Get In-Person Tech Help Near You
Libraries, senior centers, AARP classes, and more — often free.
Face-to-face help is often the fastest way to solve a stubborn tech problem. Here are the best places to find real people nearby who can sit with you and walk you through it.
Free help
These services cost nothing. Start here — almost every question can be answered for free.
Public libraries
Almost every public library offers free WiFi, free computer access, and often free tech help classes. Many libraries have 1-on-1 tech tutor appointments you can book ahead — just walk in and ask at the information desk.
Senior centers
Local senior centers often run weekly tech help sessions, sometimes paired with teen volunteers from nearby schools. Call ahead to confirm the schedule — sessions fill up fast and sometimes require a quick sign-up.
AARP chapters
AARP volunteers across the country offer free tech help, especially around tax time through AARP Tax-Aide. Members and non-members are welcome at most events. Check the local events page for your area.
Nonprofit organizations
Dedicated nonprofits offer structured tech training for older adults and underserved communities. Cyber-Seniors connects teens with seniors, OATS (now Senior Planet) runs in-person classes, and Human-I-T focuses on low-income households.
Faith & community groups
Churches, mosques, synagogues, and community centers often run tech help programs as part of their outreach work. If you belong to a religious community, ask at the front office — and if you don't, many programs welcome everyone regardless of faith.
Schools & library partnerships
Some high schools, colleges, and universities pair students with seniors needing tech help as part of community service or service-learning programs. Call your local high school or community college and ask about tech buddy programs.
Paid but accessible
Affordable, reputable options when you want dedicated one-on-one time.
Best Buy Geek Squad
What they offer: In-home tech visits for setup, troubleshooting, smart-home install, and virus removal. Can also work remotely or at a Best Buy store.
How to find them: Book online or call 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD. In-home visits start around $100; Total Tech membership covers unlimited visits.
Today at Apple
What they offer: Free in-store sessions at any Apple Store — hands-on with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch. Great for device basics, photos, messages, accessibility features.
How to find them: Reserve a spot on apple.com/today. Sessions are free even if you did not buy your device from Apple.
Microsoft Store Workshops
What they offer: Where Microsoft Experience Centers still exist, free Windows and Surface workshops are available, plus free virtual answer desk appointments.
How to find them: Visit microsoft.com/store/locations or book a virtual answer desk session — you do not need a Microsoft device to attend.
Ask a teenager
What they offer: Grandkids, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood teens often know their way around phones and computers. Offering $15–$25 an hour turns a favor into a reliable habit.
How to find them: Ask family first. For neighborhood teens, post on Nextdoor or ask a local high school about students in their tech or service club.
Community
Neighbors, church groups, and local classes that often have a friendly face eager to help.
Nextdoor
What they offer: The neighborhood social app. Post a polite request — "Looking for a kind neighbor to help me set up my new iPhone" — and you will often get several offers within a day.
How to find them: Sign up on nextdoor.com with your address. Use the "Help" or "Recommendations" category for tech requests.
Church tech ministries
What they offer: Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and community centers run tech help as part of their outreach — often staffed by retired engineers and teachers who love to help.
How to find them: Call the church office and ask if they have a tech volunteer or "digital ministry." Most welcome everyone, not just members.
Community college continuing ed
What they offer: Affordable short courses on computers, smartphones, online safety, and specific apps. Classes meet weekly for a few weeks — you get real practice with a patient instructor.
How to find them: Search your local community college for "continuing education" or "lifelong learning." Seniors 60+ often attend free or at a discount.
In an emergency
Something urgent — a suspected scam, a device that will not start, a charge you do not recognize.
Call a family member first
What they offer: For urgent problems — you think you clicked a scam link, a charge you do not recognize, a device that will not turn on — call someone who knows you before paying anyone.
How to find them: Keep the phone numbers of one or two trusted family members written down somewhere easy to see. A trusted voice beats a stranger every time.
Book a TekSure technician
What they offer: Plain-language, patient tech help over video. A TekSure helper can walk you through almost anything — from passwords to printer setup to figuring out what that pop-up means.
How to find them: Book online at /get-help. Sessions are scheduled so you never wait on hold.
How to make the most of an in-person session
A little preparation turns a 20-minute visit into a lot more value. These four habits work every time.
In a single sentence: "My printer stopped working on Tuesday" or "I cannot sign in to my email." Specific beats vague every time.
Take the exact device that is giving you trouble, with its charger. Sessions run longer than expected and batteries die at bad moments.
Use a password manager like Bitwarden, or write passwords on paper in a sealed envelope. Never leave them on a sticky note on your monitor.
It is fine to say "Can you slow down?" or "Can you write that step down for me?" A good helper will do both without being annoyed.
Red flags — avoid these
Scammers love to pose as tech support. If any of these happen, stop and call a family member before paying or clicking anything.
Nobody legitimate shows up at your door offering computer repair. If someone knocks claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet company, do not let them in. Close the door and call a family member.
Microsoft, Apple, Google, and your bank will never call you out of the blue about a virus or a problem with your account. Hang up. If you are worried, call the company yourself using the number on your bill or card.
No real tech helper needs your password read aloud on the phone. If someone asks for your password, your Social Security number, or a gift card code — it is a scam. Every single time.
Some "tech support" numbers charge by the minute and drag out the call. Free options above (libraries, AARP, Eldercare Locator) cover almost everything and will not nickel-and-dime you.
Not sure where to start? Call the Eldercare Locator.
A free government service that finds local senior centers, tech classes, transportation, and meal programs for any US ZIP code. A real person will point you to exactly the right place.
You are not alone
Asking for tech help is not a sign of weakness — it is how everyone learns. The people running these programs chose this work because they like helping. Bring your questions. No question is too basic.