Sweep off the surface of the patio or walkway with a shop broom to remove any dirt or loose debris before adding sand to the joints. This will help prevent pebbles, twigs or leaves from being filled into the joints with the sand.
Empty bags of sand on top of the paver surface. Spread the sand out over the surface with a shop broom. Sweep the sand across all of the joints to fill them in completely until all of the joints are filled. If some joints won't stay filled, mist the joint with a spray bottle of water, add sand and mist over the added sand.
Sweep off the excess sand with a shop broom. Save the excess sand for later re-sanding of joints in a metal trash can in your shed or garage.