How to Set Up a Refurbished iPhone for Seniors: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Set Up a Refurbished iPhone for Seniors: Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a refurbished iPhone for seniors is a smart choice. It works like new, costs less, and is perfect for everyday use such as calls, messaging, and staying connected with family. However, it’s important to properly configure it to make the device simple, safe, and comfortable for older users.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to customize a refurbished iPhone for seniors, from increasing text size to setting up emergency features.

A reliable phone you can always count on is the Apple iPhone. It’s an incredible feeling to experience flawless performance every single day — no bugs, no freezes, just smooth operation. I’ve been choosing Apple since 2009, and in all that time, I’ve only had to do a forced restart two or three times. Yes, these were different iPhone models, but upgrading has always felt magical — as if someone transferred the soul of the old phone into the new one. Everything is in its place: apps stay in the same order, contacts remain intact, and even the latest messages look like the conversation was paused only seconds ago.
You can join this family by buying either an Apple refurbished iPhone or a new iPhone — it doesn’t matter, because in both cases, you get the same quality, durability, and comfort of use.

1. Increase Text Size and Simplify the Interface

For many seniors, small text is the biggest challenge.

How to set it up:

  1. Go to Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size.
  2. Move the slider to increase the text size.
  3. Turn on Bold Text for better readability.
  4. Go to Accessibility → Display & Text Size and enable Larger Text for an even bigger font.

💡 Tip: Even older refurbished iPhones (like iPhone 8 or iPhone X) support these features, making them easier for seniors to use.

2. AssistiveTouch: One-Touch Controls

To avoid confusion with gestures, enable AssistiveTouch, which adds an on-screen button for quick actions.

How to enable:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch.
  2. Toggle it on.
  3. Customize the menu with key actions like “Home,” “Siri,” and “Volume.”

3. Voice Control and Siri

With Siri, seniors can use voice commands instead of tapping through menus.

How to set it up:

  1. Open Settings → Siri & Search.
  2. Turn on Listen for "Hey Siri" or Press Side Button for Siri.
  3. Create simple voice commands like “Call [name]” or “Open Messages.”

4. Simplify the Home Screen

Organize the home screen to keep it simple:

  • Remove unnecessary apps.
  • Keep only essentials like Phone, Messages, Camera, and Contacts.
  • Add widgets with large buttons for quick calls to family members.

5. Set Up Emergency SOS

Safety is crucial, and Emergency SOS is available even on most refurbished iPhones.

How to set it up:

  1. Go to Settings → Emergency SOS.
  2. Enable Call with Hold (press and hold the side button to call 911).
  3. Add emergency contacts in the Health app.

6. Accessibility Options for Hearing

If your loved one has hearing issues:

  • Pair MFi Hearing Aids under Settings → Accessibility → Hearing Devices.
  • Use Live Listen to turn the iPhone into a microphone for clearer conversations.
  • Enable subtitles under Settings → Accessibility → Subtitles & Captioning.

7. Screen Time for Simplified Use

Screen Time helps limit unnecessary apps and reduce confusion.

  • Go to Settings → Screen Time.
  • Restrict games or social media while leaving only essential apps like Phone and Messages.

8. Useful Apps for Seniors

Recommended apps for seniors:

  • WhatsApp or Viber for calls and messaging.
  • FaceTime for video calls with family.
  • Notes or Reminders for important tasks.
  • Health apps to track medication or monitor vital signs.

Conclusion

A refurbished iPhone is an excellent option for seniors. By customizing the device with larger text, simplified navigation, and emergency features, you can make it safe, user-friendly, and perfect for everyday use.

CostPlusPhones team

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