What to look for in a senior-friendly phone
A phone that works for you depends on what you actually do with it. If you mainly make calls and send texts, a basic phone with large buttons and a bright screen will do the job. If you want to video call grandchildren, use email, or look things up online, you need a smartphone — but one with settings you can adjust to make the text bigger and the screen easier to read.
The two main types are basic phones (sometimes called "flip phones" or "feature phones") and smartphones. Basic phones are simpler, have longer battery life, and cost less. Smartphones do more but have more to learn. Neither is wrong — it depends on what you want to do and how comfortable you are learning new things.
Physical features matter more than brand. Look for a phone with buttons or a screen you can see and touch without strain, a speaker loud enough for your hearing, and a size that fits your hand. Some phones come with emergency buttons you can program to call family or a monitoring service with one press.
Key Takeaways
- Basic phones work for calls and texts; smartphones let you video call, email, and browse the web, but require more learning.
- Look for large text, bright screens, loud speakers, and buttons or touch areas you can actually use without frustration.
- Monthly plans range from $15 to $60 depending on how much data and calling you need, and several carriers offer senior-specific plans.
- Many phones can be set up to have one-touch emergency calling, and some plans include monitoring services.
- Bring a family member or friend to the store when you buy, or ask the store staff to walk you through the basics before you leave.
Basic phones vs. smartphones: what each does
A basic phone makes and receives calls, sends and reads text messages, and stores contacts. Some have cameras and can play music or games. The screen is usually small, the battery lasts several days, and the learning curve is gentle. You press physical buttons or tap a small screen. If you lose it or drop it, replacement cost is low.
A smartphone does all of that plus email, web browsing, video calling, maps, and thousands of apps. The screen is larger and brighter. You tap and swipe a touchscreen. The battery usually lasts one day. If you break it, repair or replacement costs more. But if you want to see your grandchildren's faces during a call or look up a recipe without a computer, a smartphone is the tool for that.
Many seniors start with a basic phone and move to a smartphone later, once they see what they want to do. Others never need a smartphone and are perfectly happy with a basic phone. There is no wrong choice — only what works for your life.
Popular phones designed for seniors
Several manufacturers make phones with seniors in mind. The Jitterbug Smart2 and Jitterbug Flip2 (sold by GreatCall) come with large text, straightforward menus, and a button to reach a live operator. The GrandPad is a tablet designed for video calling and messaging with family. The Lively Mobile Plus includes fall detection and emergency response. Apple's iPhone has accessibility settings that enlarge text and simplify the home screen. Samsung's Galaxy A series phones are affordable and have similar settings.
You do not have to buy a phone marketed as "for seniors" — any phone works if you can see it and use it. But phones designed with seniors in mind often have simpler menus, bigger buttons, and customer service that knows how to walk you through setup. Compare the cost of the phone itself against the monthly plan cost, because a cheaper phone might lock you into a more expensive plan.
Monthly plans and what they cost
Monthly cost depends on how much you call, text, and use data (internet). A basic plan with unlimited calling and texting but little or no data costs $15 to $30 per month. A plan with data for email and web browsing costs $30 to $50. Plans with unlimited everything cost $50 to $70. These are rough ranges — actual prices vary by carrier and change over time.
Several carriers offer plans aimed at seniors. Verizon's 55+ Plan, AT&T's Senior Discount Plan, and T-Mobile's 55+ Plan bundle calling, texting, and data at a discount. GreatCall (which sells Jitterbug phones) offers plans starting around $20 per month. Mint Mobile and Visible offer lower-cost plans on major networks. Some plans include monitoring services or emergency response for an extra fee.
Ask the carrier whether the plan includes taxes and fees in the advertised price, or whether those are added on top. Ask whether you can pause the plan if you travel or need a break. Ask what happens if you go over your data limit — some carriers charge extra, others slow your speed.
Where to buy and how to set it up
You can buy a phone at a carrier's store (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), at a big-box retailer (Best Buy, Walmart, Target), online, or through a specialty seller like GreatCall. Buying in a store lets you hold the phone, see the screen, and ask questions. Buying online is often cheaper but means you cannot touch it first.
Bring a family member or friend when you shop, if you can. They can help you decide what you actually need and what you do not. Ask the store staff to show you how to make a call, send a text, and adjust the volume and text size before you leave. Many stores offer free setup and training — ask whether yours does.
Once you have the phone, spend time with it at home. Make a few practice calls. Send a text to someone you trust. Adjust the brightness and text size until it feels right. Write down the steps for things you do often, or ask your family member to write them down for you. Most phones have a help app or a phone number you can call if you get stuck.
Accessibility settings that make phones easier to use
Both basic phones and smartphones have built-in settings to make them easier to see and hear. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility to enlarge text, increase contrast, turn on a magnifier, or slow down animations. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Accessibility to do similar things. On a basic phone, look in Settings or Menu for options to increase font size and speaker volume.
You can also set up a phone to have a large, straightforward-to-tap emergency button. Some phones let you program a single button to call 911 or a family member. Some plans include a monitoring service that can hear you if you press the button and need help. Ask the store or the carrier whether this is available on the phone and plan you choose.
If you have hearing loss, look for a phone with a loud speaker and a hearing aid compatibility rating. If you have vision loss, a phone with a larger screen and the ability to enlarge text is essential. If you have arthritis or tremors, a phone with larger buttons or a touchscreen you can tap gently (rather than press hard) works better.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not buy a phone because it is cheap if you cannot see the screen or press the buttons. A $50 phone you cannot use costs more than a $200 phone you actually use every day. Do not sign a two-year contract if you are unsure — most carriers now offer month-to-month plans, which let you switch if the phone or plan does not work for you.
Do not assume you need a smartphone if you only make calls. Do not assume a basic phone is too straightforward if you want to video call — some basic phones can do that. Do not let a salesperson rush you. If you do not understand something, ask again. If you still do not understand, ask to speak to someone else or come back another day.
Do not set up automatic bill pay without understanding what you are paying for. Do not ignore the first bill — check it against what the salesperson told you. If something is wrong, call the carrier right away. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help — most carriers have customer service lines staffed with people who answer phone questions from seniors all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a flip phone and a smartphone?
A flip phone (basic phone) folds open, has physical buttons, and does calls and texts. A smartphone has a touchscreen, does calls, texts, email, web browsing, and video calls. Flip phones are simpler and have longer battery life. Smartphones do more but take longer to learn.
Can I keep my old phone number if I switch carriers?
Yes. This is called number porting. When you sign up with a new carrier, tell them you want to port your number from your old carrier. Bring your account number and billing address. The process usually takes a few days. You may have to pay an early termination fee to your old carrier if you are still under contract.
Do I need data if I only make calls and send texts?
No. A plan with unlimited calling and texting but no data costs less and works fine for calls and texts. If you later want to check email or look things up online, you can add data to your plan or switch to a plan that includes it.
What should I do if I accidentally press a button and call 911?
Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher it was an accident. Do not hang up — hanging up can make them send help anyway. If you have a phone with an emergency button, ask the carrier or the phone maker how to disable it or move it so you do not press it by mistake.
Can I use a phone I already own, or do I have to buy a new one from the carrier?
Many carriers let you bring your own phone if it works on their network. This is called a BYOP (bring your own phone) plan and is often cheaper than buying a new phone. Ask the carrier whether your phone is compatible before you sign up. If it is not, you will need to buy a new one or switch carriers.