How to Set Up a Phone for
Elderly Parents in India
A well-configured Android phone keeps your parents connected to you, protected from scam calls, and easy to locate in an emergency. Here's the complete setup guide — from accessibility settings to location sharing and scam protection.
Last updated: June 2026 · 7 min read
Step 1: Accessibility — Make It Usable
Before installing any app, configure the phone so your parent can actually use it comfortably.
Increase text size and display size
Settings → Display → Font size → Largest. Also increase Display size if available.
Increase touch sensitivity and tap duration
Settings → Accessibility → Touch → increase Touch and Hold Delay. Prevents accidental taps but requires holding to confirm.
Enable large icons and simple home screen
On Samsung: Easy Mode under Home screen settings. On others: install a simple launcher app (Doro or Elderly Launcher are good options).
Set screen brightness to auto and high
Auto-brightness ensures the screen is readable outdoors. Pin brightness at 70%+ for daytime use.
Increase call volume and enable hearing aid mode
Settings → Accessibility → Hearing → set volume amplification. Max out media and call volumes.
Enable voice commands via Google Assistant
Set up "Hey Google" so they can call family members by saying "Call [name]" without navigating menus.
Step 2: Emergency Setup
Set up ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts
Settings → Safety & Emergency → Medical information and Emergency contacts. Add 2–3 children's numbers. First responders can see this without unlocking the phone.
Enable Android Emergency SOS
Settings → Emergency SOS → enable. 5 rapid power button presses calls 112. Confirm this works on their specific phone brand.
Add emergency numbers on the lock screen
Settings → Lock screen → Contact information → enter your phone number as text. Visible to anyone who picks up the phone.
Install Raksha and add yourself as a guardian
With Raksha installed, you can see their location at any time, ring the phone at full volume from your phone, and lock it remotely if it's stolen.
Step 3: Scam Call Protection
Elderly parents are a primary target for phone scams in India — KYC fraud, electricity bill scams, courier scams, and fake police calls.
Enable Google's Call Screening (where available)
On Pixel and some Android 10+ phones: Phone app → Settings → Spam and Call Screen → enable. Google screens unknown callers automatically.
Install Truecaller with spam blocking
Truecaller identifies unknown callers and automatically blocks known spam numbers. Configure it to block automatically under Settings → Spam.
Set up DND for unknown numbers (with exceptions)
On Android 12+: Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb → Calls → allow only contacts. Unknown numbers go to voicemail.
Brief them on the three rules
"Never share OTP over the phone. Banks never call asking for passwords. If unsure, hang up and call the official number back." Repeat this regularly.
Step 4: Location Sharing
Always-on location sharing is the single biggest peace-of-mind feature for families with elderly parents.
Raksha family circle
Install Raksha on both phones. Add yourself as a guardian. You'll see their location at all times from your phone — no need for them to do anything once it's set up.
Google Maps Location Sharing
On their phone: Maps → profile icon → Location Sharing → Share location → select your contact → share for "Until you turn this off". A permanent option if they're comfortable with it.
WhatsApp location check-in habit
If they're not comfortable with permanent sharing, establish a daily WhatsApp call habit. During the call, they can send their location once.
Keep It Simple: What NOT to Install
Every extra app is a potential source of confusion or scam risk. Keep the home screen to only what's needed.
KEEP
- Phone / Contacts
- Google Maps
- Raksha
- Camera
- YouTube (if they enjoy it)
REMOVE OR AVOID
- Pre-installed games (clutter)
- Social media beyond WhatsApp
- Unrecognised news apps (ads/scams)
- Any app that requests SMS access
- Loan or free money apps