How to set up a smartphone for your elderly loved ones

On an iPhone: Long-press on the Home screen until the icons move, then drag to rearrange them or tap the X to uninstall them.

Add shortcuts for useful tasks or apps

One of the best things you can do is place shortcuts on the home screen to make it easier for them to call or message their closest contacts with just one click.

On an Android phone: Long press on the home screen and select Widgetschoose it Browse tab, then scroll down to Contactschoose Direct dialingthen select a contact. You can place the shortcut anywhere on the home screen and they can call that person just by tapping on it. You can add Direct message shortened in the same way.

On an iPhone: Use the Shortcuts application. If you create a folder for the Home screen, you can potentially add multiple shortcuts. You can tap the plus (+) icon at the top right to add a new shortcut, search, or scroll down to Phone Or FaceTimepress it again, then press Contact and choose the contact you want to add. Tap at the top and choose Rename to give the shortcut a name, choose the icon, and Add to Home Screen. You can also long-press on the Home screen until the icons move and tap To modify at the top left, then Add a widgetand choose Contactsthen select the contact you want to add, but this will require additional tapping when they want to call.

Call contact shortcut on Android

Screenshots: Simon Hill

Consider a Simple Launcher (Android Only)

With Android phones, you can change the “launcher,” which determines the appearance of the entire interface, including things like app icons and font size.

Samsung phones have an alternative launcher called Easy Mode built-in. To enable it, go to Settings, Displayand choose Easy mode. There are many alternative Android launchers you can install, and several simplify the phone experience with large icons. Simple launcher, Great throwerOr Home for the elderly are all worth the detour.

Increase font size

To make the font more readable, you can increase its size. There are many others practical smartphone features for people with vision loss.

On an Android phone: Go to Settings, View and touchand choose Display size and textthen drag the slider to adjust. You can also access it via Settings, AccessibilitySO Display size and text.