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Your phone,
made simple.

Big, clear steps. Everyday words. Take as long as you need.

Show me howLook up a word

How to do it

Pick one thing. Follow the steps in order.

Send a text message

About 2 minutes

  1. 1Open the green Messages app.
  2. 2Tap the pencil or “New message” button.
  3. 3Type the person's name in the “To” box.
  4. 4Tap the message box and type your message.
  5. 5Tap the arrow or “Send” button.

Make a video call

About 2 minutes

  1. 1Open FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Google Meet.
  2. 2Tap “New” or the camera icon.
  3. 3Pick the person from your contacts.
  4. 4Wait for them to answer — smile!
  5. 5Tap the red button to end the call.

Make the text bigger

About 2 minutes

  1. 1Open Settings (the gear icon).
  2. 2Tap “Display” or “Accessibility”.
  3. 3Find “Text Size” or “Font Size”.
  4. 4Drag the slider to the right.
  5. 5Press Home. Bigger text everywhere.

Connect to Wi-Fi

About 3 minutes

  1. 1Open Settings.
  2. 2Tap “Wi-Fi”.
  3. 3Tap the name of your home network.
  4. 4Type your Wi-Fi password carefully.
  5. 5When it says “Connected”, you're online.

Kit that makes phones easier

A short list we'd give our own parents.

  • Easiest smartphone

    Jitterbug Smart4

    Best for beginners

    Big buttons, a simple list menu, and a one-touch help button.

    About $149See it

  • Familiar & reliable

    Apple iPhone SE

    Home button, big text mode, and free video calls with family.

    About $429See it

  • Easier to read

    Anti-glare screen protector

    Cuts reflections outdoors so the writing looks sharper.

    About $12See it

  • Fewer drops

    Non-slip grippy case

    Soft edges and a raised lip protect the screen if it slips.

    About $18See it

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

What does that mean?

Words the grandkids use, in plain English.

  • LOLLaughing out loud. That's funny.
  • BRBBe right back. I'll return in a moment.
  • IDKI don't know.
  • TBHTo be honest.
  • FYIFor your information. Just so you know.
  • TYThank you.

What the little pictures mean

The emojis you see most often.

  • Red heart

    Love. Deep care.

  • Laughing with tears

    Something is very funny.

  • Thumbs up

    Okay. Sounds good.

  • Folded hands

    Please, or thank you.

  • Soft smile

    Warm thanks or quiet happiness.

  • Smiling with hearts

    Feeling loved.

Stay safe from scams

Four simple rules that stop almost every phone scam.

  1. 1

    If a text looks strange, don't tap the link.

    Banks never ask you to confirm details by a text link. Call the company using the number on their official website.

  2. 2

    Never share codes texted to you.

    A 6-digit code is a key to your account. No real employee will ever ask you to read it out.

  3. 3

    Family in trouble? Hang up and call back.

    Scammers pretend to be a grandchild needing money. Hang up and call your family on a number you already have.

  4. 4

    It's okay to say “let me think.”

    Real callers will wait. Pressure to act right now is the biggest warning sign of a scam.