offer basic bank accounts that require minimal ID and have no credit checks. These let you receive payments, set up direct debits, and use a debit card. The Money and Pensions Service has a tool to help you find one that suits your situation at moneyhelper.org.uk. Some credit unions are also very accessible for people with limited financial history.
🌐 moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/bankingYou'll need your National Insurance number for work, benefits, and tax. If you don't know it or have lost it, you can find it on old payslips, P60s, or by logging into your HMRC account at tax.service.gov.uk. You can also call HMRC on 0300 200 3500 and they can post it to you.
The online world has risks, but they're easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.
Scammers often target people who are newly online because they may be less familiar with the tricks. If an email or text asks you to click a link urgently, asks for personal details, or offers money — pause before acting. Use our phishing checker if you're unsure.
This is the single most important security habit. If one account gets hacked and you've used the same password everywhere, every account is at risk. Your phone's built-in password manager handles this for you automatically.
Trust your instincts. If something online feels too good to be true, comes out of nowhere, or pressures you to act quickly — step away and check it out before doing anything. You can always call the organisation directly using a number you find yourself.
Updates fix security weaknesses. Turn on automatic updates in your phone settings so it happens without you having to think about it. This is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe.
Once the essentials are in place, you may want to think about social media and how you present yourself online.
There's no rush to join social media, but when you're ready, LinkedIn is particularly worth setting up early — it's used by employers and can help with job searching. Facebook and WhatsApp are useful for staying in touch with people.
A few things worth knowing before you start:
A LinkedIn profile can make a real difference to job searching. Keep it factual, professional, and focused on skills and experience. You don't need to include dates that cover gaps in employment — focus on what you can offer now.
If you'd like help writing a LinkedIn profile or CV, many of the support organisations below offer this as part of their services, and there are also free tools available through the National Careers Service at nationalcareers.service.gov.uk.
These organisations understand your situation and can help with housing, employment, benefits, digital access, and much more.
One of the UK's largest social justice charities. Provides support with housing, employment, education, and benefits for people leaving the justice system.
A charity specifically for people with convictions, helping with employment, financial services, housing, and understanding your rights when rebuilding your life.
Provides peer-led support through the criminal justice system and on release, including help with accommodation, benefits, and getting back on your feet practically.
A national charity helping people in financial hardship access benefits, grants, and support they're entitled to. Their online benefits calculator is one of the most comprehensive available.
Runs the National Databank (free mobile data) and network of Learn My Way digital skills centres across the UK. Helps people who are new to digital get connected and build confidence online.
Nacro can help people leaving prison obtain identification documents including proof of address and citizenship documents — essential for opening bank accounts and accessing services.
Free careers advice, CV help, and job search support from the government. Available online and by phone, with advisers who can help regardless of your background.
Every public library in the UK offers free computer and internet access. Staff are usually happy to help if you're not sure where to start. No membership fee for basic access in most areas.
Everyone starts somewhere. The digital world can feel daunting at first, but the skills build quickly — and there are people whose job it is to help you. You don't have to figure it out alone, and you don't have to be perfect at it. Just start with step one.