iPhone Tips for Parents and Grandparents: Making It Simple

For us, the iPhone is no longer something new but a part of everyday life. However, for our parents, grandparents, or older relatives, it can feel like navigating a “dark forest.” To help them use their iPhones comfortably, we need to tweak a few settings. And just after that, your granny in her seventies will easily play at Slotsgem, answer your messages, and even enjoy TikTok. Here are some secret features that the iPhone has in store for your loved ones.

Simplified Access Mode

This mode was introduced in iOS 17. It removes unnecessary elements from the interface, leaving only the essentials. Icons and the on-screen keyboard are significantly enlarged to avoid misclicks, and a large “Back” button appears in all apps.

In many apps, functions also get larger icons. For example, the Camera app will have just four big buttons: “Photo,” “Selfie,” “Video,” and “Video Selfie.”

Additionally, Simplified Mode limits certain iPhone features that are unlikely to be useful for older users:

• No control over network connections: Only Airplane Mode can be toggled.
• No access to the App Store: It cannot be added to the app list.
• No full settings access.
• No access to lock screen shortcuts (flashlight and camera).
• Messages from non-whitelisted apps will trigger a sound but won’t display the text.
• No screenshots or screen recordings (even via Siri or accessibility features like AssistiveTouch or back tap).
• No switching lenses, using filters, or advanced camera settings.
• Animations are simplified, making the 120Hz screen feel slower.

To activate Simplified Mode, ensure the device is running iOS 17 or later. Check this in Settings → General → About or Software Update.

How to Activate Simplified Mode:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Simplified Mode.
2. Tap Set Up Simplified Mode.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the layout and apps to keep accessible. Some apps may request permissions for location, camera, motion, or health data.
4. Set a password to exit Simplified Mode. Optionally, enable updates via Apple ID.
5. Review additional options like volume control, wallpaper selection, lock screen time display, battery percentage, notification icons, and Siri access.

To exit Simplified Mode, press the side button three times and enter the password you set.

Adjusting Text Size

Another useful feature is changing the text size, as small fonts can be a challenge for older users. Find the right size for your parents or grandparents and set it in Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size. Use the slider to adjust the size and enable Bold Text if needed.

Text-to-Speech

This feature reads text aloud. Simply highlight the text, tap Speak, and the iPhone will voice it. To enable:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Spoken Content.
2. Choose from:
   • Speak Selection: Reads highlighted text.
   • Speak Screen: Reads all text on the screen from top to bottom.
   • Typing Feedback: Reads typed text character by character or word by word.

Medical ID on iPhone

Create a Medical ID for your parents or grandparents and set an emergency contact. Include details like blood type, allergies, medications, and more. Here’s how:

1. Open Health → Profile icon → Medical ID → Edit.
2. Fill in the necessary information.

You can quickly access the Medical ID by pressing the side button five times.

Medication Reminders

Introduced in iOS 16, this feature helps users remember to take their medication. To set it up:

1. Go to Health → Browse → Medications → Add Medication.
2. Choose the medication form, dosage, schedule, and set reminders.

Find My iPhone

Older relatives often misplace their devices, causing unnecessary stress. Use the Find My Phone feature to locate their iPhone quickly:

1. Go to Settings → Find My → Find My iPhone.
2. Enable all toggles.

Now, you can log into iCloud and use Find My iPhone to locate the device.

Auto-Close Tabs

Forgotten browser tabs can slow down the system and drain the battery. Set up automatic tab closing:

1. Go to Settings → Safari → Tabs → Close Tabs.
2. Choose how often tabs should close automatically.

Flash for Alerts

This feature ensures older users don’t miss important messages:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Flash for Alerts.
2. Enable all toggles.

Note: The flash is bright and may be disruptive during sleep.

Lock Ringtone Volume

Accidental volume changes can cause missed calls. Prevent this by:

1. Going to Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone and Alert Volume.
2. Disabling Change with Buttons.

Now, ringtone volume can only be adjusted in settings.

These tips will help your loved ones use their iPhones with ease and confidence!

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