Make your phone work ‘Your Way’

Many people I encounter struggle with their phones, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Nowadays, phones can be customised to suit each individual user—you don’t have to stick with the default setup shown when you first turn on your new device.

1. Increase the text size. Making the text larger helps significantly. This can be adjusted in the settings on all smartphones (Samsung, Nokia, iPhone, and more). If you’re not sure where to look, go into Settings and search for “text” or “font.”
2. Organise your home screen. Identify which apps you use most and place them on your home screen. You don’t need multiple home screens; you can always access less-used apps via the “All Apps” menu. Note that “removing” an app can mean two things:
   • a) Removing it from the home screen but keeping it installed.
   • b) Uninstalling the app completely.
   • Tip: If in doubt, it is usually best to just remove the app from the home screen. Some apps are necessary for the phone’s correct function, even if you don’t actively use them.
3. Turn off unwanted notifications. By nature, most apps want to bombard you with notifications all day—but you can turn them off! You likely only want alerts for incoming calls or messages; everything else can wait until you are ready. Go to Settings, search for the specific app, and turn off notifications (and perhaps restrict access to location, camera, and more).
4. Adjust notification sounds. You can also change notification sounds to something easy to hear and hopefully, not annoying. Again, go to Settings and search for “sounds.”
5. Extend the screen timeout. Most phones turn off the screen after a very short period of inactivity, but this can be changed to almost any duration you prefer. In Settings, search for “screen timeout” or “display timeout.”
6. Add contact shortcuts. You can add shortcuts to your most frequently called numbers on your home screen: two taps and the call is made. The exact method depends on your phone. If you are comfortable searching online, try looking up “[Your Phone Brand] + contact shortcut” to find step-by-step guides and videos.

There are plenty more customisations to make your phone work exactly as you’d like. I would be happy to help you with this if you drop in at one of my sessions at the Isis RSL. It’s a free service, and no booking is required.