Simple ways to make smartphones easier for older loved ones

Bigger icons, clearer sound and simple shortcuts can make mobiles much more senior-friendly

Helping mum, dad or grandparents get to grips with a smartphone does not have to be daunting. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can turn a confusing device into something straightforward, safe and genuinely useful. These tips draw on advice from specialists like Maximiliana, who recently connected 17 centenarian women from across Spain in a video call, sharing an incredible 1,757 years of experience between them.

Start with what they really need

• Remove or hide unnecessary apps so the home screen shows just phone, contacts, WhatsApp and perhaps the camera or gallery.
• On both Android and iPhone, you can long press an app icon to delete it or remove it from the home screen.

Make everything easier to see

• On Android: go to Settings > Accessibility > Font size or Display size and move the slider until the text and icons feel comfortable.
• On iPhone: go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Larger Text, and turn on larger accessibility sizes. For bigger icons, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom > Zoomed and then restart the phone.

Improve sound and notifications

• Turn off notifications from apps they do not need, to reduce constant pings.
• In WhatsApp, you can assign special sounds to messages from close family, while muting group chats or less important conversations.
• Make sure the ringtone and notification volume are loud enough and pick clear, distinct tones. Using the speakerphone can also help during calls.
• If they use hearing aids, many smartphones allow some models to connect directly, or you can use tools like sound amplifiers on compatible Android phones or audio adjustments on iPhone.

Make controls easier to handle

Fine movements can be harder for some older users, so simplifying how they move around the phone is important.

• Gesture navigation, where you swipe instead of using buttons, can be tricky. On Android you can turn this off in Settings > System > Gestures, and on iPhone in Settings > Accessibility, so the classic bottom navigation buttons or clearer controls are used instead.
• Lowering touch sensitivity and enabling options that prevent accidental taps can reduce unintended calls or messages. Many people have experienced those mystery late-night calls from a pocket or handbag.

Add safety and support

• Keep lock screen security simple but present: fingerprint recognition, face unlock or an easy-to-remember PIN help protect their data.
• Add medical and emergency details. On Android, this is usually under Settings > Safety & Emergency, and on iPhone through the Health app under Medical ID. You can include blood group, medications and an emergency contact.
• Enable emergency SOS, where pressing the power button several times can automatically call emergency services and notify chosen contacts.
• With their permission, turn on location sharing and tracking tools such as Find My on iPhone or similar services on Android, so the phone can be found if lost.

Do it together

Used thoughtfully, smartphones can help older relatives stay closer to family, manage appointments and feel safer. As that group of centenarian women proved on their shared video call, age is no barrier to connection when the technology is made truly accessible.