How to Set Up a Phone for an Older Relative

Ask before changing

• Preferred calling and messaging apps
• Text and icon size
• Hearing or vision needs
• Who may help with updates and recovery
• Whether location sharing is wanted

Core setup

1. Create or confirm their own Apple/Google account.
2. Transfer contacts and important photos.
3. Set a memorable but secure passcode.
4. Configure emergency contacts and medical information.
5. Enable backup and Find My/Find Hub.
6. Remove unnecessary notifications and icons.

Teach the common risks

• Never share one-time codes.
• Do not follow unexpected “support” links.
• Call a known number to verify urgent money requests.
• Do not install remote-access apps for an unsolicited caller.

Leave a support sheet

Record the phone model, network, account recovery route and trusted helper contact. Do not write the full password and passcode together in an obvious place.

Schedule a calm follow-up

Review the phone after one or two weeks. Remove confusing notifications, fix missed calls and adjust text or volume based on real use rather than redesigning everything during the first session.

Use a short independence test before declaring the setup complete

After the initial configuration, ask the relative to perform key tasks without verbal guidance. This reveals confusing icons, unexpected prompts and volume or accessibility problems that a helper may not notice.

• Unlock the phone and make a call to a known contact.
• Read and reply to a message.
• Recognise a suspicious request for money or a one-time code.
• Find emergency information and explain who to contact if the phone is lost.

Schedule a follow-up after one or two weeks. Improve what caused real difficulty rather than continually redesigning the phone around the helper’s preferences.