Setting Up a Tablet or Phone for Someone with Dementia

A tablet can be a lovely way to share pictures, music and simple games. It can also be confusing: a stray tap opens another app, a notification pops up, the text is tiny, or the screen goes dark mid-game. A little setup on your part fixes most of that.

These steps use the built-in settings on iPhone, iPad and Android. Menu names can change between software versions and device makers, so if something looks different, follow the linked Apple or Google page for your device. Do the setup yourself, before you sit down together.

Should someone with dementia use a tablet or phone?

It depends on the person. Many people enjoy using a tablet with someone beside them, even if they would not manage it alone. Start by using it together, with one app open, for a few minutes. If it brings enjoyment and conversation, keep going. If it brings confusion or frustration, a photo album, printed pages or music may suit them better. Our printable activities are one alternative.

A tablet is usually easier than a phone: the screen and pictures are bigger, and it is not also the person’s emergency lifeline.

How do I lock a tablet or phone to one app?

Use Guided Access on iPhone and iPad, or app pinning on Android. Both keep the screen on a single app until you enter a code, so a stray tap or swipe cannot open something else.

iPad and iPhone: Guided Access

From Apple’s Guided Access instructions:

1. Open Settings, tap Accessibility, then tap Guided Access and turn it on.
2. Under Passcode Settings, set a Guided Access passcode. You can also allow Face ID or Touch ID.
3. Optional: under Display Auto-Lock, choose how quickly the screen locks during a session, so it does not go dark mid-game.
4. Open the app you want to use.
5. Triple-click the side button (iPhone), the top button (iPad), or the Home button on older devices.
6. Optional: circle any parts of the screen you want to stop responding to touch. Tap Options (or Session Settings) to turn off the volume buttons or stop the screen rotating.
7. Tap Start.

To end the session, triple-click the same button again, enter the passcode, and tap End. Apple notes that on some older software versions you double-click instead.

Important: Apple says Crash Detection and Emergency Services are not available during a Guided Access session. Do not leave Guided Access running on a phone the person may need for emergency calls.

Android: app pinning

From Google’s Android help on pinning screens:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Security (or Security & location), then Advanced, then App pinning. If you cannot find it, check your device maker’s help pages.
3. Turn on App pinning. Your PIN, pattern or password will be needed to unpin.
4. Open the app you want. Swipe up to the middle of the screen and hold to open Overview (or tap Overview with 3-button navigation).
5. At the top of the app’s preview, tap the app’s icon, then tap Pin.

To unpin with gesture navigation, swipe up and hold. With 3-button navigation, touch and hold Back and Overview. With 2-button navigation, touch and hold Back and Home. Then enter your PIN, pattern or password.

Is there a simpler mode for the whole iPhone or iPad?

Yes. Apple’s Assistive Access replaces the usual home screen with a simpler one. Apple describes it as designed to make iPhone easier for people with cognitive disabilities to use independently, with bigger on-screen items and more focused features. Apple offers the same feature on iPad.

• Who sets it up. Apple suggests a trusted supporter, such as a family member or caregiver who knows the person, helps choose the apps and features.
• Where to start. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access, tap Set Up Assistive Access, then Continue.
• Apps. You choose which apps appear. Some Apple apps have special simplified versions, and most other apps can be added in their usual design.
• Layout. Choose Rows (an easy-to-read list) or Grid (bigger items that emphasize pictures and icons).
• Passcode. You set a separate Assistive Access passcode to enter, exit or change settings. Apple recommends setting up a recovery Apple Account during setup, because without one, a forgotten passcode means resetting the device.

Assistive Access may suit someone who uses their own device every day. Guided Access or app pinning is quicker for a shared game session.

How do I make text and pictures bigger?

Increase the text and display size, then check that buttons still fit on screen.

iPhone and iPad. Per Apple’s font size instructions, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and drag the slider. For even larger text, go to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Larger Text. Apple notes that very large text can make some buttons harder to tap, so adjust if needed.

Android. Per Google’s text and display settings help, open Settings and search for Font size, then move the slider. Search for Display size to make everything on screen larger. You can also turn on Bold text under Accessibility > Display size and text. Some apps do not follow these settings.

In games like Picture Pairs and Find the Same, you can also choose fewer tiles or choices, which keeps things simpler on screen.

How do I stop notifications and pop-ups?

Turn off notifications for apps you do not need, and use Do Not Disturb during activities.

iPhone and iPad. Go to Settings > Notifications, tap an app below Notification Style, and turn off Allow Notifications (Apple’s notification settings guide). To silence calls, alerts and notifications for a while, open Control Center and turn on Do Not Disturb from the Focus button (Apple’s Do Not Disturb help). You can schedule it under Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb > Set a Schedule.

Android. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Do Not Disturb, or go to Settings > Modes > Do Not Disturb (Google’s Do Not Disturb help). Under Notification filters you can choose which people and apps can still get through. Settings vary by device maker.

How do I make a simple home screen?

Keep a few familiar apps on one screen and move the rest out of sight. There is no single setting for this; it is about removing clutter.

• Pick three to six apps. For example, photos, music, a video calling app and one game.
• Put them on the first screen, in the same spots every time, and move everything else to a second screen or folder.
• Use a plain, high-contrast wallpaper, such as a single color or one familiar photo, so icons stand out.
• Delete apps you do not need. Fewer apps mean fewer chances for confusion and less data collected.
• Consider Assistive Access on Apple devices if you want the device to do this for you.

What about volume and sound?

Set a comfortable volume before you hand the device over. With Guided Access, you can turn off the volume buttons so it does not change mid-activity. Check that hearing aids are in and working.

Where should the tablet live?

Give it a stand and a permanent charging spot.

• A stand or case that holds the tablet upright at the table means nobody has to hold it, and pointing is easier.
• One charging place that never moves, ideally a charging stand on a table in a room you use every day. The tablet is always charged and always in the same spot.
• Reduce glare. Position the screen away from a bright window.

How much screen time is okay?

There is no right number of minutes. Aim for short, shared sessions as one part of a full day that also includes movement, music, household tasks, conversation and time outdoors. Because busy evenings can add to late-day restlessness, consider keeping screen activities to earlier in the day. See calm late-afternoon activities.

Using a tablet together, rather than as a babysitter, keeps it social. Our guide to playing games together explains how.

How do I protect their privacy on the device?

Limit what apps can collect, and do not assume health privacy law covers it. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) explains that the HIPAA Rules generally do not protect health information stored on or accessed through personal phones and tablets. In most cases, HIPAA also does not protect data entered into apps for personal use unless the app comes from a covered health care provider, health plan or one of their business associates.

HHS suggests:

• avoiding unnecessary or random apps, especially “free” ones;
• not giving apps access to location unless they truly need it, such as maps.

Also consider:

• Use a passcode on the device, and keep a note of it somewhere safe.
• Review permissions for photos, camera, microphone, contacts and location, and turn off any an app does not need.
• Check what an app collects before installing. Our guide to choosing dementia apps and games has a privacy checklist.
• Be careful with family photos. Only share photos the person would be comfortable with, and know where an app stores them. In Photo Pairs, the photos you choose stay in your browser.
• Turn off in-app purchases or remove payment details from accounts the person uses.