10 Smartphone Safety Features Every Senior Should Enable Today

Your smartphone is one of the most powerful safety tools you own — but only if a few key settings are turned on. The good news? Every feature on this list takes less than two minutes to enable, and you only have to do it once.

Below are the ten smartphone safety features we recommend to every workshop participant, whether they use an iPhone or Android.

1. Turn on automatic software updates

Updates aren't just about new emojis. Most updates patch real security holes that scammers use to break in. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates. On Android, open Settings → System → Software Update.

2. Set a strong screen lock

A 4-digit PIN is easy to guess. Use a 6-digit passcode at minimum, and turn on Face ID or fingerprint unlock so you don't have to type it every time. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, this is the single biggest thing standing between a thief and your bank account.

3. Enable Find My Phone

If your phone goes missing, you can locate it, lock it, or wipe it from any computer. iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My. Android: Settings → Security → Find My Device.

4. Turn on Medical ID and Emergency SOS

First responders can see your medical conditions and emergency contacts even if your phone is locked. Open the Health app (iPhone) or Safety app (Pixel/Samsung) and fill out your Medical ID. Then practice the SOS gesture — usually pressing the side button five times.

5. Block unknown callers

Cuts down on robocalls by about 80%. iPhone: Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Android: Phone app → Settings → Blocked numbers → Unknown.

6. Turn on two-factor authentication for your email

Your email is the master key to every other account. Adding a second step — usually a code sent to your phone — stops 99% of account takeovers cold.

7. Review app permissions

Many apps quietly track your location, microphone, and contacts. Once a month, open Settings → Privacy and turn off anything that doesn't need access. A flashlight app does not need your location.

8. Set up trusted contacts

Both iPhone and Android let you share your location with one or two family members. If you ever feel unsafe or get lost, they can see exactly where you are without you having to call.

9. Enable scam call and message filters

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer free scam-blocking apps. Install your carrier's official app and turn on scam filtering.

10. Back up your phone automatically

If your phone breaks, gets lost, or is hit by ransomware, automatic backups mean you lose nothing. iCloud (iPhone) and Google One (Android) both offer free starter plans.

Walk through these with someone you trust

Pick one feature per day for the next 10 days. By the end of the week and a half, your phone will be dramatically safer — and you'll feel more in control of it, not the other way around.