How to help older relatives with tech over the holidays - Fox News
How to help older relatives with tech over the holidaysFox News...
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Heading home for the holidays gives you a great chance to help older parents withtheir tech.The visit often comes with questions about phones, computers, smart TVs and the new artificial intelligence tools they hear about. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you can use this time to set them up for a safer and smoother tech year.
You may guide them through FaceTime or phone calls during the rest of the year, yet working with them in person makes everything easier. You can update devices, adjust settings, improve security and prevent many of the issues that lead to stress later.
Below is a simple plan you can follow while you are home for the holidays.
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Helping parents update devices during the holidays sets them up for a safer start to the new year.(Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
## Respect their comfort level with tech
Some parents love learning new tools. Others want stability. If their setup works for them, avoid pushing big changes. Also, avoid relying on bots to answer all their questions. They reach out because they want real help and a real connection.
When you teach them something new, walk through the steps instead of taking over the device. Leave written instructions so they can repeat the steps later.
Above all, stay patient. This process builds confidence for them and peace of mind for you.
## Check software updates on every device
Automatic updates keep things fast and safe. Many older relatives skip them because they worry something will break.
### iPhone or iPad
- OpenSettings
- SelectGeneral
- TapSoftware Update
- Go toAutomatic Updates
- Turn onAutomatically Install
### Android
Settings may vary depending on yourAndroid phone'smanufacturer.
- OpenSettings
- TapSystem
- ClickSoftware updates
- TapCheck for updates
For automatic app updates:
- OpenPlay Store
- Tap theprofile icon
- SelectSettings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps
- ChooseUpdate over Wi-Fi only
### macOS
- Click theApple iconin the upper left-hand corner of the screen
- OpenSystem Settings
- SelectGeneral
- ChooseSoftware Update
- Turn onAutomatic Updates
### Windows 11
- Select theStartmenu
- OpenSettings
- ChooseWindows Update
- Turn onGet the latest updates as soon as they're available
You can also set active hours, so surprise restarts do not interrupt them.
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Simple steps like turning on automatic updates can prevent many problems before they appear.(Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
## Teach simple fixes that solve most issues
One of the best skills you can give them is how to power cycle devices. Show them how to unplug and restart:
### The router
- Unplug the router and modemfrom power.
- Wait30 secondsso the memory clears.
- Plug the modem back infirst and let it fully boot until all lights stabilize.
- Plug therouter back inand wait for the Wi-Fi light to turn solid again.
- Reconnect devicesand check for internet.
### The computer
- Save anyopen work.
- On Windows:SelectStart > Power > Restart.
- On Mac:Select theApple menu > Restart.
- If frozen, hold the power button for10 secondsto force a reset.
- After the reboot, openonly the apps they needto keep things running smoothly.
### The phone
- Press and hold theSide button + Volume Upuntil the power slider appears.
- Slide to power off.
- Wait10 seconds, then hold theSide buttonto turn it back on.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- Press and hold thePower + Volume Downbuttons until the power menu appears.
- TapRestartorPower off, then power it back on if needed.
- If frozen, hold the power button for10 secondsto force a reboot.
### The smart TV
- Turn the TV offwith the remote.
- Unplug it from the wall for60 secondsso the cache clears.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- If apps misbehave, teach them how to:Restart the TV fromSettings > System > Restart(Roku, Fire TV, Google TV and Samsung models all have this).Update the apps through theTV's app store.
- Restart the TV fromSettings > System > Restart(Roku, Fire TV, Google TV and Samsung models all have this).
- Update the apps through theTV's app store.
A gentle reset solves many everyday glitches. Celebrate the wins so they feel confident when they fix something on their own.
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Teaching basic skills builds confidence and reduces the tech frustrations that often lead to stress.(Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
## Protect them from scams
Scammers continue to target older adults withfake calls, texts or emails that look like they come from banks, government agencies or even big tech brands. Many people hand over money because the message sounds urgent or the caller ID looks real. While you're visiting, you can set up simple protections that block most threats before they reach them. Here are the most important steps to handle together:
### 1) Teach them not to click links and install strong antivirus software
Show them how scammers disguise links in texts, emails and pop-ups. Remind them to never tap unexpected attachments or "urgent" messages. While you're there, install strong antivirus software that stops dangerous links before they open. Make sure it includes:
- Real-time malware blocking
- Safe browsing alerts
- Email and text link scanning
- Identity monitoring (many 2025 apps now include this)
The best way to safeguard them from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing their private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all their devices. This protection can also alert them to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping their personal information and digital assets safe.
If they already have antivirus software, go ahead and update it, so they always have the latest protections, then set it to auto-scan weekly.
Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for their Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices atCyberguy.com.
### 2) Use a personal data-removal service
Explain that scammers often pull personal details from the internet, including old addresses, phone numbers and job history. Help them sign up for a data removal service that clears their information from people-search sites and data brokers. Choose one that supports:
- Automatic removals
- Custom URL submissions
- Ongoing monitoring
- Monthly scans with alerts
This reduces the personal info criminals can use to impersonate them. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of their data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap, and neither is their privacy. These services do all the work for them by actively monitoring and systematically erasing their personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target your loved ones.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if their personal information is already out on the web by visitingCyberguy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if their personal information is already out on the web:Cyberguy.com.
### 3) Set up call protection so unknown callers go straight to voicemail
Most scams begin with a phone call pretending to be Amazon support, Medicare, Social Security or a family member in trouble. Both iPhone and Android now include stronger call-screening tools than ever.
- Go toSettings
- TapApps
- ClickPhone
- Scroll down and turn onSilence Unknown Callers
- Go toSettings
- TapApps
- ClickMessages
- Under Unknown Senders toggle onScreen Unknown Sendersto hide notifications and move messages to the Unknown Senders list. Also, scroll down and toggle onFilter Spam.
To filter unknown or spam calls:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Open thePhoneapp
- Tap thethree dotsorthree horizontal linesin the corner
- SelectSettings
- TapCaller ID & spam,Spam protection, orScam Detection(the label varies)
- Turn onSpam protection, Scam Detection, Filter spam callsorSee Caller and spam ID
To filter spam texts:
- Open theMessagesapp (Google Messages on most phones)
- Tap theprofile iconorthree dots
- OpenMessages settings
- TapSpam protection
- Turn onEnable spam protection
Tell them: "If the call is real, the caller will leave a message."
### 4) Set up spam filters for emails
Make sure their inbox sorts out junk automatically.
- Go toSettings
- TapApps
- ClickMail
- TapBlocked Sender Options
- Turn onMark Blocked Sender
Gmail (browser version)
Gmail filters spam automatically, but you can tighten things even more. To strengthen spam filtering:
- OpenGmail in a web browser
- Click thegear icon>See all settings
- Go toFilters and Blocked Addresses
- Create a filter for trusted contacts and selectNever send to Spam
To block tracking pixels:
- OpenGmail in a browser>Settings>See all settings>GeneralScroll toImages
- SelectAsk before displaying external images
Outlook (web or desktop)
To manage junk mail filtering:
- OpenOutlook
- Go toSettings
- SelectMail>Junk email
- Add trusted contacts toSafe senders and domains
- Add unwanted senders toBlocked senders and domains
To block tracking pixels/images:• OpenOutlook Settings• Look forAutomatic image downloads(web) orTrust Center(desktop)• Turn onBlock external images
### 5) Turn on two-factor authentication everywhere
Walk through their essential accounts and add2FA:
- Banking apps
- Credit card accounts
- Social media
- Shopping apps like Amazon
Use text-based codes if they prefer, or set up a simpleauthenticator appfor safer logins.
### 6) Add password helpers
Create strong passwords that you don't need to memorize. Set them up with:
- Awritten emergency backup liststored in a safe spot at home.
- Apassword managerwith autofill, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.Next, see if their email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (seeCyberguy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether an email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 atCyberguy.com
### 7) Set up fraud alerts on their bank and credit card accounts
- Real-time text alerts
- Spending notifications
- Login alerts
- Large-purchase approvals
Turn all of these on.
### 8) Teach the one rule that stops the biggest scams
Tell them:"No real bank, company or government agency will ever call or text asking for codes, passwords or payments."
### 9) Make a simple "call me first" plan
Let them know: "If anything feels off, call me before you respond." It gives them confidence and takes the pressure off.
## If your parents fall victim to a scam, take action fast
- Contact their banks and credit card companiesand report the issue right away.
- Place a fraud alert or freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnionto slow down any new attempts to open accounts.
- Use an identity theft protection servicethat monitors financial activity, scans the dark web and alerts you to suspicious changes. It adds an extra safeguard while you work to secure their information. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft atCyberguy.com.
- Change passwords on every important account.As mentioned earlier, a password manager helps older relatives avoid weak or repeated passwords. Show them how it works and help them store everything in one secure place. This one step prevents many future problems.
- Keep a list of their accounts and phone numbersfor each company.
- If they agree, request permission to speak on their behalf.This saves time when problems hit.
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Remote support tools make it easy to guide parents when you are back home and they need help.(Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
## Set up remote help so you can support them later
When things get more complex,remote helplets you step in from anywhere.
### Windows Quick Assist
- PressWindows key + Ctrl + Qon both computers
- You chooseHelp someone
- Tell them thesecurity code
- They enter it underGet help
### Mac Screen Sharing
- On the host Mac, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner → openSystem Settings
- Go toGeneral → Sharing
- Toggle"Screen Sharing"to ON
- Click the info ("i") next to the toggle, choose"Only these users,"then add the Apple ID or user account you trust
- On the other Mac, open thebuilt-in Screen Sharing app(or Finder→Connect to Server)and select the host Mac(by Apple ID, network name or IP)
- The usermust approve each sessionfor privacy - that way, they control when to allow remote access
### Chrome Remote Desktop
- Visitremotedesktop.google.com/support
- They selectGenerate Code
- They read you the 12-digit code
- You enter it underConnect to another computer
This makes future troubleshooting quick and stress-free.
### FaceTime remote control on iPhones
If your parents use iPhones with iOS 18 or newer, you can guide them by taking temporary control of their screen. This feature lives inside SharePlay and was further refined in iOS 26.2, but the basic steps are the same. When you're visiting in person, walk them through this once so they feel confident using it later.
- Start aFaceT