10 iPhone Settings Every Senior Should Change Today
Technology should work for you — not the other way around! The iPhone has many helpful settings designed to make life easier, especially for older adults. Whether you want bigger text, clearer sound, or fewer distractions, these 10 settings can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident you feel using your phone.
Here are our top recommendations at TechEase:
1. Make the Text Bigger and Easier to Read
Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size, then move the slider until the text is comfortable for your eyes.
For even larger text, go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Larger Text and turn on Larger Accessibility Sizes.
Bonus Tip: You can also turn on Bold Text in the same menu — it makes everything a bit clearer.
2. Turn On Voice Control or Siri
Siri can do a lot just by listening. You can say things like “Call Sarah,” “What’s the weather?” or “Remind me to take my medicine.”
To turn it on, go to Settings → Siri & Search, then enable Listen for “Hey Siri” and Press Side Button for Siri.
3. Use “Zoom” to Magnify the Screen
If you have trouble seeing small details, go to Settings → Accessibility → Zoom and turn it on.
You can double-tap with three fingers to zoom in and drag around the screen to see things more clearly.
4. Set Up Emergency SOS
Your iPhone can call emergency services automatically.
Go to Settings → Emergency SOS and turn on Call with Hold and Release or Call with 5 Button Presses.
You can also add Emergency Contacts here so loved ones are notified right away.
5. Simplify Your Home Screen
Too many apps? Press and hold any app until they start to jiggle, then tap Remove App to declutter.
Keep only the apps you use most — like Phone, Messages, Camera, and Photos — right on the main screen.
6. Increase the Ringtone and Alert Volume
Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics, then slide the Ringer and Alerts bar to the right.
If you wear hearing aids, scroll down and turn on Hearing Aid Compatibility under Accessibility → Hearing Devices.
7. Turn On “Find My iPhone”
If your phone ever gets lost, this feature is a lifesaver.
Go to Settings → Your Name → Find My → Find My iPhone, and make sure it’s turned on.
You can even share your location with a trusted family member.
8. Enable “AssistiveTouch” for Easier Tapping
If small buttons are tricky, go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch and turn it on.
A small floating button appears on your screen that gives you shortcuts for things like volume, screenshots, or the Home button — no pressing required!
9. Turn On “Do Not Disturb” During Sleep
Go to Settings → Focus → Sleep and set a bedtime schedule.
This silences unwanted calls and notifications while you rest, but still lets emergencies through.
10. Use “Magnifier” Like a Digital Reading Glass
Your iPhone has a built-in magnifying glass!
Go to Settings → Accessibility → Magnifier and turn it on.
You can then triple-click the side button to instantly magnify small print — perfect for menus or medicine bottles.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a “tech expert” to make your iPhone work better for you. A few small changes can make your phone easier to see, hear, and use — and that means less frustration and more confidence every day.
If you’d like help setting up these features or learning more, TechEase is here for you. Our friendly tech experts love helping people feel comfortable and confident with their devices — one tap at a time.