5 simple arthritis hacks for easier smartphone use

Do you ever feel frustrated when your fingers hurt while using your phone? Arthritis can make tapping, swiping, and holding your smartphone tough.

You don’t have to struggle every day. Small changes and helpful tools can make things much easier. Try these arthritis hacks for less pain and more independence. Your phone should work for you, not against you!

Key Takeaways

• A stylus can help your fingers feel less tired. Pick one that has a thick grip so it feels better in your hand.
• Voice controls let you use your phone without touching it. Turn on Siri or Google Assistant to make things easier.
• Change your screen settings to see things better. Make the text and icons bigger so they are easier to use.
• Use grips and stands to hold your phone better. These tools make your hands less tired and help you feel more comfortable.
• Switch hands and rest often so you do not hurt. Take breaks and move your hands to keep your joints safe.

1. Use a Stylus

Benefits

You might find tapping and swiping on your phone screen painful. A stylus can make things much easier. You hold a stylus like a pen, so you don’t have to press your fingers directly on the screen.

This simple tool can help you avoid finger joint strain. Many people with arthritis say a stylus feels more comfortable than using their thumbs or fingertips.

Choose a stylus with a wider grip if you have limited hand movement. You won’t need to squeeze tightly, which helps your joints relax.

Here are some stylus options that occupational therapists recommend for arthritis:

• Limitless Stylus: Lightweight and has Velcro straps for stability.
• Caduceus Stylus with SALT Tip: Flexible and sturdy, fits different hand shapes.
• Dano App Crayon: Triangular grip for extra comfort.
• Cosmonaut: Large body and soft exterior for longer use.
• Pencil Grip Ergo Stylus: Ergonomic grip that reduces stress and fatigue.

Using a stylus lets you spread the effort across your fingers. You don’t have to rely only on your thumbs, which often get sore. You’ll notice better accuracy when you tap small icons or type messages. Many people say this is one of the best arthritis hacks for daily phone use.

Getting Started

You don’t need special skills to use a stylus. Most digital styluses work right away with your smartphone or tablet. Just pick one that feels good in your hand.

Try holding it and tapping on your screen. You’ll see how much easier it is to control your phone without hurting your fingers.

If you’re new to styluses, start with a larger, softer model. You can test different shapes and grips until you find one that suits you.

Many people with arthritis adapt quickly and feel more confident using their devices. You might even enjoy texting or browsing again!

2. Enable Voice Controls

Voice controls can make your smartphone much easier to use if you have arthritis. You don’t need to tap or swipe as much.

You just speak, and your phone listens. Many people say this is one of the most helpful arthritis hacks.

Setup

Getting started with voice assistants is simple. Most smartphones come with built-in options like Siri (iPhone) or Google Assistant (Android). Here’s how you can set them up:

1. iPhone (Siri):
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Tap “Siri & Search.”
   • Turn on “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’.”
   • Follow the prompts to train Siri to recognize your voice.
2. Android (Google Assistant):
   • Open the Google app.
   • Tap your profile picture, then “Settings.”
   • Select “Google Assistant.”
   • Tap “Hey Google & Voice Match.”
   • Turn on “Hey Google.”

You can also use voice assistants with smart home devices. Many people with limited hand mobility use voice commands to control lights, TVs, and even beds.

Voice activation helps you avoid hand strain. You don’t need to press buttons or hold your phone for long periods. Surveys show that people with arthritis and other mobility challenges prefer voice control for daily tasks.

Common Commands

Once you set up voice controls, you can do a lot without touching your phone. Try these popular commands:

• “Text [name]” or “Send a message to [name].”
• “Call [name].”
• “Open YouTube.”
• “Navigate to [place].”
• “Turn on the lights.”
• “Volume up” or “Change channel.”

You can even ask your phone to adjust smart home devices. Many people use voice commands to change TV channels, control lamps, or move their adjustable beds. This makes life easier and helps protect your joints.

Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant let you stay independent. You get things done faster and with less pain. If you want to try new arthritis hacks, voice controls are a great place to start.

3. Adjust Settings

Display

You can make your smartphone easier to see and use by changing a few display settings. Many people with arthritis say that small buttons and tiny text make using their phones harder.

You don’t have to struggle with squinting or tapping the wrong spot. Try these simple changes:

• Increase text size: Go to your phone’s settings and look for “Display” or “Accessibility.” Make the text bigger so you can read messages and menus without straining your eyes.
• Enlarge icons: Bigger icons are easier to tap. You can adjust icon size in your settings. This helps if your fingers feel stiff or sore.
• Boost contrast: High contrast makes words and buttons stand out. Many users prefer bold text and clear backgrounds. This makes everything easier to see, especially if your vision isn’t perfect.
• Enable assistive features: Look for options like “Color buttons” or “Magnification.” These tools help you spot what you need faster.

Many older adults and people with arthritis say that larger fonts and bold colors make their phones much easier to use. You might find that these arthritis hacks help you interact with your device more comfortably.

Touch Sensitivity

Sometimes your phone doesn’t respond well to gentle taps. You can fix this by adjusting touch sensitivity. This setting lets your phone pick up lighter touches, so you don’t have to press hard.

• Change touch sensitivity: Open your settings and search for “Touch sensitivity” or “Interaction.” Turn it up if your fingers feel weak or painful.
• Try screen protectors: Some protectors can make your screen less sensitive. If you notice this, switch to a thinner protector or remove it.
• Test different settings: Play around with sensitivity levels until you find what works best for you.

If you use a stylus or voice controls, higher touch sensitivity can make your phone respond faster. You’ll spend less time tapping and more time enjoying your favorite apps.

Adjusting your display and touch settings is one of the easiest arthritis hacks. You can make your phone fit your needs and protect your joints every day.

4. Use Grips and Stands

Grips

Holding your phone can feel tough when your hands hurt. You might worry about dropping it or feel tired after just a few minutes.

Grips like PopSockets and phone straps can help you hold your phone with less effort. These tools attach to the back of your device and give your fingers something bigger to grab.

• Phone straps give you a secure grip. You slide your hand through the strap, and your phone stays put. This helps if you have limited dexterity or worry about dropping your phone.
• PopSockets pop out and let you hold your phone with one hand. They make it easier to text, scroll, or take photos. Many people find PopSockets comfortable and flexible for daily use.
• Some people prefer straps because they feel safer, while others like the easy grip of PopSockets. You can try both and see which one feels better for your hands.

Studies show that using ergonomic tools like grips can reduce strain on your fingers and thumbs. This means less joint pain and fatigue, especially if you use your phone a lot. People with arthritis often say these simple tools make a big difference in comfort.

Look for grips with soft, wide surfaces. These are easier to hold and help protect your joints.

Stands

Sometimes you want to use your phone without holding it at all. Adjustable stands let you set your phone on a table or desk. You can watch videos, join video calls, or read messages hands-free.

• Stands keep your phone at eye level. This helps you sit up straight and avoid neck or shoulder pain.
• You can use your phone for longer without feeling tired. Stands support your device, so your hands and wrists get a break.
• Many stands fold up and fit in your bag. You can take them anywhere.

Research shows that stands improve posture and reduce strain. This is important for people with arthritis who want to avoid extra pain. Adding grips and stands to your daily routine is one of the easiest arthritis hacks for better joint health.

5. Alternate Hands and Take Breaks

Alternating Hands

Switching hands while using your smartphone can make a big difference if you have arthritis. You might notice that your dominant hand gets tired or sore after holding your phone for a long time.

Try alternating hands or resting your phone on a table. This simple change helps you avoid putting too much stress on one side.

• Alternate hands often to reduce stress on your dominant hand.
• Rest your phone on a table or desk when possible.
• Use both hands to hold your device for extra support.
• Switch fingers when tapping or swiping to spread out the effort.

Alternating fingers and hands helps distribute strain more evenly. You lower your risk of repetitive strain injuries, which is important for joint health. You might feel less pain and more comfort during daily phone use.

Taking Breaks

You don’t have to give up your phone, but taking regular breaks is smart. If you start to feel aches or stiffness in your wrists, hands, or fingers, it’s time for a tech break.

While we’re not saying to give up all digital devices completely, we do suggest taking periodic tech breaks–especially if you start to notice aches and pains in your wrists, hands and fingers.

During breaks, try moving your joints and changing your posture. Here are some easy ways to stretch and stay comfortable:

• Change positions often to prevent neck pain.
• Follow short stretch routines designed for arthritis.
• Bring your phone to eye level instead of looking down.
• Take breaks from texting to rest your fingers.
• Remember, the best posture is a moving posture. Keep shifting and stretching.

Taking breaks and alternating hands are simple arthritis hacks. You protect your joints and help prevent pain. These habits make smartphone use easier and safer every day.

You can use these arthritis hacks to make your phone easier. Many people feel better when they use voice assistants. Smart home devices also help with daily tasks. Ergonomic accessories can make holding your phone less painful. Some people pick lighter phones or use stands to stop hand cramps. These small changes help you feel more independent. You might enjoy using your phone again. Try a few ideas and see what works for you.

FAQ

Can I use these hacks on any smartphone?

Yes! You can try these hacks on both iPhones and Android phones. Most settings and tools work on all major brands. If you get stuck, check your phone’s help section or ask a friend for help.

What if my hands hurt even with these tips?

If your hands still hurt, take more breaks and try different tools. You might need to talk to your doctor or an occupational therapist. They can suggest more ways to help you use your phone comfortably.

Are there special apps for people with arthritis?

Yes, some apps help make phone use easier. Look for apps with big buttons, voice commands, or simple layouts. Many phones also have built-in accessibility features you can turn on in settings.

Will using a stylus or grip damage my phone?

No, styluses and grips are safe for your phone. Just pick products made for your device. Always follow the instructions when attaching or using accessories.

How often should I take breaks from my phone?

Try to take a short break every 20–30 minutes. Stretch your fingers and move your hands. Regular breaks help prevent pain and keep your joints healthy.