How to help older relatives with technology during the holidays

Coming home for the holidays gives you a great opportunity to help older parents with their technology. The visit is often accompanied by 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 prepare them for a safer, smoother tech year.

You can guide them through FaceTime or phone calls for the rest of the year, but working with them in person makes everything easier. You can update devices, adjust settings, improve security, and prevent many of the stress-inducing issues down the road.

Below is a simple plan you can follow while you’re home for the holidays.

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Respect their comfort level with technology.

Some parents love learning new tools. Others want stability. If your setup works for you, avoid pushing big changes. Also, avoid relying on bots to answer all your questions. They reach out because they want real help and a real connection.

When you teach them something new, follow the steps instead of taking over the device. Leave written instructions so they can repeat the steps later.

Above all, be patient. This process builds trust for them and peace of mind for you.

Check software updates on each device

Automatic updates keep everything fast and secure. Many older relatives skip them because they fear something will break.

iPhone or iPad

• Open Settings
• Select General
• Tap Software update
• Gonna Automatic updates
• Light Install automatically

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on your android phones manufacturer.

• Open Settings
• Tap System
• Click Software updates
• Tap Check for updates

For automatic app updates:

• Open game store
• Touch the profile icon
• Select Settings > Network preferences > Automatically update apps
• Choose Update only via Wi-Fi

macos

• Click apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen
• Open System configuration
• Select General
• Choose Software update
• Light Automatic updates

windows 11

• Select the Begin menu
• Open Settings
• Choose Windows Update
• Light Get the latest updates as soon as they are available

You can also set active hours, so they won’t be interrupted by surprise reboots.

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Teach simple solutions that solve most problems.

One of the best skills you can give them is how to turn devices on and off. Show them how to disconnect and restart:

The router

• Unplug the router and modem of power.
• Wait 30 seconds then the memory is erased.
• Reconnect the modem First and let it crank completely until all the lights stabilize.
• Connect the router back on and wait for the Wi-Fi light to turn solid again.
• Reconnect devices and check if there is internet.

the computer

• save any open work.
• On Windows: Select Home > Power > Restart.
• On Mac: Select the Apple Menu > Restart.
• If it is frozen, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart.
• After reboot, open only the applications you need so that everything runs smoothly.

the phone

iPhone:

• Press and hold the Side Button + Volume Up until the power slider appears.
• Slide to turn off.
• Wait 10 secondsthen press and hold the Side button to turn it back on.

Android:

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Press and hold the Power + Volume Down until the power menu appears.
• Tap Resume either Turn offand then turn it back on if necessary.
• If it is frozen, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart.

smart television

• Turn off the television with the remote control.
• Unplug it from the wall to 60 seconds then the cache is cleared.
• Plug it back in and turn it on.
• If the apps aren’t working correctly, teach them how to: Restart the TV from Settings > System > Restart (Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, and Samsung models have this.) Update applications via TV App Store.
• Restart the TV from Settings > System > Restart (Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, and Samsung models have this.)
• Update applications via TV App Store.

A soft reset solves many everyday problems. Celebrate victories so they feel confident when they fix something on their own.

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Protect them from scams

Scammers continue to target older adults with fake callstext messages or emails that appear to come from banks, government agencies or even big tech brands. Many people hand over money because the message seems urgent or the caller ID seems real. While you’re visiting, you can set up simple protections that block most threats before they reach them. These are the most important steps we must address together:

1) Teach them not to click on links and install powerful antivirus software.

Show them how scammers disguise links in text messages, emails, and pop-ups. Remind them to never touch unexpected attachments or “urgent” messages. While you’re there, install powerful antivirus software that stops dangerous links before they open. Make sure it includes:

• Malware blocking in real time
• Safe browsing alerts
• Scanning Email and Text Links
• Identity monitoring (many 2025 apps now include it)

The best way to protect them from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have powerful antivirus software installed on all your 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, update it so they always have the latest protections, and then set it to perform a weekly automatic scan.

Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

2) Use a personal data deletion service

Explain that scammers often obtain personal data from the Internet, including old addresses, phone numbers, and work history. Help them sign up for a data deletion service that deletes their information from people search sites and data brokers. Choose one that supports:

• Automatic deletions
• Custom URL Submissions
• Continuous monitoring
• Monthly scans with alerts

This reduces the personal information that criminals can use to impersonate you. While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data deletion service is truly a smart choice. They are not cheap and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for them by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information from hundreds of websites. It is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to delete personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing leak data with information they can 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 your personal information is already available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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3) Set up call protection so that unknown callers go directly to voicemail

Most scams start with a phone call posing as support from Amazon, Medicare, Social Security, or a family member in trouble. Both iPhone and Android now include more powerful call screening tools than ever.

On iPhone

• Gonna Settings
• Tap Applications
• Click Phone
• Scroll down and turn on Silence unknown calls
• Gonna Settings
• Tap Applications
• Click Messages
• Under Unknown senders, turn on Unknown Senders Screen to hide notifications and move messages to the Unknown Senders list. Also, scroll down and turn on Filter spam.

On Android

To filter unknown or unwanted calls:

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open the Phone application
• Touch the three points either three horizontal lines in the corner
• Select Settings
• Tap Caller ID and spam, Spam protectioneither Scam detection (label varies)
• Light Spam protection, scam detection, spam call filtering either View caller ID and spam

To filter unwanted text messages:

• Open the Messages app (Google Messages on most phones)
• Touch the profile icon either three points
• Open Message settings
• Tap Spam protection
• Light Enable spam protection

Tell them, “If the call is real, the caller will leave a message.”

4) Set up email spam filters

Make sure your inbox automatically deletes junk.

iPhone Mail:

• Gonna Settings
• Tap Applications
• Click Mail
• Tap Blocked sender options
• Light Mark sender blocked

Gmail (browser version)

Gmail filters spam automatically, but you can fine-tune things further. To strengthen spam filtering:

• Open Gmail in a web browser
• Click gear icon > See all settings
• Gonna Filters and blocked addresses
• Create a filter for contacts and elected trusted contacts Never send to Spam

To block tracking pixels:

• Open Gmail in a browser > Settings > See all settings > GeneralScroll to Images
• Select Ask before showing external images

Outlook (web or desktop)

To manage spam filtering:

• Open Perspective
• Gonna Settings
• Select Mail > spam email
• Add trusted contacts to Safe senders and domains
• Add unwanted senders to Blocked senders and domains

To block tracking pixels/images:
• Open Outlook Settings
• Look for Automatic image downloads (web) or Trust Center (office)
• Light Block external images

5) Turn on two-factor authentication everywhere

Browse your essential accounts and add 2FA:

• Email
• Banking applications
• credit card accounts
• social networks
• Shopping apps like Amazon

Use text-based codes if you prefer, or set up a simple system authenticator application for more secure logins.

6) Add password helpers

Create strong passwords that you don’t need to memorize. Configure them with:

• TO written emergency backup list stored in a safe place at home.
• TO password manager with autofill, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. Next, see if your email has been exposed in previous breaches. Our number one password manager (see Cyberguy.com) includes a built-in breach scanner that checks to see if an email address or passwords have appeared in known breaches. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and protect those accounts with new, unique credentials. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

7) Set up fraud alerts on your bank and credit card accounts.

Most banks now send:

• Real-time text alerts
• Expense 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 call or text asking for codes, passwords or payments.”

9) Make a simple “call me first” plan

Let them know: “If something is wrong, call me before you respond.” It gives them confidence and takes the pressure off.

If your parents are victims of a scam, act quickly

• Contact your banks and credit card companies. and report the problem immediately.
• Place a fraud alert or freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to stop any new attempts to open accounts.
• Use an identity theft protection service which monitors financial activity, scans the dark web and alerts you to suspicious changes. Adds extra protection as you work to protect your information. See my tips and best options on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.
• Change passwords for all important accounts. As mentioned above, a password manager helps older family members avoid weak or repeated passwords. Show them how it works and help them put everything away in a safe place. This single step avoids many future problems.
• Keep a list of your accounts and phone numbers. for each company.
• If they agree, ask permission to speak on their behalf. This saves time when problems arise.

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Set up remote help so you can support them later

When things get more complex, remote help allows you to intervene from anywhere.

Windows Quick Assistance

• Press Windows key + Ctrl + Q on both computers
• you choose help someone
• tell them the security code
• They enter it under get help

Mac Screen Sharing

• On the host Mac, click the Apple icon in the top left corner → open System configuration
• Gonna General → Share
• Lever “Share screen” to ON
• Click on the information (“i”) next to the switch, choose “Only these users” then add the Apple ID or user account you trust
• On the other Mac, open the built-in screen sharing app (or search engine → Connect to server) and select the Mac host (by Apple ID, network name or IP)
• the user must approve each session for privacy – that way they control when to allow remote access

Chrome Remote Desktop

• Visit remotedesktop.google.com/support
• They select Generate code
• They read your 12-digit code
• You enter it below Connect to another computer

This makes future problem solving quick and stress-free.

FaceTime Remote on iPhones

If your parents use iPhones with iOS 18 or later, you can guide them by taking temporary control of their screen. This feature is found within SharePlay and was further refined in iOS 26.2, but the basic steps are the same. When you visit in person, explain this to them once so they feel confident using it later.

• start a FaceTime call.
• Touch the Share button (or SharePlay icon) at the top of the call.
• Choose Request screen sharing.
• Tell your parents to tap Share in the message that appears.
• Once your screen is visible, tap the manual button/Request control.
• Ask them to approve second message to allow control.

These steps assume that both devices are running iOS 18 or later and are on a one-on-one FaceTime call, which is required for the remote to work. Apple blocks sensitive actions, such as Apple ID changes and payments. Only trusted contacts can request access, helping older family members feel safe while you help them.

Add emergency contacts to your phone

iPhone

How to add yourself or your contacts to Emergency Contacts using a medical ID

• Open the health app on iPhone
• touch your profile photo (top right)
• Tap Medical identification
• Scroll down to Emergency contacts
• Tap Edit
• Tap Add emergency contact
• Select a contact from your address book, choose your relationship (spouse, parent, etc.)
• Click blue check mark in the upper right corner of the screen.
• Scroll up and enable Show when locked if you want emergency services to access it from the lock screen
• Touch the < arrow to go out.

Android

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open Settings
• Click Security and emergency
• Tap Emergency contacts
• Add your information
• Click back arrow > Allow emergency SOS and Emergency location service

Smart home devices

How to set up hands-free calling on an Echo for your parents

• Have your parents open the alexa app on your iPhone or Android. If they are not logged in, they will need to log in with their Amazon account.
• Look in the lower right corner of the screen and tap Further.
• Tap “Communicate”. This opens the Alexa call and message center.
• Tap “Call”. If this is their first time using Alexa Calling, the app may request permission: Allow access to Contacts. Confirm your phone number (a verification code will be sent).
• Tap Add contact and complete the information.
• Click Save. Your number is now linked to your Alexa calling list.
• Test the configuration. Have them say: “Echo, call [your name]”.
• Your Echo speaker should make the call hands-free.

If not, check again: The contact is saved. Your Echo device is connected to Wi-Fi. Calling is enabled in Communication settings.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Helping your parents with technology during the holidays creates less stress for them and fewer support calls for you later. It also helps them stay safer online at a time when scams and threats are becoming more common. A little setup now builds trust, comfort, and connection long after the vacation is over.

What’s the one tech solution you wish your parents understood before the next emergency hits? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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