How many times has someone asked for a ‘simple phone’ when looking to buy a new one? Those who use smartphones confidently will know that there’s no such thing. But a device, specially an Android phone, can be customised to look easy-to-use. First, you can go about it the manual way. Get rid of all apps you think are unlikely to be used. You’ll be left with a bunch of apps that can’t be uninstalled.

Drag them on top of each other to create a ‘Useless’ folder. Put the usable ones within easy reach. Using the widgets option, put in the most important contacts and whatever else you think will be used. Finally, go to Settings and increase the font size.

But there are also launchers that will do the job for you. In some cases, you’ll find one in the phone’s own settings. Options to use an easy screen appear at the time of setup, or can be explored in the phone’s settings. If there isn’t one, head to the Play Store and look for an easy launcher for senior citizens. Wiser is one such option. Install it and you’ll find the home screen filling up with large tiles and large text, putting just the basic ones upfront for use. That’s — phone, contacts, photo gallery, etc. On the next home screen, you can touch the ‘+’ sign to add the most frequently called contacts. And on the third and last screen, add some other apps that are likely to be used. For instance, something for news, Facebook, etc. Other launchers are also there for the taking — mostly free — such as Senior Homescreen. Just as long as you pick them out carefully. In fact, install an anti-virus app on the device as well. And you’re done.