Set Up Android in Simplified Mode for Your Parents
Does your parent have an Android phone but only uses it for calls because the interface is too complex? Good news: in 30 minutes of setup, you can transform any Android into a senior-friendly phone. This step-by-step tutorial guides you through each setting.
Transparency note: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Android is the most widely used mobile operating system with 76% market share in France according to Kantar Worldpanel 2025 and similar figures across Europe. Among seniors over 65 with a smartphone, 68% use Android (CREDOC barometer 2024). The problem: the standard interface is designed for a young, tech-savvy audience. Icons are small, menus are deep, notifications are overwhelming.
The solution exists and it is free: a few settings are enough to make the experience much more comfortable.
Before you start: prepare the phone
- Update the system: Settings > Software Update > Download and Install
- Remove unused apps: pre-installed games, unused social media apps, duplicates
- Note down the SIM PIN and Google account password on paper stored in a safe place
Option 1: Samsung Easy Mode (Samsung Galaxy only)
How to activate it
- Open Settings (gear icon)
- Tap Display
- Tap Easy Mode
- Toggle on Easy Mode
What changes
- Home screen displays 6 large icons instead of 20 small ones
- Keyboard switches to large characters automatically
- Favourite contacts appear on a second screen with a large photo for each person
- Contrast is automatically increased
- Notifications are grouped and simplified
Customise Easy Mode
- Add essential contacts on the favourites screen
- Organise apps: keep only used apps on the home screen
- Enable SOS button: Settings > Safety and Emergency > Send SOS Messages
Limitations
Easy Mode only simplifies the home screen and some basic elements. Third-party apps (WhatsApp, medical booking apps) keep their standard interface.
Option 2: Install a simplified launcher (all Android)
BaldPhone: the best free launcher for seniors
BaldPhone is an open-source launcher, entirely free, ad-free and data-collection-free. Available on the Google Play Store.
- Open the Play Store
- Search for BaldPhone
- Tap Install
- Open BaldPhone and set it as default launcher
BaldPhone provides: 6 large coloured buttons, automatically enlarged text, simplified calls interface, SOS button.
Big Launcher: the paid alternative
Big Launcher (about 10 euros) offers more customisation options: colour choices, simplified SMS module, torch on home screen, advanced SOS with geolocation.
Essential accessibility settings (all Android)
Enlarge text
- Settings > Display > Font Size > slide right
- Settings > Display > Display Size (or Screen Zoom) > increase
Increase contrast
- Settings > Accessibility > Visibility Enhancements
- Enable Bold Text and High Contrast if available
Increase volume
- Settings > Sounds and Vibration > maximise Ring and Notification volume
- Enable Vibrate while ringing
Disable useless notifications
Settings > Notifications > App Notifications > disable all except Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and medical apps.
Configure the ideal home screen
Maximum 8 items:
- Phone 2. Messages (or WhatsApp) 3. Camera 4. Photos 5. Weather 6. Browser 7. Medical booking app 8. Emergency contact shortcut
Create a direct call shortcut
- Long-press on empty home screen space
- Tap Widgets
- Find Contacts or Direct Dial
- Drag the widget to the screen
- Select the desired contact
Secure the phone without complicating it
- Fingerprint unlock (simplest and fastest)
- Block accidental installs via Play Store parental controls
- Enable device location in case of loss (Settings > Security > Find My Device)
Bonus tip: create a paper memo
Create a laminated card with:
- How to call someone: open Phone > tap the contact > tap the green phone
- How to send a message: open Messages > choose contact > write > tap the arrow
- How to take a photo: open Camera > tap the white circle
- If there’s a problem: hold the power button 10 seconds to restart
Summary: the steps in 30 minutes
| Step | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 min | Update system and remove unused apps |
| 2 | 3 min | Activate Samsung Easy Mode OR install BaldPhone |
| 3 | 5 min | Enlarge text and display size |
| 4 | 3 min | Increase contrast and volume |
| 5 | 5 min | Disable useless notifications |
| 6 | 5 min | Organise home screen (8 apps max) |
| 7 | 5 min | Secure: fingerprint, location, parental control |
| 8 | 5 min | Create a paper memo of essential gestures |
Editorial note
Sources consulted:
- Digital barometer 2024, CREDOC / ARCEP / CGE
- Android market share France, Kantar Worldpanel 2025
- Samsung market share France, GfK 2025
- Emmaus Connect activity report 2024
- UX FLUPA study on notifications and seniors, 2024
- CNIL annual report 2024
Limitations: menus and options may vary by brand, Android version and manufacturer overlay. Instructions are primarily for Samsung Galaxy with variants noted for other brands.
Verification date: 26 March 2026
Conflicts of interest: this article contains affiliate links. BaldPhone is a free open-source app we recommend without compensation.
Questions fréquentes
-
Go to Settings, then Display, then Easy Mode. Activate it. The home screen will show large icons, a bigger keyboard and simplified menus. This option is available on all Samsung Galaxy phones since 2018.
-
Yes, by installing a simplified launcher like BaldPhone (free, open source) or Big Launcher (about 10 euros). These apps replace the home screen with large buttons and clean menus, compatible with all Android devices.
-
Go to Settings, then Display, then Font Size. Move the slider to the right. You can also go to Accessibility, then Display Size to enlarge icons and all interface elements.
-
No, Samsung Easy Mode and simplified launchers do not block any apps. All installed apps remain available. The difference is visual: icons are larger and menus clearer, but functionality remains identical.
-
On Samsung, go back to Settings, Display, Easy Mode, and deactivate it. With a third-party launcher, go to Settings, Apps, Default Apps, Home App, and select the original launcher. The change is immediate and reversible.