Grandparent Device Setup
The honest, step-by-step way to set up a tablet for a grandparent — so it works the first time, every time.
About 30 minutes start to finish. Free.
1. Pick the right device
- •A 10-inch tablet beats a phone for grandparents — bigger screen, easier to read, easier to tap.
- •iPad (any 10th-gen or newer): simplest. Pair with an iPhone family for sharing photos.
- •Amazon Fire HD 10: cheapest path. Works fine for video calls, photos, audiobooks.
- •Samsung Galaxy Tab A: best Android tablet for value.
- •Skip a "smart display" if you want video calls AND photos AND a calendar — a tablet does all three.
2. Set it up for older eyes
- •Make text bigger than the default. iPad: Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size, drag the slider all the way up.
- •Turn on bold text — it makes a real difference. Settings → Display & Brightness → Bold Text.
- •Crank brightness to about 75%. Auto-brightness can dim the screen at the worst times.
- •Keep the screen on longer. Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → 5 Minutes (so it does not lock mid-call).
3. Set it up for older ears
- •Set the volume buttons to control all sounds. Settings → Sounds → "Change with Buttons" → ON.
- •Bump the system volume up. The +/- buttons during a call also work.
- •Pair Bluetooth hearing aids if they have them. Settings → Accessibility → Hearing Devices.
- •Turn on Live Captions if hearing is a real issue. Settings → Accessibility → Live Captions.
5. Make photos automatic
- •Create a Shared Album. Open Photos → Albums → "+" → New Shared Album → call it "Family".
- •Invite the whole family. Anyone you invite can drop new photos in — and Grandma sees them with no taps.
- •Turn on the screen saver photo loop. Settings → Lock Screen & Sleep → "Picture Frame" → pick the Family album.
- •Now the tablet shows new family photos every time it sits on the kitchen counter.
6. Make video calls one tap
- •iPad: Open FaceTime. Pin a contact: tap their name → "Add to Favorites".
- •Add a Favorites widget to the home screen so the family is right there. Long-press home screen → "+" → search "Contacts" → pick the small Favorites widget.
- •Test it together before you leave. Have one person call from across the room so they see what to tap.
- •For Android: install Google Meet. Same steps — pin a few favorites, add to home screen.
7. Lock the dangerous parts down
- •Turn on Screen Time → Content Restrictions to prevent surprise app purchases.
- •Hide Mail and Safari from the home screen if they get phishing emails — they cannot open links if they cannot find the apps.
- •Add an emergency contact to the lock screen: Settings → Health → Medical ID (works on iPad).
- •Save the family password manager somewhere two adults can reach it (see /account-after-loss).
When you are done
Walk through it together — twice.
Sit next to them. Have them open the photo album, place a video call, and turn the volume up. Watch where they hesitate. That tells you which icon needs to move or grow. Walk it through a second time before you leave.