Technology vocabulary has become genuinely essential everyday English, describing a phone problem, joining a video call, or explaining an internet issue all depend on it. This guide covers real, practical vocabulary for devices, the internet and staying in touch, not outdated textbook terms.
2. Devices & Basics
Word / Phrase
Meaning
to charge (a device)
to connect it to power to refill the battery
battery life
how long a device lasts before needing to charge
to switch on/off
to turn a device on or off
screen
the display on a phone, laptop or other device
app / application
a program, usually on a phone or tablet
to update
to install the newest version of software or an app
3. Internet & Connectivity
Word
Meaning / Note
wifi
a wireless internet connection, usually through a local router
mobile data
internet access through your phone's own network, used away from wifi
to connect / disconnect
to join or leave a network
password
a secret code used to access an account or network
router
the device that provides a wifi connection at home
💡
Wifi vs mobile data
"I'm on wifi" means connected through a local network (home, café, office). "I'm using my data" means using your phone's own mobile network instead, often limited and sometimes costly if you exceed your allowance.
4. Online Communication
Phrase
Example
to call / to text
Can you call me later? / I'll text you the address.
video call
We had a video call with the whole team.
to send/reply to an email
I need to reply to this email before lunch.
to be on mute
Sorry, you were on mute, could you repeat that?
notification
I got a notification about the meeting change.
5. Describing Tech Problems
Phrase
Meaning
The wifi is down.
The internet connection isn't working at all.
My connection keeps dropping.
The internet connection repeatedly disconnects.
The app crashed.
The app suddenly closed or stopped working unexpectedly.
My phone froze.
The screen stopped responding to touch.
to restart / reboot
to turn a device off and on again to fix a problem
6. Common Mistakes
❌ Incorrect
✅ Correct
Why
I have not internet.
I don't have internet. / My internet isn't working.
Standard negative verb structure is needed, "have not" alone is incorrect here.
My phone is not working the battery.
My phone's battery isn't working. / My phone won't charge.
Natural English states clearly what part is broken, not an awkward literal translation.
Close and open again the app.
Close the app and open it again. / Restart the app.
Natural English word order keeps the object with its verb, not split awkwardly.
7. Exercises
A. Gap Fill — Complete correctly (8 questions)
1. I need to ___ my phone, the battery is low. (charge)
2. The ___ is down, I can't get online. (wifi)
3. Sorry, you were on ___, could you repeat that? (mute)
4. My phone ___, I need to restart it. (froze)
5. I'll ___ you the address later. (text)
6. I need to ___ this app to the newest version. (update)
7. My connection keeps ___. (dropping)
8. We had a ___ call with the whole team. (video)
Show Answers (A)
1. charge 2. wifi 3. mute 4. froze 5. text 6. update 7. dropping 8. video
B. Multiple Choice (5 questions)
1. Internet through your phone's own network is called... (a) mobile data (b) wifi
2. "The app crashed" means it... (a) closed unexpectedly (b) updated successfully
3. To fix a problem by turning a device off and on is to... (a) restart it (b) charge it
4. The device that provides wifi at home is the... (a) router (b) notification
5. How long a device lasts before charging is its... (a) battery life (b) password
Show Answers (B)
1.a 2.a 3.a 4.a 5.a
C. Error Correction (3 questions)
1. I have not internet.
2. My phone is not working the battery.
3. Close and open again the app.
Show Answers (C)
1. I don't have internet. 2. My phone won't charge. 3. Close the app and open it again.
D. Freer Practice — Write Your Own Sentences (2 tasks)
1. Describe a technology problem you've had, using at least two vocabulary items from this page.
2. Write a sentence about how you usually communicate with friends or family.
Show Answers (D)
Model answers will vary. Examples: 1. "My wifi kept dropping all evening, so I had to restart the router." 2. "I usually text my friends, but I call my parents every Sunday."
8. Mini Quiz
9. Exam Focus — Cambridge, IELTS, SELT
Exam
How This Is Tested
Sample Question
Cambridge B1 Preliminary / B2 First
Technology topics increasingly appear in Reading and Listening tasks about daily life.
A dialogue about a technical problem, e.g. arranging a repair.
IELTS Speaking & Writing
Technology is a common Part 1/3 topic and a frequent Writing Task 2 theme.
"How has technology changed communication?" as an essay topic.
Trinity GESE/ISE (SELT)
Describing how you use technology and stay in touch is an increasingly common topic.
"How do you keep in contact with your family?" "Do you use social media?"
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Wifi is a wireless internet connection through a local router, usually at home or in a public place; mobile data is internet access through your phone's own network connection, used when wifi isn't available.
To connect it to a power source to refill its battery. "My phone is charging" means it's currently connected and gaining battery power.
"To call" means to phone someone and speak; "to text" means to send a written message. Both are common verbs used without extra words.
To install the newest version of an app, usually adding new features or fixing problems from the previous version.
"The wifi is down" or "my connection keeps dropping" are both natural, commonly used phrases for internet problems.
Yes — describing how you use technology and communicate with others is an increasingly common, natural conversation topic.
Reading a vocabulary list takes you part of the way. Real fluency comes from using these words in conversation, with a tutor who corrects you immediately. Book a free level test with Elite Language Solutions and find out exactly where you are.