Before you start
- The smartphone, charged
- Their Apple Account or Google account details
- Family phone numbers and photos
- Their medical information and emergency contacts
Method 1 Make everything easier to see
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Step 1: Increase text size
iPhone: Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size, and turn on Bold Text. Android: Settings > Display (or Accessibility) > Font size and display size.
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Step 2: Enlarge icons
iPhone: Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom > Larger Text. Android: increase Display size in the same menu.
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Step 3: Keep the screen on longer
Set the screen to lock after 2–5 minutes instead of 30 seconds, so it doesn’t go dark mid-task.
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Step 4: Turn up ringtone and alerts
Raise the ringtone volume, choose a loud, distinctive ringtone, and turn on vibration.
Method 2 Simplify the phone
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Step 1: Tidy the home screen
Keep only essential apps on the first screen: Phone, Messages, Camera, Photos, WhatsApp and maybe the weather. Move everything else to a second screen or folder.
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Step 2: Use Assistive Access on iPhone
For a much simpler layout with large buttons, go to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access and tap Set Up Assistive Access (iOS 17 or later). You choose the apps and layout, and set a passcode to switch it on and off.
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Step 3: Use a simple mode on Android
Many Android phones have a simplified layout, such as Easy mode on Samsung (Settings > Display > Easy mode). On other phones, a simple launcher app from the Play Store does the same.
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Step 4: Remove clutter
Turn off unnecessary notifications so the phone isn’t constantly beeping.
Method 3 Set up contacts and calling
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Step 1: Add contacts with photos
Add family and friends with their photos, so it’s easy to recognise who to call.
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Step 2: Add favourites
Mark the most important contacts as Favourites, and add shortcuts or widgets for them on the home screen if possible.
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Step 3: Set up video calls
Install and set up WhatsApp or FaceTime, and practise a video call together a few times.
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Step 4: Turn on caption or speaker options
If hearing is difficult, show how to use the speakerphone, and turn on Live Caption or call captions where available.
Method 4 Set up safety features
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Step 1: Emergency SOS
iPhone: Settings > Emergency SOS; pressing the side button five times or holding the side and a volume button calls emergency services. Android: Settings > Safety & emergency > Emergency SOS (pressing the power button five times on many phones). Add emergency contacts.
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Step 2: Medical ID
Fill in medical conditions, allergies, medicines and emergency contacts so paramedics can see them from the lock screen: iPhone: Health app > Medical ID. Android: Settings > Safety & emergency > Medical information.
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Step 3: Location sharing
With their agreement, share location with a family member through Find My (iPhone) or Google Maps location sharing.
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Step 4: Fall detection
Some smartwatches, such as Apple Watch and some Samsung and Pixel watches, can detect falls and call for help.
Method 5 Protect against scams and loss
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Step 1: Silence unknown callers
iPhone: Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers (or Settings > Phone on older versions). Android: in the Phone app’s settings, turn on caller ID and spam protection and block unknown numbers.
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Step 2: Turn on automatic updates
Updates fix security problems. Turn on automatic software and app updates.
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Step 3: Set a screen lock
Use a simple PIN or Face ID/fingerprint, and keep the PIN written somewhere safe at home.
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Step 4: Turn on Find My Device
Turn on Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device so a lost phone can be located.
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Step 5: Explain the golden rule
Agree that they’ll never give codes, passwords or bank details to anyone who calls or texts them, and will always check with family first.
Troubleshooting
They keep accidentally opening apps
Use Assistive Access or Easy mode, reduce the number of apps on the home screen, and increase the touch-and-hold delay in accessibility settings.
The phone keeps running out of battery
Put a charging stand by their bed or chair, and lower the screen brightness.
They can’t hear calls clearly
Turn the call volume up during a call, use speakerphone, pair hearing aids if they have them, or turn on call captions.
Frequently asked questions
Is an iPhone or Android better for seniors?
Both work well. Choose the type family members use, so they can help more easily.
Should I buy a phone designed for seniors?
Simple “senior phones” suit people who only call and text. A smartphone with simplified settings suits those who want video calls and photos.
How do I help remotely?
Screen-sharing on FaceTime or a remote support app lets you see their screen and guide them, with their permission.
Summary
Make text and icons bigger, simplify the home screen (or use Assistive Access or Easy mode), and add favourite contacts with photos. Turn on emergency SOS and medical ID, set up video calls, and protect against scams by silencing unknown callers, enabling updates and a screen lock. Write simple instructions and practise together.
