How to Teach Grandparents to Use a Smartphone: A Patient Guide

According to the Pew Research Center, many seniors, particularly those over 75, still report needing help to set up and learn new electronic devices. Learning how to teach grandparents to use a smartphone requires patience, a focus on specific needs, and a step-by-step approach that builds confidence and addresses common age-related challenges.

Quick Summary

A guide for instructing older adults on using a smartphone. This piece outlines preparatory steps, basic functionality tutorials, key accessibility settings, and important safety tips. It also offers advice on maintaining a patient and encouraging teaching approach to ensure success.

Key Points

• Start with preparation: Before the lesson, set up the phone by adjusting accessibility features and simplifying the home screen to prevent overwhelming the user.

• Explain the 'why': Motivate your grandparent by focusing on the benefits they care about, such as video calls with family, to make the learning relevant.

• Pace the lesson: Avoid information overload by teaching basic functions like calling, messaging, and using the camera in small, manageable steps.

• Create visual aids: A printed, step-by-step guide with pictures can serve as a helpful reference tool for independent practice.

• Introduce voice commands: For those with dexterity issues, voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant are a powerful tool to navigate the phone with simple voice commands.

• Prioritize safety and scams: Educate them on recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding suspicious links, and never sharing personal information online.

• Encourage independent practice: Allow them to explore and make mistakes in a safe, supportive environment to build confidence in using the device on their own.

• Offer ongoing support: Remind them that they can always ask for help and schedule regular check-ins to address new questions as they arise.

Preparing for the Learning Session

Before sitting down with your grandparent, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and frustration-free experience. Consider their unique needs, such as vision or dexterity issues, and set up the device in a way that minimizes initial confusion.

Start with motivation. Talk to them about the benefits, focusing on what they care about most. For many, it's staying connected with family through video calls and photos.

Adjust accessibility settings first. This is crucial for user comfort. On both Android and iOS devices, you can increase font size, magnify the screen, and activate voice control. A larger, bolder font is often a game-changer for older eyes.

Declutter the home screen. An overwhelming number of apps can be intimidating. Remove or hide all unnecessary apps and place the most important ones—like the phone, messages, and camera—front and center. For Android users, a simple launcher app can also significantly simplify the interface.

Create a physical cheat sheet. A printed guide with step-by-step instructions and screenshots can be a great reference tool for them to practice on their own.

Mastering the Basics: The First Steps

Once the device is set up, start with the absolute essentials. Use simple, non-technical language and avoid information overload.

Core Functions to Cover:

• Buttons and charging: Explain the purpose of the power, volume, and home buttons. Show them where the charging port is and demonstrate how to plug it in correctly.
• Answering and making calls: Teach them to swipe or tap to answer an incoming call. Show them how to find a contact in the address book and tap to call. Consider setting up speed dial or home screen shortcuts for frequent contacts.
• Text messaging: Walk through sending a simple text message. Introduce voice-to-text as an easier alternative to typing for those with dexterity issues. Explain how to add emojis to make conversations more fun.
• Camera and photos: Show them how to open the camera app and take a picture. Explain where to find their photos and how to share them via message. Practice a few times until they are comfortable.
• WiFi vs. mobile data: Explain the difference in simple terms. Show them how to turn WiFi on and off, and emphasize the importance of using it at home to save on data costs.

Diving into Key Apps

After the core functions are understood, introduce key applications that will be most beneficial and motivating for them. Focus on one or two at a time to prevent frustration.

Essential Apps for Engagement and Safety

• Video calling (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom): Explain how to initiate and answer a video call with specific family members. This can be a huge motivator for staying connected.
• Weather and maps: Show them how to check the weather or get simple directions. A map app can help them feel more independent and secure when traveling.
• Voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant): Introduce voice commands for simple tasks like calling a contact, checking the weather, or setting a reminder. This bypasses many complex navigation issues.

Troubleshooting and Ongoing Support

Learning technology isn't a one-and-done lesson. Offer ongoing support and be prepared to troubleshoot common issues.

Comparison of Teaching Methods

Method	Pros	Cons
In-Person Demonstration	Interactive; immediate feedback; can physically guide them.	Can be overwhelming if too much is covered at once; requires patience.
Printed Guide	Excellent reference tool for independent practice; always available.	Can become outdated with software updates; doesn't offer live support.
Video Tutorials	Can pause and replay specific steps; visual aid is very effective.	Requires basic tech knowledge to access; can be hard to follow without someone to ask questions.
Senior-Focused Classes	Peer support and structured learning environment.	May not be immediately available; curriculum is fixed, not personalized.
Remote Support	Convenient for long-distance family; screen sharing can be very helpful.	Not as effective for teaching physical gestures or initial setup; can be frustrating over the phone.

Conclusion

Successfully teaching grandparents to use a smartphone is about more than just showing them what to do—it's about empathy, patience, and making the technology feel accessible and rewarding. By preparing the device with their needs in mind, starting with the basics, and celebrating small victories, you can transform a potentially intimidating experience into a positive and empowering one. Ultimately, the goal is to bridge the digital divide and foster a stronger connection with your loved ones, allowing them to enjoy the many benefits of modern technology with confidence and independence.

Visit the All Seniors Foundation website for additional resources on setting up and navigating a smartphone for seniors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start teaching an elderly person to use a smartphone?

The best way is to start with a positive and patient approach. Begin by setting up the phone with large fonts and simplified home screens, and focus on one or two basic functions at a time, like making a call or sending a text message.

How can I make the phone easier for my grandparent to see?

Navigate to the Accessibility or Display settings on the phone. Here, you can increase the text size, make the font bold, and adjust the brightness and contrast for better readability.

What is a good way to help with texting and typing for older adults?

Besides increasing the keyboard and font size, demonstrate how to use the voice-to-text feature. This allows them to speak their messages and have the phone type it out, which is often easier than manual typing.

How do I organize the phone so it’s not too overwhelming?

Before the teaching session, declutter the home screen by removing unnecessary apps and placing the most essential ones, like the phone and camera, front and center. You can also group less-used apps into clearly labeled folders.

What about security? How can I protect them from scams?

Explain the importance of not clicking suspicious links and avoiding messages from unknown senders. You can also enable spam filters for calls and messages and set up automated security updates.

How can I help if I live far away?

If you live at a distance, you can use remote assistance apps that allow you to view or control their screen. Scheduling regular video calls can also help them practice and address new questions as they arise.

What if my grandparent is afraid of breaking the phone?

Reassure them that they can't easily 'break' the phone by exploring it. Encourage them to experiment freely and remind them that mistakes are part of the learning process. A sturdy phone case and screen protector can also help ease their worries.