Phones, tablets and other devices may hold private information. Plan their use and support without giving unnecessary access to accounts.
A familiar device may hold treasured photographs and important contacts. Plan support in a way that respects the person’s privacy.
Understand the question
Support with making a call does not automatically require access to banking, email or every personal account. Agree the minimum help the person wants and can appropriately authorise.
Make it practical
Check that the person wants a device or account used and agree who may help. Keep credentials private, consider shared-screen notifications and clarify who handles updates or repairs. Do not give a broad family group access simply because it makes a one-off call easier.
Your checklist
- Discuss who may help with the device
- Keep passwords private
- Ask about charging and storage
- Review what appears on a locked screen
What to do next
If a device is lost or an account concern arises, use the relevant provider’s process. Keep passwords, codes and device account details private; they should never be included in a viewing request.
Make a short note of the answer you need, who will help and anything to confirm before you make plans. You can bring that question to a conversation with the team.