Tablets and iPads for Seniors in Australia
Tablets and iPads are among the easiest devices for staying in touch, reading and seeing the family on a video call. The large screen is kinder on the eyes than a phone, and there is no keyboard or mouse to manage. These guides help you choose between a tablet and an iPad, set one up for an older parent, and make the screen easy to see and use.
Where to start
If you are choosing, start with the tablet buying guide or the tablet versus iPad comparison. If you already have one, the setup guides will help you get more from it.
Not sure which device suits best? Try our quick quiz, Which device might suit best?
What makes a tablet easy to use
- A screen size that is comfortable to hold and read. Larger is easier to see, smaller is easier to carry.
- Enough storage for photos and apps, without paying for space that will never be used.
- A simple way to video call, ideally one the rest of the family already uses.
- The option to make text larger and the screen less cluttered.
- A case or stand, so it is easy to prop up and harder to drop.
Choosing a tablet or iPad
Best Tablets for Seniors in Australia
The overview of easy, good-value options.
Read the guide about Best Tablets for Seniors in Australia →
Tablet vs iPad for Seniors
Which is easier, and who each one suits.
Some links in our buying guides are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would suggest to our own family.
Best iPads for Seniors
Which iPad suits, without overpaying.
Best Budget Tablets for Seniors
Good value for everyday use.
Which iPad Should You Buy for an Older Parent?
A simple walk through the choice.
Read the guide about Which iPad Should You Buy for an Older Parent? →
iPad, iPad Air or iPad Mini: Which to Choose
Which size and model to pick.
Read the guide about iPad, iPad Air or iPad Mini: Which to Choose →
iPad vs Samsung Tablet for Seniors
Which is easier for an older person.
New vs Refurbished iPads: What to Know
Save money without the risk.
Read the guide about New vs Refurbished iPads: What to Know →
Best Tablets for Video Calling Family
Big screens for seeing the grandchildren.
Read the guide about Best Tablets for Video Calling Family →
Best Tablets for Reading and Large Text
Easy on the eyes for reading.
Read the guide about Best Tablets for Reading and Large Text →
Best Tablet Accessories for Seniors
Cases, stands and styluses that help.
Which tablet suits best
| What you need | Better fit |
|---|---|
| You want the simplest, best-supported option | An iPad, easy to use and well supported for years |
| You want to spend less | A good Android tablet, easier on the budget |
| You mainly want to read and see clearly | A larger screen, around 10 inches |
| You want to carry it around easily | A smaller, lighter tablet |
| You mainly want video calls with family | Any tablet with a good front camera, set up with the app the family uses |
Setting up and using a tablet
How to Make an iPad Easier to Use for Seniors
Larger text, a simpler screen and louder sound.
Read the guide about How to Make an iPad Easier to Use for Seniors →
How to Video Call on an iPad
See the family with a couple of taps.
How to Back Up an iPhone or iPad
Keep photos and contacts safe.
The Best Apps for Seniors
The apps worth having first.
Best Free Apps for Older Adults
Useful apps that cost nothing.
Best Brain and Puzzle Apps for Seniors
Keep the mind busy and entertained.
Read the guide about Best Brain and Puzzle Apps for Seniors →
How to Set Up a New Android Tablet
From switching on to your Google Account.
How to Set Up an Apple Account (Apple ID)
The login an iPad needs to work.
Read the guide about How to Set Up an Apple Account (Apple ID) →
How to Download Apps Safely on an iPad
Use the App Store with confidence.
Read the guide about How to Download Apps Safely on an iPad →
How to Watch ABC iview and Netflix on an iPad
Turn an iPad into a little TV.
Read the guide about How to Watch ABC iview and Netflix on an iPad →
How to Borrow Library eBooks on an iPad
Free books from your local library.
Read the guide about How to Borrow Library eBooks on an iPad →
How to Order Groceries Online on a Tablet
Do the shop from your armchair.
Read the guide about How to Order Groceries Online on a Tablet →
How to Do a Video Doctor Appointment on a Tablet
See the doctor by video call.
Read the guide about How to Do a Video Doctor Appointment on a Tablet →
How to Print from an iPad
Print without any cables.
Why Is My iPad So Slow? How to Speed It Up
Simple fixes before you worry.
Read the guide about Why Is My iPad So Slow? How to Speed It Up →
What to Do If a Tablet Will Not Charge
Quick checks that usually help.
Read the guide about What to Do If a Tablet Will Not Charge →
What to Do If You Forget Your iPad Passcode
A calm way back in, step by step.
Read the guide about What to Do If You Forget Your iPad Passcode →
Helping a parent or family member
How to Set Up a New iPad for a Parent
A setup plan so it feels simple from the first day.
Read the guide about How to Set Up a New iPad for a Parent →
FAQ: Tablets and iPads
Is an iPad better than a cheaper tablet for an older person?
Not always. An iPad is easy to use and well supported, but a good Android tablet can be easier on the budget and perfectly capable. Our comparison guide walks through who each suits.
What size tablet is best?
A larger screen, around 10 inches, is usually easier to read and tap. A smaller one is lighter to hold for long reading. It comes down to eyesight and how it will be used.
Can a tablet replace a computer?
For email, video calls, news, photos and reading, a tablet is often all someone needs. For lots of typing or printing, a laptop may suit better. See our Computers guides.
How do I make the screen easier to see?
Every tablet lets you enlarge the text and brighten the screen in a minute or two. The iPad setup guide above shows you how.
Where can I buy a tablet in Australia?
Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman stock the main tablets and iPads in store and online.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
Where to go next
Prefer a keyboard for typing and printing? See Computers. Worried about scam messages on a new tablet? See Staying Safe Online. For a printable setup and safety pack, see The SeniorTech Toolkit.