Phone Accessibility Features for Hearing and Vision Loss

Before you start

• Sit with your parent and set up the phone together, rather than doing it for them, so that they learn what changed and feel in control.
• Test each setting for a few days. Keep what helps and undo what annoys.
• Write the key steps down, in large print, and stick a card to the phone case or fridge.
• Check hearing aids and glasses are in use during setup.
• Back up contacts and photos before big changes.
• Consider whether a simple phone is better: see amplified phones and phone settings for hearing loss. For some people a basic phone with big keys is the best solution, and a smartphone can be added later.

For poor eyesight

Bigger text. In display or accessibility settings, choose a larger font size. Increase until comfortable, though very large text can break the layout of some apps. Turn on bold text for sharper letters.

Display zoom. Makes everything on the screen, icons and menus, larger, not just text.

Magnifier or zoom gesture. A built-in magnifier shows a zoomed view of any part of the screen, and the camera can act as a digital magnifying glass for reading small print such as medicine labels. Use carefully, and have a pharmacist confirm medicine instructions.

High contrast, dark mode and colour filters. Dark mode can reduce glare for some people, whereas others find black backgrounds hard; try both. Increase contrast or use colour filters if colours are hard to tell apart. Turn on reduced transparency for clearer screens.

Brightness and auto-brightness. Set a comfortable brightness; avoid very bright screens at night.

Screen reader. A built-in feature that reads aloud what is on the screen and lets the user explore by touch, with gestures such as swiping and double-tapping. It can be daunting, but with practice it gives independence to people with severe sight loss. It needs training; ask a low vision or rehabilitation service.

Speak screen and read-aloud. Reads selected text or the whole page aloud, which is simpler than a full screen reader. Handy for messages, news articles and email.

Voice assistant and voice typing. Say "call my daughter", "set an alarm for eight", "read my messages", "what is the weather". Voice typing (dictation) lets the user speak instead of using the keyboard. Check that it understands your parent's language and accent, and test in a quiet room. Be careful: voice commands can misfire, so confirm calls and messages.

Large keyboard or simple home screen. Use a bigger on-screen keyboard, or a "simple" or "easy" mode that shows a few large icons for calls, messages, camera and photos. Remove unnecessary apps from the home screen.

Touch settings. Adjust touch sensitivity and hold duration so that accidental touches are ignored, which helps with tremor and arthritis. Turn on options that require a deliberate press.

Buttons and shortcuts. Set a side button shortcut to turn on zoom, the magnifier or the screen reader quickly, and to call for help.

Lock screen and unlocking. A simple but secure passcode, or face or fingerprint unlock, is easier than a complex pattern for some. Keep a trusted family member informed of the passcode, and write it down securely.

Camera and photo help: use the camera to read text, or "describe" features in some phones.

For hearing loss

Volume and call volume. Raise the ringer and call volume, and use a lower-pitched ringtone, which is easier to hear with typical hearing loss.

Vibration and flash alerts. Turn on vibration and a flashing LED light for calls, messages and alarms, and place the phone where the light can be seen.

Hearing aid compatibility and direct streaming. Many smartphones can pair with certain hearing aids to stream calls, music and videos directly into the aids. Ask the audiologist which phone and settings suit your parent's aids, and how to pair. See hearing aids: types, costs and how to choose. Check the phone's hearing aid compatibility rating before buying.

Live captions and transcriptions. Many phones can show live captions of speech in videos, voice messages, video calls and sometimes phone calls, and can transcribe a conversation on the screen. Accuracy varies with accent, language and noise; test them in your parent's language, and do not rely on them for medical decisions. Also use the captions in video apps and television.

Voicemail text. Use voicemail transcription, or ask callers to send text messages.

Mono audio and balance. If one ear hears better, turn on mono audio to combine channels, or adjust the left and right balance.

Noise reduction. Phone calls can have background noise suppression, and headsets may help.

Speakerphone and headsets. Use speakerphone or a headset with a clear microphone and an easy volume control.

Messaging and video calls: text messages, voice notes and video calls with good lighting let your parent see lips and use captions; see talking with someone who is hard of hearing.

Sound recognition. Some phones can listen for sounds such as a doorbell, a smoke alarm or a baby crying, and alert you with a notification. It is a helpful extra but not a substitute for proper alarms; see smoke and gas safety for older adults.

Emergency alerts: make sure emergency alerts and sirens are visible.

For arthritis, tremor and dexterity

• Voice control and dictation for typing.
• Stylus or larger touch targets, a phone grip or ring holder and a stand.
• Touch accommodation settings, hold duration and ignore repeated touches.
• Wireless charging or magnetic charger to avoid fiddly plugs.
• A sturdy case with a grip to avoid drops.
• See phone and remote aids for arthritis.

Safety settings and emergencies

• Emergency SOS: many phones can call emergency services and send your location to chosen contacts when a button is pressed several times. Set it up and practise, ensuring that your parent knows how to use it without panic. Remember that the emergency number in India is 112.
• Medical ID or emergency information on the lock screen with conditions, allergies, medicines and contacts; see emergency contact card and medical summary.
• Favourite contacts and speed dial with photos for family, doctor and neighbour.
• Location sharing with family, only if your parent agrees; see privacy and dignity with monitoring.
• Fall detection and alert devices may complement the phone; see fall detection watch guide and panic pendant buying guide.
• Battery: keep the phone charged; use a charging stand by the chair and a power bank for power cuts. Enable battery saver for long days.

Staying safe from scams

Phones bring risks. Vision and hearing loss can make older adults more vulnerable to fraud.

• Never share one-time passwords (OTPs), card or bank details, or Aadhaar details on a call or message.
• Do not click links in unexpected messages, and do not install apps at a caller's request.
• Banks and officials do not ask for PINs or OTPs.
• Hang up and call back on a known number.
• Enable spam call filtering, and block unknown numbers if appropriate.
• Teach a family code word for genuine emergencies.
• Use a screen lock and update software.
• Review app permissions and delete unused apps.
• See preventing scams and doorstep fraud.

Everyday uses that help

• Reminders and alarms for medicines, drops and appointments; combine with a pill organiser; see medicine reminders for forgetful parents.
• Video calls with family for company; see hearing loss and isolation in later life.
• Audiobooks and podcasts, music and radio, with large controls.
• Maps and voice navigation for outings, with a companion.
• Photos and the camera for capturing memories and magnifying text.
• Talking clock and timers; see talking clock guide.
• Health apps, only if the doctor suggests; see using home readings in a teleconsultation.
• More ideas: see seven ways to make smartphones senior-friendly.

If it is still too hard

Some people do better with a simple phone with large buttons and a loud speaker, a landline with amplification or a tablet with a big screen. Ask an occupational therapist, low vision service or an audiologist about assistive technology. Do not force a smartphone on a parent who does not want it, but do not assume they cannot learn; many do, with patience, practice and a supportive family member.

When to ask a professional

Ask an audiologist about phone and hearing aid compatibility. Ask an eye doctor or low vision service about aids and training for screen readers and magnifiers. Ask an occupational therapist about adapted devices. Seek urgent help for sudden vision or hearing loss; call 112 for weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty or confusion.