Set the voltmeter to the correct voltage type: AC or DC
Select a range higher than the expected voltage if the meter is not auto-ranging
Plug the black probe into COM
Plug the red probe into the V port
Turn off power before connecting if measuring resistance or continuity, not voltage
Touch the black probe to the negative or ground point
Touch the red probe to the positive point
Read the voltage value on the display
Keep fingers behind the probe guards
Do not let the probe tips touch each other while connected to a live circuit
Remove the probes after taking the reading
Turn the meter off when finished