Tablets have opened up a world of possibilities for older Australians. Video calls with grandchildren, access to thousands of books at the touch of a button, simplified email and messaging, entertainment during quiet hours, and tools to keep minds sharp—all in a device that's often more intuitive than traditional computers. Yet the technology can feel intimidating at first, especially for those who didn't grow up with digital devices.
This guide is written for seniors themselves and for family members helping older loved ones get started with tablets. We'll cover choosing the right device, setting it up for easy use, learning the essential skills, and staying safe online. The goal isn't just to use the technology but to genuinely enjoy it and benefit from everything tablets offer.
You're never too old to learn new technology. Tablets are designed to be intuitive, and with the right guidance and a bit of patience, anyone can master the basics. Start with what interests you most—that motivation makes learning much easier.
Choosing the Right Tablet for Seniors
Not all tablets are equally suitable for older users. Several factors matter particularly for seniors:
Screen Size
Larger screens make everything easier to see and tap. We recommend tablets with at least 10-inch screens for seniors. The iPad 10th generation (10.9"), iPad Air (10.9" or 13"), and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (12.4") offer generous displays that reduce eye strain and make touch targets easier to hit.
Ease of Use
Apple iPads are often recommended for seniors due to their consistent, straightforward interface. The iPad doesn't require technical knowledge to use—the home button (or swipe gesture on newer models) always takes you back to a familiar screen. Samsung tablets with their One UI interface are also reasonably intuitive, though Android offers more variability in the experience.
Durability and Support
Consider how long the device will receive software updates (Apple typically provides 5-6 years of updates) and the availability of local support. Having somewhere to go for help, like an Apple Store or authorised Samsung service centre, provides peace of mind.
Best Overall: iPad 10th Generation - intuitive, excellent support, reasonable price
Larger Screen: iPad Air 13" or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ - bigger displays for easier viewing
Budget Option: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ - affordable entry point for trying tablets
Setting Up for Easy Use
Proper setup makes a tablet much more enjoyable and accessible. Whether setting up your own device or helping someone else, these adjustments make a significant difference.
Display Settings
Increase text size: Go to Settings > Display (or Accessibility) and increase the text size. Most people benefit from larger text, and there's no downside to making things easier to read.
Increase brightness: Brighter screens are easier to see, especially in well-lit rooms. You can enable auto-brightness, but many seniors prefer manually setting a comfortable brightness level.
Enable bold text: Bold text (found in Accessibility settings) makes text easier to read without making it larger.
Accessibility Features
Modern tablets have extensive accessibility features that benefit many users:
Magnifier: This feature uses the camera to magnify real-world text—useful for reading small print on packaging or documents.
Zoom: Lets you magnify any part of the screen with a gesture. Helpful when something is just too small to see clearly.
Spoken Content: The tablet can read text aloud—helpful for those with vision difficulties or who simply find listening easier than reading.
Larger touch accommodations: For those with motor difficulties, touch settings can be adjusted to require longer touches or ignore accidental taps.
Simplifying the Home Screen
A cluttered home screen is overwhelming. Remove apps that won't be used and organize essentials onto the first home screen page. Consider creating a simple layout with just the most-used apps: Phone/FaceTime, Photos, Messages, Safari/Chrome, Email, and whatever specific apps are relevant (Kindle for readers, YouTube for video watchers, etc.).
• Increase text size to comfortable level
• Enable bold text
• Set appropriate brightness
• Remove unnecessary apps from home screen
• Add important contacts to Favorites
• Set up video calling app (FaceTime, Zoom, etc.)
• Enable Find My Device for security
• Configure auto-lock for reasonable time (5 minutes)
Learning the Basics
Every tablet user needs to master a few fundamental skills. Take these one at a time, practicing each until it feels comfortable before moving on.
Touch Gestures
Tablets respond to several types of touch:
- Tap: Briefly touch the screen to select something or open an app. Like clicking a mouse.
- Swipe: Slide your finger across the screen to scroll through content or switch between screens.
- Pinch: Use two fingers moving apart to zoom in on photos or text, or together to zoom out.
- Press and hold: Touch and keep your finger in place to access additional options for an item.
Practice these gestures in low-stakes apps like Photos, where you can tap to open pictures, swipe to move between them, and pinch to zoom in on details.
The Home Button/Gesture
This is the most important thing to remember: you can always get back to the familiar home screen. On iPads with a home button, press that button. On newer iPads, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. On Android tablets, there's usually a home icon at the bottom. If you ever feel lost, use this to return to your starting point.
Typing on Screen
The on-screen keyboard appears automatically when you need to type. Tap letters to type, use the shift key for capitals, and don't worry about making mistakes—you can always delete and retype. Autocorrect will fix many errors automatically.
For those who find on-screen typing difficult, voice dictation is an excellent alternative. Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and speak your message. The tablet converts speech to text remarkably accurately.
Essential Activities for Seniors
Once you're comfortable with basic navigation, explore the activities that make tablets so valuable for older adults.
Video Calling
Video calls transform how we stay connected with distant family. FaceTime (on iPads) and video calls through apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger let you see and hear loved ones no matter the distance.
The key is practicing before important calls. Have a family member do a test call to ensure everything works and you're comfortable with the process. Position the tablet so your face is well-lit (facing a window works well), and speak at a normal volume—tablets have sensitive microphones.
Reading
Tablets make excellent e-readers with advantages over physical books: adjustable text sizes, built-in lighting for bedtime reading, and thousands of books in one lightweight device.
The Kindle app (free) provides access to Amazon's vast book selection, including many free classics. Public libraries throughout Australia offer free e-book lending through apps like BorrowBox and Libby—ask your local library about their digital collection.
Email and Messaging
The tablet's larger screen makes email more pleasant than on phones. Set up your email address during initial setup or through the Mail app. For messaging with family, apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are popular for staying in touch through text and voice messages.
Entertainment
Streaming services like ABC iView, SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Stan bring unlimited entertainment. YouTube provides access to anything from old TV shows to instructional videos. The larger tablet screen makes watching comfortable, especially compared to phones.
Don't try to learn everything at once. Pick one activity that excites you—video calls with grandchildren, reading books, watching shows—and focus on mastering that. Once it becomes comfortable, add the next thing. Trying to learn everything simultaneously leads to frustration.
Staying Safe Online
Safety concerns shouldn't prevent seniors from enjoying tablets, but awareness of common risks helps avoid problems.
Recognising Scams
Unfortunately, scammers often target older adults. Be cautious of:
- Unexpected emails or messages claiming problems with accounts and asking you to click links
- Pop-ups saying your device has a virus and you need to call a number or pay for fixes
- Messages from supposed friends or family asking urgently for money
- Offers that seem too good to be true (lottery wins, inheritance from unknown relatives)
When in doubt, don't click. Contact companies directly through their official websites (type the address yourself, don't click links) or call family members directly to verify unusual requests.
Password Safety
Keep passwords private and make them strong—at least 8 characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use easily guessed information like birthdays. Consider using the tablet's built-in password manager to remember passwords securely.
App Downloads
Only download apps from the official app store (App Store on iPad, Google Play on Android). Be wary of apps that ask for unnecessary permissions or have very few reviews. When uncertain, ask a trusted family member before installing something new.
Getting Help
Everyone needs help sometimes. Know your options:
Family tech support: Many families designate a tech-savvy member as the go-to helper. Don't be shy about asking for help—most people enjoy sharing their knowledge.
Manufacturer support: Apple offers excellent support through their stores and phone/chat support. Samsung and other brands have phone support lines. These services are free and designed to help with exactly the kind of questions new users have.
Community resources: Many libraries and community centres offer free technology classes for seniors. These provide hands-on learning with patient instructors who understand the learning curve.
Online resources: YouTube has countless tutorial videos for tablet basics. Search for topics like "iPad basics for seniors" or "how to use FaceTime" for step-by-step video guidance.
Common Concerns Addressed
"I'm too old to learn this." Research consistently shows that older adults can learn new technology successfully. It might take a bit more time than it would for someone who grew up with devices, but the brain remains capable of learning new skills throughout life. Many seniors who were initially resistant become enthusiastic tablet users once they experience the benefits.
"I'll break it." Modern tablets are surprisingly durable, and operating systems are designed to prevent you from doing anything catastrophic. The worst that usually happens from accidental taps is needing to close an app you didn't mean to open. You can't really break the tablet by using it—so experiment without fear.
"It's too complicated." Start simple. You don't need to understand everything a tablet can do to benefit from it. Many seniors use their tablets primarily for one or two activities—video calls and reading, for example—and that's perfectly valid. Use what serves you.
"I'll do something embarrassing." We've all sent messages to wrong people or accidentally liked social media posts while scrolling. These minor embarrassments happen to everyone regardless of age. They're momentarily awkward and quickly forgotten.
Tablets are tools for connection, learning, and enjoyment. With patience and practice, they can genuinely enhance quality of life—keeping you connected to loved ones, entertained during quiet hours, and engaged with the wider world.