In this era of technology, smartphones have integrated into everyday routines, helping one stay connected with others, get news, and perform various personal and work tasks. Today, smartphones offer various features to enhance ease of use, making the devices cater to not just younger tech-savvy users but also seniors. With a few simple changes to phone settings, seniors can have a smoother smartphone experience. So, here are some handy phone hacks for seniors:

1. Use voice commands and virtual assistants
Older adults can find it easier to navigate their smartphones using voice commands. Siri on iPhones and Google Assistant on Android devices allow users to make calls, send messages, set reminders, and even ask questions using voice prompts. Activating these features is as simple as holding the home button or saying the wake word (“Hey Siri” or “Okay Google”). This hack facilitates hands-free usage, improving user experience.

2. Adjust text size and display settings
Those with vision-related issues often face challenges with small text and icons on their smartphones. Fortunately, Android and iOS devices come with options for adjusting text and icon size. On an iPhone, one can navigate to Settings > Display and Brightness > Text Size and choose a suitable text size. Similarly, Android users can go to Settings > Display > Font Size to make it easier to read messages, browse the web, and find apps.

3. Set up emergency SOS features
Smartphones come with built-in emergency features that can benefit seniors. Both iOS and Android devices offer quick access to emergency services. On an iPhone, users can press the side or home button five times to activate Emergency SOS, which involves automatically calling emergency services and sharing the users’ location with pre-selected contacts. Android users can set up a similar feature by going to Settings > Safety and Emergency > Emergency SOS. This hack ensures that seniors have immediate access to assistance in an emergency.

4. Get magnifier apps
For those with vision impairments, magnifier apps can be a game-changer. The apps utilize the smartphone’s camera to magnify text and objects, making reading small print or labels easier. Both iOS and Android app stores offer various magnifier apps, allowing seniors to choose the one that best suits their needs. This hack enhances the smartphone’s functionality by making it a handy visual aid.

5. Simplify home screen layouts
Customizing the home screen layout can significantly improve the smartphone experience for seniors. They can remove unnecessary icons, organize essential apps into folders, and place frequently used apps on the main screen. This reduces clutter on the screen, so seniors can find and use their desired apps without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Schedule alerts
Seniors should rely on smartphones for reminders. Utilizing the built-in reminder apps or downloading specialized ones allows seniors to set reminders for medication alerts, doctor’s appointments, and other important events. Recurring reminders will ensure that one does not forget crucial tasks.

7. Set up remote assistance
Smartphone features like Family Sharing on iPhones and Google Family Link on Android devices enable remote assistance. Here, by linking their devices, family members can offer support from afar, troubleshoot issues, or even set up applications on seniors’ phones. So this can help seniors feel connected to their families and less intimidated about using a smartphone.