Messaging on your phone: Simple tips for seniors and carers.
These tips works for Apple iPhones, Android phones, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Viber.
Messaging is one of the easiest, most powerful and most important ways to stay connected with family, friends and community.
What You Can Do with Messaging
You can use messaging apps to:
send text messages
share photos and videos
send voice messages
share your location
react with emojis
send GIFs and memes
Take your time and try one feature at a time.
SMS vs WhatsApp vs Messenger (What’s the Difference?)
SMS (Text Messages)
uses your phone number
works without internet
part of your mobile plan
Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber)
use internet (Wi-Fi or data)
usually free to send messages
include extra features like photos, calls and video
Most people use a mix of both.
Sending a Message
Open your messaging app (Messages, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Viber)
Tap New Message, New Chat, Start Chat or the + (plus) symbol
Choose a contact, person or type a phone number
Tap the message box
Type your message
Tap Send
If you already have a conversation, simply tap the person’s name and start typing.
Typing with the Keyboard
When you tap the message box, the keyboard appears.
You can:
type letters and numbers
use emojis
add punctuation
Many phones also show word suggestions above the keyboard to make typing easier.
Talking Instead of Typing (Dictation)
If typing is difficult, you can speak and your phone will turn your voice into text.
Tap the message box
Tap the microphone icon near the keyboard typing area
Speak clearly
Your words appear as text
Check and tap Send
Voice Messages (Different from Dictation)
There are two ways to use your voice:
Dictation: You speak and your phone types the message
Voice Message: You speak and your voice is recorded and sent
Voice messages are helpful when you want to send a more personal message, longer message or typing is difficult.
Sending a Voice Message
Open the conversation
Tap and hold the microphone, audio symbol near the message box or the + attach option to find where to record a message
Speak your message
Take your finger off or tap to stop the recording as his may be different depending on the app you are using.
You may be able to listen to the recording before sending or delete the recording and start again.
Changing the Keyboard Language
If you use more than one language:
Open the keyboard
Tap the globe or language icon
Switch to your preferred language
You can add languages in your phone’s Settings under Keyboard or Languages.
Sending Photos or Videos
Open a conversation
Tap the + (plus), paperclip or camera icon
Choose one of the below and then send:
Camera (take a photo)
Photos or Gallery (choose existing)
Files (if available)
You can often add a message with the photo.
Sending Your Location
This helps someone find you.
Open the conversation or chat
Tap the attachment icon
Tap Location, Pin
Choose current or live location
Tap Send
You may need to allow location access. And ensure you never send location to someone you do not know.
Reacting to Messages
You can quickly respond using an emoji.
Press and hold a message
Choose an emoji reaction
This is a simple way to say “Thanks” or “I’ve seen this.”
GIFs and Memes
You may see funny images or moving pictures in messages.
GIFs - Short moving images (like a mini video that repeats)
Memes - Pictures with text added to create humour
Finding GIFs
Look for:
• GIF button
• Stickers
• Emoji icon
• + or attachment icon
Search words like “happy”, “happy birthday”, “funny” or “thank you”.
Tap to send.
Deleting Messages
Delete a message: Press and hold → tap Delete
Delete a conversation: Press and hold the conversation → tap Delete
(or swipe if available)
Messaging Safety Tips
Be cautious with unknown messages. Watch for urgent requests.
If you receive a message from someone you do not know:
do not click links immediately
do not share personal information
ask a trusted person if unsure