How do I simplify my Samsung phone for the elderly?

According to a 2023 AARP survey, nearly nine out of 10 Americans aged 50-plus own a smartphone, highlighting the widespread adoption of technology among older adults. Yet, complex interfaces can be a barrier. Here is how you can simplify your Samsung phone for the elderly to make technology less intimidating and more accessible.

Quick Summary

Using Samsung's built-in Easy Mode is the most direct method, offering a simplified home screen with larger icons and higher-contrast text for improved visibility. Additional steps include adjusting accessibility settings for font size, screen zoom, and touch delays, as well as minimizing home screen clutter for a more streamlined experience.

Key Points

• Enable Easy Mode: Activate Samsung's built-in feature for larger icons, simplified home screen, and enhanced readability with minimal effort.

• Adjust Text and Screen Zoom: Tailor the size of text and other on-screen elements in Display settings for better visual clarity.

• Increase Touch Delay: Prevent accidental taps by increasing the 'Touch and hold delay' in the Accessibility settings.

• Declutter the Home Screen: Remove unnecessary apps and widgets from the main screen, and create shortcuts for frequently used contacts.

• Use Button Navigation: For those confused by swipe gestures, switch to the traditional navigation bar with on-screen buttons.

• Set Up Emergency Features: Configure emergency contacts and SOS messages for peace of mind in urgent situations.

Using Samsung's Built-in Easy Mode

Samsung provides a powerful feature called Easy Mode, specifically designed to simplify the user interface. It is the single most effective step to make a Galaxy phone senior-friendly. By enabling Easy Mode, you get a cleaner, less cluttered home screen with larger icons and a dedicated page for quick-dial contacts. This reduces confusion and minimizes accidental taps.

How to activate Easy Mode

1. Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel and tap the gear icon to access Settings.
2. Find Display Settings: Scroll through the menu and tap on “Display.”
3. Select Easy Mode: Look for and tap the “Easy mode” option. On some models, this may be under "Accessibility" > "Visibility enhancements."
4. Turn it On: Toggle the switch to activate Easy Mode. The screen will immediately simplify, and you will see the changes take effect. You can also customize the feature from this menu, such as adding a longer touch-and-hold delay.

Customizing Core Accessibility Settings

Even without Easy Mode, or in addition to it, Samsung's accessibility settings offer a suite of tools to improve usability for the elderly. These fine-tuning options address common challenges related to vision and motor skills.

Enhancing screen visibility

• Font Size and Style: In Settings > Display > Font size and style, you can increase the font size using a slider. You can also toggle "Bold font" to make text more prominent and easier to read.
• Screen Zoom: In the same Font size and style menu, you can also increase the screen zoom. This scales up all on-screen elements, not just the text, making the entire interface more visible.
• High Contrast Keyboard: For users with low vision, a high-contrast keyboard can significantly improve typing accuracy. Enable this feature in Settings > General management > Samsung Keyboard settings > High contrast keyboard.
• Color Adjustment: Samsung phones also offer color filter and color adjustment options for users with specific visual impairments. These are located in Settings > Accessibility > Visibility enhancements.

Improving touch and interaction controls

• Touch and Hold Delay: This feature is crucial for preventing accidental selections. By increasing the delay, a longer press is required to register an action. You can adjust this in Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity > Touch and hold delay.
• Button Navigation: Some seniors find gesture-based navigation confusing. Switching back to the traditional navigation buttons (Recents, Home, and Back) can be a welcome change. This is typically an option within Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
• Side key settings: The side key (power button) can be customized to launch an app with a double press. Setting this to open a frequently used app like the Camera can make it more convenient. The options are in Settings > Advanced features > Side key.

Decluttering and Optimizing the Home Screen

A minimalist home screen is a less overwhelming home screen. Reducing the number of visible applications and widgets is a simple yet impactful way to improve the user experience for seniors.

Home screen organization steps

1. Create a minimalist layout: Long-press and drag non-essential app icons to a folder or a secondary home screen. This keeps the main screen clean and free of distractions.
2. Use a dedicated contacts page: For Easy Mode users, add their most frequent contacts to the dedicated contacts page for one-touch calling. If not using Easy Mode, you can create a shortcut to a contact on the home screen by pressing and holding the Phone app icon and dragging a contact icon to the home screen.
3. Hide irrelevant apps: Unnecessary pre-installed apps can be hidden without uninstalling them. From the home screen, swipe up to the app drawer, tap the three vertical dots, and select "Settings". Then choose "Hide apps on Home and Apps screens."
4. Lock the home screen layout: To prevent accidental rearrangement of icons, lock the home screen layout. Go to Settings > Home screen > Lock Home screen layout. This ensures that the simplified setup remains consistent.

Comparison: Easy Mode vs. Standard Mode Customization

Feature	Easy Mode	Standard Mode Customization	Best For
Setup	Simple one-button toggle	Manual adjustment of multiple settings	Quick, comprehensive simplification
Icons & Text	Automatically larger	Manually adjustable font and zoom	Users needing substantial visual aid
Home Screen Layout	Simplified layout with minimal screens	Customized by user (can be cluttered)	Minimalist approach, less confusion
Touch Delay	Automatically longer	Manually adjustable	Reducing accidental taps
Compatibility	Available on most modern Galaxy phones	Universal across most Android versions	Devices without Easy Mode or advanced needs
Advanced Features	Hidden or less accessible	All standard features are available	Tech-savvy seniors or gradual adjustment

Exploring Third-Party Launcher Alternatives

For users with specific needs or on models without Easy Mode, a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store can offer further simplification. These apps replace the default home screen interface with a new, simplified one. Options like BaldPhone or BIG Launcher feature large icons, emergency buttons, and highly accessible layouts designed specifically for seniors.

Benefits of third-party launchers

• Enhanced accessibility: Often includes features beyond Samsung's standard offerings, like voice support and enhanced emergency functions.
• High contrast: Many are built from the ground up with high-contrast themes for maximum readability.
• Emergency features: Some include prominent SOS buttons that can quickly alert designated contacts in an emergency.
• Greater control: Allows for a deeper level of customization to create the most comfortable and easy-to-use interface possible.

Final Recommendations for a Simplified Experience

When simplifying a Samsung phone for an elderly family member, the most effective approach combines both built-in features and mindful customization. Start by enabling Easy Mode for a quick, impactful change. Follow this by manually adjusting specific accessibility settings like font size, screen zoom, and touch delay to personalize the experience. Finally, organize the home screen by removing clutter and adding essential contacts for easy access. This layered approach ensures the phone is not only simpler but also perfectly tailored to the user's specific needs, helping them stay connected with confidence.

For more information on general smartphone accessibility, visit the AARP's technology resources page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Samsung Easy Mode and how does it help?

Samsung Easy Mode simplifies the home screen interface, making icons and text larger and easier to read. It also adds a dedicated page for quick access to favorite contacts and a longer touch-and-hold delay to prevent unintended actions, which is ideal for older users.

Can I use Easy Mode and still get all my apps?

Yes, enabling Easy Mode does not delete any of your apps or data. It only changes the home screen layout and interface. All your apps are still accessible from the apps screen, and you can switch back to the standard layout at any time.

How do I make the text bigger on my Samsung phone?

To enlarge the text, go to Settings > Display > Font size and style. Here, you can use a slider to increase the font size and also turn on the 'Bold font' option for even better visibility. This is an important part of how you simplify your Samsung phone for the elderly.

How do I add a frequent contact to the home screen?

In Easy Mode, you can add contacts to the designated 'Quick Contacts' page. In standard mode, you can long-press the Phone app icon, drag a contact shortcut from the pop-up menu, and place it on the home screen.

What if my Samsung phone doesn't have Easy Mode?

If your model lacks Easy Mode, you can still use manual adjustments in the Display and Accessibility settings to enlarge text and icons. Alternatively, consider installing a third-party launcher app designed for seniors, such as BaldPhone or BIG Launcher, from the Google Play Store.

How can I stop my elderly parent from accidentally opening apps?

Adjusting the 'Touch and hold delay' in Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity will require a longer press to register a tap, which can help reduce accidental app openings and actions.

Are there launchers specifically for seniors on Samsung phones?

Yes, apps like BaldPhone and BIG Launcher are available on the Google Play Store and are specifically designed with large buttons, high contrast, and simplified navigation for seniors. These can be installed as an alternative to the default home screen.