I'm currently my nan's carer, but next year I'll be traveling from Australia to Europe for several months while she moves into residential care. I've been teaching her to use a smartphone so we can stay in touch through regular calls, texts, and WhatsApp video calls. She's quite capable and follows instructions carefully, but I'd like to reduce the chances of her accidentally changing settings, installing unsafe apps, or falling for scams.
Ideally, I'd like the phone to allow only the standard phone app, WhatsApp, and a few other useful apps, while blocking downloads and unnecessary features. The relatives nearby aren't very comfortable with technology, and the people who could help remotely live a long way away.
Is there an Android setting, launcher, or app that provides a simple senior-friendly mode or restricts the phone to approved apps? I'd also like a safe alternative to ordinary web searching, since she often asks me to look up things she sees on television or in magazines. Is there a way for her to ask questions without being exposed to as many malicious websites and scams?
4 Answers
For general questions, an AI assistant may be easier and safer than sending her straight to a search engine. She can type or speak a question and read a summarized answer without opening several unfamiliar websites. It still isn’t completely risk-free, so explain that she shouldn’t share passwords, financial details, or personal information, and that important medical, financial, or travel advice should be checked with a trusted person.
A senior-focused interface can help a lot. Some phones offer a simplified or restricted-access mode that shows only selected apps and hides most settings. You can also disable app installation, require a passcode for changes, remove the browser and app store from the home screen, and set up large, clearly labeled contacts and shortcuts. Test everything yourself first, including how she can recover if something goes wrong.
Be careful with WhatsApp or any messaging app: allowing it means strangers may still be able to contact her, and scammers often build trust gradually. A basic phone limited to ordinary calls and texts would be safer, but if video calling is important, use the strictest privacy settings available, limit profile visibility, teach her never to respond to unknown numbers, and make sure she knows to ask a trusted person before sending money or personal information.
Whatever setup you choose, simplify the physical experience too: use a large-text display, a short list of favorites, obvious call and video-call buttons, and a written emergency guide. Consider enabling automatic updates, backups, screen locking, and call-screening features, then practice common problems with her before you leave.
That’s my main concern. I’d really like a setting that allows messages only from a short list of approved contacts, if the app supports it.