Having trouble with your Android phone or tablet? No worries! Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to fix common Android problems for seniors.
Problem: The screen is black, and the device won’t respond.
Solution:
Charge the device for at least 15–30 minutes.
Press & hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds.
Try a force restart:
- If your phone has a power + volume button, press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds.
Try a different charger or outlet.
Problem: The internet isn’t working, or Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting.
Solution:
Turn Wi-Fi off & on (Swipe down Tap Wi-Fi icon).
Restart the device (Press & Hold Power Tap Restart).
Restart the Wi-Fi router (Unplug for 30 sec, then plug back in).
Forget the network & reconnect:
- Settings Wi-Fi Tap your network Forget Reconnect with password.
Check Airplane Mode – Make sure it’s off (Swipe down Check if Airplane Mode is ON).
Problem: The battery runs out quickly.
Solution:
Lower screen brightness (Settings Display Brightness).
Close unused apps (Tap Recent Apps Close All).
Turn on Battery Saver (Settings Battery Enable Battery Saver).
Disable location services when not needed (Settings Location Turn Off).
Check for battery-draining apps (Settings Battery See Battery Usage).
Problem: The screen won’t respond to touch.
Solution:
Force restart the device (See Step 1).
Clean the screen (moisture or dirt may cause issues).
Remove any case or screen protector (they may interfere with touch).
Free up memory (Settings Storage Free up space).
Problem: Apps take too long to open, and the device lags.
Solution:
Restart the device.
Close unused apps (Swipe up or Tap Recent Apps Close All).
Free up storage (Settings Storage Free Up Space).
Clear app cache (Settings Apps Select App Storage Clear Cache).
Update Android software (Settings System Software Update).
Problem: Apps won’t install or update.
Solution:
Check Wi-Fi connection (Swipe down Ensure Wi-Fi is connected).
Restart the device.
Sign out & sign back into your Google Account:
- Settings Accounts Google Remove Account Sign in again.
Clear Play Store cache (Settings Apps Google Play Store Storage Clear Cache).
Problem: Can’t log in to Google services.
Solution:
Go to Google Account Recovery to reset your password.
Follow the steps to recover access via email or phone verification.
Write down the new password in a safe place.
Problem: Can’t make a call or send a text.
Solution:
Check if Airplane Mode is ON (Swipe down Check Airplane Mode).
Restart the phone.
Ensure the SIM card is inserted properly (Turn off phone Remove & reinsert SIM card).
Check signal strength (Settings Network & Internet Mobile Network).
Problem: The camera won’t open or takes blurry pictures.
Solution:
Close and reopen the Camera app.
Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth.
Restart the phone.
Check for software updates (Settings Software Update).
Reset Camera settings (Camera App Settings Reset Settings).
Problem: Can’t type because the keyboard won’t show up.
Solution:
Tap inside a text field (e.g., Messages, Notes).
Restart the phone.
Check if a Bluetooth keyboard is connected (Settings Bluetooth Turn Off).
Change the keyboard (Settings System Languages & Input Default Keyboard).
Problem: Web pages won’t load or Chrome crashes.
Solution:
Check Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Restart the phone.
Clear browser cache (Chrome Settings Privacy Clear Browsing Data).
Update Chrome (Play Store My Apps Update).
Problem: A saved file/photo is missing.
Solution:
Check the Gallery or Google Photos app.
Search for the file (Files App Tap Search Type File Name).
Check Downloads folder (Files Downloads).
Check Google Drive or OneDrive for cloud backups.
Problem: An app suddenly stops working.
Solution:
Restart the phone.
Clear app cache (Settings Apps Select App Storage Clear Cache).
Uninstall & reinstall the app (Press & Hold App Uninstall Reinstall from Play Store).
Update the app (Play Store My Apps Update).
Problem: Too many alerts from apps.
Solution:
Turn off unwanted notifications (Settings Notifications Choose App Turn Off).
Use "Do Not Disturb" mode (Swipe down Tap Do Not Disturb).
Block pop-ups in Chrome (Chrome Settings Site Settings Pop-ups Block).
Problem: You receive a suspicious message or phone call.
Solution:
Do NOT reply or click on any links.
Block the number (Phone App Call Log Tap & Hold Number Block).
Report the message as spam (Messages App Tap & Hold Message Report Spam).
Restart your phone – Fixes most minor issues!
Update Android & apps – Keeps your device running smoothly.
Check Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – If an app isn’t working, internet issues may be the cause.
Back up data regularly – Use Google Drive or an external drive.
Ask for help – If you’re stuck, ask a family member or visit a phone store.