+   -   =

Share this in person or you can use a picture of this QR Code on printed material to link back to this page.



This site is work in progress, please be patient with us. We are consolidating the site from historical fragments whilst adding new features that better match our senior demographic.

Did you know?

This is hints and tips about IT that you may not know. You may also get help at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
Many seniors feel unsure about their ability to use technology effectively, often fearing they might "break" something. Apps, websites, and devices often have cluttered layouts, small text, or too many options, making them overwhelming. Then add poor vision, reduced motor skills, or hearing difficulties can make devices harder to use without accessibility adjustments.
The Plus button at the top of the page makes text bigger, the Minus sign makes fonts smaller and the Equals button resets it back to normal (100%) as can be seen below.
Scroll down for more info

QR Code

What is it?
A QR Code img
A Quick Reference (QR) code is just a picture that when you use your mobile phone to take a picture of it, its opens a web page. The picture is just another link of bar code that you see on the groceries.
  • So, using Your Phone’s Built-in Camera (Most Modern Phones) Open the Camera App
  • On iPhones (iOS 11 or newer) and most Android devices, the camera can automatically scan QR codes. Point the Camera at the QR Code, so that the square in the center of the image and is in focus (not blurred) Once the position the QR code clearly within the camera's viewfinder.
  • Hold your phone steady — you don’t need to press the shutter. it might then Bleep
  • Tap the Notification and a link or prompt will appear on the screen.
  • Tap it to visit the website, download an app, or view the QR code's content.

Passwords

Password Management
Passwords img
Remembering multiple passwords, understanding password security, and using password managers can be difficult. Password Managers such as Google Password Manager allow you to shore passwords on your phone or laptop and when BioMetrics are enabled you can use your face, finger-print or Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unlock and use the password for that site.
You can always use the Forgotten Password route on a site to get a new password sent to your email or mobile Phone.
If you change your Mobile Phone number then your Password Recover phone number is your old phone number so you never get it.

Free IT support for older people

IT support
xx img
Seniors may struggle to find clear, patient tech support.
please check:
✅ AbilityNet is a pioneering UK charity transforming the lives of older and disabled people and working with organisations of all types and sizes to build a digital world that is accessible to all.
✅ Age UK Digital Champions (one-on-one tech guidance). Call Digital Skills on
01903 726 276 or email HelpAtHome@ageukwsbh.org.uk
What they can help with:
  • Setting up a new mobile phone, laptop or tablet
  • Online shopping
  • Facetime, emails, phone calls and texts
  • Publishing pamphlets and magazines
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom
  • Setting up Online banking, GP appointments, NHS app
  • Booking tickets for theatres & cinemas etc.
  • Setting virtual assistants ('Alexa', 'Siri', etc.) to remind to take medications, go to appointments etc.

✅ TechBoomers aka Tech Life (free courses designed for seniors) with The Ultimate Guide to Digital Literacy

Changing Mobile Phones

PAC numbers
xx img
If you change your Mobile Phone number then your Password Recover phone number is your old phone number so you never get it. So you will want to keep the little SIM card from your old mobile phone and move it to your new phone. This way you have all your phone contacts as well. Many phones such as a Samsung have move phone software, and for the most part this also uses google, which allows you to move content, use as your contacts, to your new phone, and a new SIM - It does not move the phone number!.
If you are getting a new SIM card you have to move the Phone number, and this is where you need the Using a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) to move your mobile number to a new phone is a straightforward process; but please check:
✅ Back up your contacts and important data before switching.
✅ Ensure your phone is unlocked if you're switching to a different network.
✅ If you’re still under contract with your old provider, early exit fees may apply.
How do I transfer my mobile number?

Big TEXT little text

Font Sizes
xx img
Did you notice the Plus and the Minus at the top of the page?
The Plus button makes text bigger, the Minus sign makes fonts smaller and the Pquals button resets it back to normal (100%).
The 3 little horizontal lines (often referred to as the Hamburger symbol) is a placeholder for a collapsed menu, this is only seen on small devices like a mobile phone, on a Laptop or on a iPad held in Landscape the full menu is shown.
You can find out more about Accessibly efforts here.


© 2001-2025 Older People's Council for Brighton & Hove