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Phones and tablets, explained in plain English. Help yourself to our free guides below. And if you'd rather have someone sit beside you with a cup of tea, we'll come to you.
Five things worth knowing
Short, step by step and free to print for a parent or friend.
Make the writing bigger
On an iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Display & Brightness, then Text Size.
- Drag the slider to the right until the writing is comfortable to read.
Still too small? Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Display & Text Size, and tap Larger Text.
On an Android phone
- Open Settings.
- Search for Font size and tap it.
- Move the slider to the right.
Menus can look a little different on older phones. Sources: Apple Support and Android Help.
Spot a scam, and what to do
Your bank, the police and the NHS will never ring to ask you to move money, share a PIN or read out a code. If a call, text or email feels urgent or frightening, stop. It is fine to hang up.
- A call about your money? Hang up and ring 159. It connects you safely to your own bank.
- A suspicious text? Forward it to 7726. It's free.
- A suspicious email? Forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Lost money or shared your details? Call your bank first, then Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Sources: GOV.UK and Stop Scams UK.
See the family on a video call
WhatsApp is the easiest way for most families, and it's free over wifi.
- Open WhatsApp and tap the name of the person you want to see.
- Tap the video camera symbol at the top of the screen.
- Hold the phone at arm's length so they can see your face. Tap the red button to finish.
When someone calls you, slide or tap the green button to answer.
A password you can actually remember
Forget capitals and symbols you'll never recall. The National Cyber Security Centre suggests joining three random words together, such as teapotgardenbiscuit. It's long enough to be strong and easy to remember.
- Pick three words that mean nothing to anyone else.
- Use a different password for your email than for everything else.
- Write passwords in a notebook kept safely at home, never on a note stuck to the screen.
Source: National Cyber Security Centre.
Order a repeat prescription on the NHS App
- Open the NHS App and log in.
- Tap Prescriptions.
- Tap Request a repeat prescription and choose the medicines you need.
Your GP approves the request and it goes to your chosen pharmacy. Some medicines can't be requested in the app. If you need medicine urgently, ring your surgery, or 111 out of hours.
Source: NHS.
A Tea and Tech visit
Two unhurried hours at your kitchen table for £45. We go at your pace and write down the steps, so it still makes sense after we've gone.
Getting set up
A new phone or tablet made simple: bigger writing, louder ringing and the buttons you actually use.
Seeing the family
Video calls, sharing photos and messages, practised together until it feels easy.
Staying safe
Spotting scam calls, texts and emails, and sensible passwords you can remember.
Everyday jobs online
Repeat prescriptions, online shopping and booking appointments.
The fun bits
Catch up TV, music, audiobooks and looking up old photos of the village.
No daft questions
Patient, friendly and never rushed. A gift idea for a parent, too.
Put the kettle on, we'll bring the patience
Call us, or leave your details and we'll ring you back to find a time.