Security

How to Make Your Grandparents’ Phones Easier for Them to Use

Unlike children, who might always want to play on your Android phone, grandparents may hesitate to pick up a smartphone at all. Remember, they aren’t Internet natives — they might struggle to use basic applications on their Android phones. Really, they probably only need to use basic applications and forgo the complicated, intricate stuff. The elderly can also be more prone to contracting viruses on their phones, as they don’t know what to look out for and avoid. If you haven’t already, install DFNDR on your grandparents’ phones. To scan their phones for malware, click here:

To further help older adults who might struggle with using their Androids, consider giving one of these three apps — which simplify Android devices and adapt it for use by all — a go.

Necta

This app eliminates the confusion and small icons common on most Android start screens. Instead, it replaces the start screen with a simple, large icon screen. On the top of the new screen is the date, the month, and the year. Underneath, the user has the option of entering his or her top three contacts. Next, the common apps are replaced with bold graphics of “Call,” “Message,” “Camera,” “Pictures,” “Position,” and “SOS.” While users can try Necta for free for a few days, the application does cost $6.99 for the full version.

Wiser

Wiser simplifies the look of the Android screen so only the most essential functions are available. The bright home page screen only offers older adults the options of clicking on “Contacts,” “Dialer,” “Applications,” “Camera,” “Gallery,” and “Messaging.” To navigate further, users can add their favorite contacts and applications, making these, too, easier to find. The notice board, which is on the left-hand side of the start screen, makes it easier for users to track their notifications, such as calls and text messages.

Big Launcher

This app keeps older adults who have less-than-perfect eyesight in mind with their design. With grey backgrounds behind high-contrast, bright icons, all seniors can use the app effectively. Additionally, since many older adults don’t want all the features common on Android phones, Big Launcher doesn’t offer them. Instead, it only has certain presets, and instead requires other properties to download different apps, like a camera and a gallery. Features like SOS, which allows users to text or call preset numbers, are particularly useful for this population. This app costs $10.

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