Keeping in touch using a video call
Age UK's handy advice on how to video call with family, friends and other loved ones.
Apps, or applications, are a type of program that you download to your smartphone, tablet or computer. There are thousands of free apps available for lots of different things – including keeping in contact with friends and family, reading the news, playing games and puzzles, and banking or shopping online.
'Android' is the name of the software that many different devices use to function. This means that phones and tablets from lots of different brands fall into the bracket of Android devices brands, including Alcatel, Google, HTC, LG, Moto, Samsung and Sony.
If you have an Android device, you can download apps from the Play Store. This is an official, pre-installed program on Android devices. To download an app, follow these steps:
If you're on a trusted organisation's webpage, and they have a link to download their app, you can click on this and it will take you directly to the Play Store.
Make sure you're connected to a wireless internet network (Wi-Fi) before downloading any apps, otherwise you might use a lot of data which could result in additional charges from your mobile phone network.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, then you can download apps from the App Store. This is an official, pre-installed program on Apple devices. To download an app, follow these steps:
If you're on a trusted organisation's webpage, and they have a link to download their app, you can click on this and it will take you directly to the App Store.
Make sure you're connected to a wireless internet network (Wi-Fi) before downloading any apps, otherwise you might use a lot of data which could result in additional charges from your mobile phone network.
If your device is an iPhone or iPad, then it's an Apple device and will have the Apple logo on the back. All other phones and tablet brands are likely to be Android devices. If you aren't sure, then there are a few ways to find out:
Once you've downloaded an app, you’ll need to make sure that it stays updated –having the most up-to-date version of an app makes sure that it runs smoothly and means that you'll be able to access the latest features, including the latest security features.
You can set up your phone so that apps are automatically updated as and when the updates are available. To do this, follow these steps:
You can also update your apps manually in the Play Store menu, by tapping 'my apps and games'. Apps will be labelled with 'update' if there's one available, and you just need to tap on this to update them.
Apps downloaded from the App Store are updated automatically by default. But you can also update apps manually if you want to, by following these steps:
If you want to make sure that your apps only update when you're connected to Wi-Fi, go to 'settings' > scroll to 'iTunes & App Store' > scroll to 'use mobile data' and switch off this option.
Many of our local Age UKs provide computer and IT training, to make getting online straightforward and enjoyable.
Most apps on the Play Store or App Store will be safe to download because the stores aim to remove any unsafe apps. But unfortunately some do slip through the net, and these can carry computer viruses or try to access your personal or financial information.
There are also fake apps designed to look exactly like popular apps such as WhatsApp. This tricks people into downloading them, and then the app bombards their device with adverts or computer viruses.
We've brought together some tips so that you can know what to look for to keep your device and information as safe as possible:
Although you can make the most of many apps for free, you may have to pay for some apps. If you want to avoid additional costs, keep these things in mind:
Click here to find out how you can avoid additional costs on Android devices
Click here to find out how you can avoid additional costs on Apple devices
Apps take up storage space, and some phones and tablets have limited amounts of storage space. Storage is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). If you run out of storage space on your phone, you won't be able to download any new apps or update existing apps.
We've brought together some tips for freeing up storage space on your device:
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
Age UK's handy advice on how to video call with family, friends and other loved ones.
Our A-Z of online terms explains what they all mean.
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