Frequently Asked Questions

Caregiver Guide & Troubleshooting

🚀 Quick Start: 3 Steps to a Perfect Setup

SeniorLauncher features a smart, automated setup process. Follow these simple steps to secure the device and activate all safety features.

1
Initial Setup & PIN Open the app, read the short introduction, and create your secure 4-digit PIN code. You will use this PIN whenever you need to change settings or edit the home screen.
2
Follow the Smart Guide The app will automatically list all necessary permissions (such as Default Home Screen, Home guard, Notification access, Battery optimization, and Phone/Location access). Simply tap each blue "IMPORTANT" button one by one and follow the on-screen prompts until the list is clear.
3
Customize and Test Once you see the "Setup Complete!" message, you are ready to go! You can now explore the home screen, add family photos to contact tiles, configure the SOS email, and test the buttons.

Watch the video guide for a complete, visual walkthrough of the entire setup process.

Press play to see exactly how to grant permissions and secure the device.

How do I access the settings (Admin Mode)?

To protect the senior user from accidentally deleting or moving apps, all settings are locked behind an Admin Mode. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner of the home screen and enter your 4-digit PIN. From here, you can add new contacts, rearrange the layout, or change colors.

How do I hide distracting notifications on the lock screen?

To prevent confusing pop-ups and alerts before the phone is even unlocked, we highly recommend disabling lock screen notifications. Open the phone's standard Android Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen and select Don't show any notifications. This ensures a clean, stress-free experience every time the user wakes the phone.

How does the SOS button work?

The SOS tile is a one-touch emergency feature designed for immediate help. When the user taps the large maroon SOS button and confirms, the app instantly dials the pre-set emergency contact.

Does the SOS button share the user's location?

Yes, it does. When setting up the SOS tile in Admin Mode, you are required to enter an emergency email address. When the SOS button is triggered, the app silently fetches the phone's current GPS location and sends an email with a direct Google Maps link to that address, ensuring you always know exactly where the user is while on the phone with them.

Can I move the floating Home button?

Yes! If the Home button is ever covering something important on the screen, simply touch and drag it up or down. It responds instantly and can be placed anywhere along the edge of the screen.

💡 Caregiver Tip:

When handing the phone to the senior user for the first time, we highly recommend enabling the "Home button tutorial" toggle in the Admin Menu. This displays a clear, one-time instruction directly above the button, teaching them how to move it if it ever gets in the way.

Can I add photos to contact buttons?

Yes. When adding or editing a Contact tile, you can select a photo from the phone's gallery. The app automatically compresses and securely stores this image directly within the app's internal layout data. This means that if you ever use the backup/restore feature, the contact photos will be restored perfectly without relying on the phone's gallery files. (Note: The SOS tile uses a fixed, high-visibility design and does not support custom photos).

How do I change the color of a button?

In Admin Mode, simply tap an existing tile to open the Edit menu. By default, SeniorLauncher applies a calm, high-contrast Navy Blue to reduce visual clutter and cognitive strain. You can customize tiles using the built-in color palette. Note: Danger Red is strictly reserved for the SOS tile to ensure emergency alerts always stand out.

Why isn't the Clock app checked in the "All Apps" list?

Senior Launcher features a large, custom-built Clock and Weather widget directly on the main home screen. This widget is already linked to the phone's alarm and timer functions. Because it is built-in, there is no need to add a second "Clock" shortcut from the app list.

How much does Senior Launcher cost?

We believe in simple, transparent pricing without recurring subscription fees. You can try the app completely free with our 14-day trial. After that, a one-time €19.90 payment unlocks the Full Version forever.

What happens when the 14-day trial ends?

If the trial expires before you upgrade, the app will safely switch to a "Restricted Mode." This ensures the phone remains fully usable by automatically reverting to the original, standard layout (with essential apps like Phone, SMS, Camera, and a Flashlight).

Don't worry—your custom setup is not deleted! The app securely saves a hidden backup of your personalized layout, contacts, and photos.

How do I upgrade to the Full Version and restore my layout?

Upgrading is simple. Once the trial expires, you will see an "Information" tile on the home screen. Tap it, and follow the instructions to purchase the Full Version (€19.90 one-time). Alternatively, you can upgrade via the Admin Menu at any time.

The moment the Full Version is activated, your saved custom layout and preferences will be instantly restored exactly as you configured them.

What happens if my parent gets a new phone?

You don't have to set up everything from scratch. Just use the built-in Backup & Restore feature in the Admin Menu to export the current layout. Install SeniorLauncher on the new phone, import the file, and the entire home screen—complete with contact photos and preferences—will instantly appear exactly as it was.

Is the user's data private and secure?

Absolutely. We do not track the user or sell data. All layout configurations, PIN codes, and contact details are stored locally on the device itself. The GPS location is never tracked in the background; it is only fetched for a few seconds if the user explicitly triggers the SOS emergency button.

I have a technical issue or need help. Who do I contact?

SeniorLauncher is an independent project developed and run entirely by one person. If you get stuck, have questions, or want to share feedback, please send me an email directly at Email Support. I will personally reply as quickly as I can!