Grandkids up north or across the country? This tech for grandparents guide brings them closer: FaceTime video calls (and WhatsApp or Zoom with Android family), shared photo albums, how to make text bigger on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac, and how to spot the grandparent scam.
Four things worth knowing
- Video calls — FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom
- Shared photos — New pictures show up on their own
- Bigger text — Easier on the eyes
- The grandparent scam — Hang up and call back
Tech for grandparents, step by step
1iPhone and iPad: make a FaceTime video call
Open FaceTime and tap New FaceTime. Type your grandchild’s name, tap it, then tap the green FaceTime button.
2Get new photos automatically with a shared album
Ask your family to invite you to a shared album. In the Photos app, tap Accept.
3iPhone: make the text bigger
Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size. Drag the slider to the right until the text is easy to read.
4Android: make the text bigger
Settings → Display → Display size and text (on some phones: Font size and style). Move the Font size slider to the right.
5Windows and Mac: make the text bigger
Windows 11: Settings → Accessibility → Text size. Drag the slider, then click Apply.
+We’ll set it up with you
Bring your phone, tablet or computer to our shop, or we’ll come to your home. We’ll set up FaceTime, shared albums and bigger text, and show you how they work.
Family with Android phones?
- WhatsApp video calls — Free app for iPhone and Android: tap the camera icon in a chat
- Zoom — Great for the whole family at once, or for holidays
- Or send a FaceTime link — In FaceTime, tap Create Link. They join from a web browser
- Pick one and practice — Ask the grandkids to set it up with you on your next visit
Watch out for the grandparent scam
- “Grandma, it’s me. I’m in trouble.” — A call or text, sometimes with a voice that sounds just like them
- “Don’t tell Mom. Send money now.” — Secrecy and pressure are the giveaways
- Hang up and call back — Use the number you already know is theirs, or call another family member
- Never pay with gift cards, wire or crypto — Ask a question only the real grandchild would know
Recap: tech for grandparents
- FaceTime for iPhone and iPad
- WhatsApp or Zoom with Android family
- Accept a shared photo album
- Bigger, bold text
- “Grandma, I’m in trouble”? Hang up
- Call back on a number you know
Printable quick guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a FaceTime video call?
Open the FaceTime app, tap New FaceTime, type the person’s name and tap it, then tap the green FaceTime button. FaceTime works between iPhones, iPads and Macs.
How do I video call family members who have Android phones?
Use WhatsApp (free for iPhone and Android: tap the camera icon in a chat) or Zoom. You can also tap Create Link in FaceTime and send it to them; they can join from a web browser.
How do I make the text bigger on my phone?
iPhone: Settings, Display & Brightness, Text Size, and drag the slider; turn on Bold Text too. Android: Settings, Display, Display size and text (or Font size and style), and move the Font size slider.
How do I make text bigger on a computer?
Windows 11: Settings, Accessibility, Text size, drag the slider and click Apply. Mac: System Settings, Accessibility, Display, Text size. On any web page, hold Ctrl (Command on a Mac) and press + to zoom in.
What is the grandparent scam?
A caller or text pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, asks you to keep it secret, and wants money fast. Hang up and call your grandchild back on the number you know, or call another family member. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto.
Related guides
- How to spot a fake Microsoft or Apple support call
- How to find your Wi-Fi password
- Back for the season? Your snowbird tech checklist
- In-home tech help from Naples Computers
Source: Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money (FTC)