Exploring the digital landscape can occasionally feel daunting, particularly for seniors who may need to become more familiar with the complexities of contemporary technology. These are my top 10 iPhone tips focusing on an essential aspect of our daily existence, grasping their capabilities can significantly enrich our daily lives. We will delve into practical knowledge, covering everything from fundamental settings to communication features, to give seniors the confidence and proficiency they need to navigate their iPhones effortlessly.
1. Turn on Display Zoom:
The larger text option inside Display Zoom increases the system settings, making them slightly bigger with larger controls.
- Open Settings
- Tap Display & Brightness
- Scroll and tap Display Zoom
- Choose Larger Text
- Tap Done
Immediately, you’ll notice a difference on your Home Screen and throughout your iPhone.
2. Use Per-App Settings:
While Display Zoom affects the entire system, you can use Per-App Settings to change specific app settings and dial them in. For instance, you could adjust the text size of the App Store, Notes, Messages, and Email independently of the system settings. Even some third-party apps are capable.
3. Set up Favorite Contacts
Favoriting Contacts makes it easy to call the most important people in your life.
- Open the Phone app
- Locate the Contact you want to favorite
- Tap Add to Favorites and select their phone number
Repeat the above steps to add more contacts to your Favorites section.
Now, with one tap, you can quickly call your favorite people.
4. Set Ringtone to Max Volume
You may have trouble hearing your ringtone and miss important calls. You can adjust this by setting the ringtone to its maximum volume.
- Open Settings
- Tap Sounds & Haptics
- Drag the slider all the way to the right.
- Now turn off the toggle switch for Change with Buttons; this prevents the ringtone from being lowered unknowingly using the volume button.
Bonus Tip: Scroll down and toggle on Play Haptics in Ring and Silent Mode. This ensures the iPhone vibrates when you get a phone call.
5. Learn how to send Voice Messages
Typing a few lines of text isn’t bad, but anything more than that is tedious. You can easily use the microphone to send voice messages in iMessage and many other chat apps.
6. Learn how to use Siri to call, text, etc
Siri has come a long way and can be used in many instances. You can use it to call someone, do simple math, send texts, set alarms, and so much more. Invoke Siri on your iPhone and ask:
- Call [Name]
- How is the weather today
- Open [app]
- FaceTime [Name]
- Set an alarm for 6:30 AM
- Remind me to take out the garbage
- Pretty much anything you can think of
7. Add Widgets to Home Screen
Widgets allow you to see helpful information straight on the Home Screen without opening the app.
Most third-party apps also support widgets that can be added to the Home Screen. The following widgets I find to be extremely helpful
- Weather
- Photos
- Contacts
- Calendars
- Batteries
To add a widget:
- Push and hold on an empty area of the screen until your apps jiggle
- Tap the + sign in the upper left corner
- Either search or scroll through the widgets to locate the one you want to add
- Ex: Contacts
- Choose the size of your widget
- Tap Add Widget
- Now tap Done
8. Declutter Your Home Screen
Locating an app on your iPhone can sometimes be frustrating. I’m a minimalist regarding my Home Screen, so I’ve deleted most of my apps from the Home Screen and use the App Library to locate them. You could drag your most often used apps to the dock or have one Home Screen page.
9. Set Safari to Auto-Close Tabs
If you have too many Safari pages open, it may slow down your browser. This can be easily fixed by automatically closing your browser tabs
- Open Settings
- Tap Safari
- Close Tabs: manually, after One Day, One Week or One Month
10. Make Sure Find My is Enabled
The FindMy feature can help you locate your iPhone if it’s lost, stolen, or misplaced. Be sure this feature is turned on.
- Open Settings
- Tap your Name at the top
- Now Tap FindMy iPhone
- Toggle on all three switches
Conclusion
By understanding essential features like Display Zoom, Per-App Settings, and Favorite Contacts, seniors can customize their devices for enhanced usability and convenience. Moreover, tips on setting ringtones, using voice messages, and harnessing the power of Siri offer practical solutions to everyday challenges. Additionally, the guide highlights the advantages of widgets, decluttering the Home Screen, and managing Safari tabs, ensuring seniors can confidently navigate their iPhones and enjoy a more seamless digital experience.
Need help with your device? I’m always available for a Free Consult.
Like video instead? Head to my YouTube channel for more great tips and a complete video walk-through.
