Set up a phone or tablet for an older relative

Use this guide when you are giving a new or hand-me-down phone or tablet to a parent, grandparent or neighbour, or tidying up one they already struggle with. Have the device charged, their Wi-Fi password, their email and Apple or Google account details, and ideally sit with them rather than setting it up alone.

Step by step

1. Ask what they actually want to do

   Before touching any settings, ask three questions: who do you want to talk to, what do you want to look at, and what worries you about it. Write the answers down, for example video calls with grandchildren, the weather and the NHS App, and worry about scams. Everything you set up afterwards should serve that short list, and anything else can be hidden or removed so the screen stays simple.