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01Find the problem, then the fix
Good phone accessories for seniors solve a specific everyday hassle. Before buying anything, figure out what actually gets in the way. It's usually one or two of the problems below, and some have a free fix.
| The problem | Accessory that helps | Free fix to try too |
|---|---|---|
| Phone slips out of the hand | Grip, finger strap or textured case | Hold with two hands when walking |
| Arm gets tired on video calls | Desk stand at eye level | Prop it against something steady |
| Text and icons are hard to read | Clear screen protector, no tint | Bigger text and bold text in Settings |
| Fiddly charging cables | Wireless charging stand | Leave one cable plugged in by the bed |
| Phone gets left behind or misplaced | Crossbody lanyard | Turn on Find My or Find Hub |
| Can't tell which charger is whose | Color-coded cables | A strip of colored tape on each plug |
Buying for a parent or grandparent? Ask which of these they run into, rather than guessing. An accessory that solves a real annoyance gets used. One that adds a step usually ends up in a drawer.
02A better grip for fewer drops
Modern phones are big, smooth and slippery. A grip on the back gives your fingers something to hold, which helps with arthritis or reduced grip strength because you don't have to squeeze the phone's edges.
Finger strap
- Slide your fingers under the strap
- No pinching or squeezing needed
- Lies flat in a pocket
Ring holder
- One finger through the ring
- Folds out to prop the phone up
- Can catch on pockets
Magnetic grip
- Snaps on and off with no glue
- Needs a magnetic iPhone or case
- Easy to remove for wireless charging
Magnetic grips need magnets in the phone or the case. Most iPhones from the 12 onward have them, except the iPhone 16e and SE models. On other phones, use a stick-on grip or a magnetic case. Our phone grip guide compares every style.
Straps, rings and magnetic grips for a steadier hold.
03Stands for video calls with the family
Holding a phone up for a 30-minute call with the grandkids is tiring, and the picture wobbles. A desk stand holds it steady at face height, so the other end sees you rather than the ceiling, and both hands are free.
- Height matters most. Camera at eye level is the most flattering angle and the most comfortable to look at.
- Weighted or wide bases don't tip when you tap the screen.
- Tablet-friendly stands are worth it if they also video call on an iPad or tablet.
- Face a window, not with it behind you, so your face isn't in shadow.
Adjustable stands that hold a phone or tablet at a comfortable height.
More setup tips in our phone stand for video calls guide.
04Charging without the fiddle
Plugging a small cable into a small port in dim light is a daily annoyance. A wireless charging stand by the bed or chair means you just set the phone down. Most recent iPhones and many Android phones charge wirelessly; check the phone's spec page if you're unsure.
If there's more than one phone in the house, color-code the cables. Give each person their own color and there's no more borrowing the wrong one, or ending up with an old cable that charges slowly. A cable that lights up is also easier to find on a nightstand in the dark.
A night-light charging stand and color-coded cables.
05Make the screen easier to read
This costs nothing and often helps more than any accessory. Five minutes in Settings can make the phone much easier to use.
-
iPhone: bigger, bolder text
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and drag the slider right. Turn on Bold Text on the same screen. For even larger sizes, use Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Larger Text.
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iPhone: a simpler home screen
Assistive Access, in Settings > Accessibility, replaces the usual layout with large buttons for just the apps you choose. Set it up together; it needs the passcode to turn off.
-
Samsung Galaxy: Easy mode
Go to Settings > Display > Easy mode for larger icons and text, a simpler layout and a longer touch-and-hold delay.
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Pixel and other Android phones
Search Settings for "Display size and text" and increase both the font size and display size.
Protectors save screens from drops, but privacy and tinted glass darken the display. For anyone who struggles to read the screen, choose a clear, HD tempered glass protector. See how to choose a screen protector.
06Setup-day checklist
If the phone does go missing, our Find My Phone guide walks through tracking it down.
Questions people ask
What is the best phone grip for seniors?
A finger strap is usually the easiest. You slide your fingers under it, so there's no need to pinch the phone's edges or hook a single finger through a ring. Magnetic versions snap onto iPhone 12 and newer, except the 16e and SE.
How do I make the text bigger on my parent's phone?
On iPhone, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and turn on Bold Text. On a Samsung Galaxy, try Settings > Display > Easy mode. On a Pixel, search Settings for Display size and text.
Is a lanyard a good idea for an older person's phone?
For many people, yes. A crossbody strap keeps the phone on you, so it's not left on a counter or dropped on a hard floor. Wear it across the body rather than around the neck, and adjust it so the phone rests at hip height.
What phone accessories make a good gift for grandparents?
A desk stand for video calls, a wireless charging stand and a grip are all practical gifts. Pair them with a quick setup visit to turn on bigger text and add family contacts.
Do seniors need a screen protector?
It's a good idea, since a dropped phone on tile or concrete can crack. Choose a clear HD protector rather than a privacy or tinted one, which makes the screen darker and harder to read.