How to setup LINE for the elderly

If you are setting up line for a very old adult, it is recommended to use a larger tablet, iPad Pro or computer. Mobile phones are generally too small, making them harder to see, difficult to hear, and cumbersome to handle for those with failing eyesight, hearing loss or shaky hands.

Unfortunately, like WhatsApp, an active mobile phone service is required to set up LINE, so if your parent doesn’t have an active mobile phone service, they may struggle to set up LINE. With other platforms such as Skype, this is not a problem because multiple accounts can be registered to different email addresses, and a single mobile phone number can be used to verify several accounts. LINE accounts can be accessed on only one mobile device running the LINE mobile app, plus one computer running the LINE computer app. Additional mobile devices can install the app but require different mobile numbers or e-mail addresses. We are unsure whether a single mobile number can be used to verify multiple LINE accounts that are registered to different email addresses.

When you install LINE on a tablet or computer, a verification code will be sent to the mobile device. After entering the code on the tablet or computer, it will be connected to LINE, and you will be able to use it for LINE communications include voice and video calls. You can also register an email address.

1. Install LINE onto your parent’s device using either the App Store or Google Play Store, or by visiting LINE on the web – line.me
2. Open the LINE app and agree to all terms and conditions.
3. Enter their or your mobile phone number into the provided field then enter the verification code sent to the phone.
4. Set a name (nickname) and optionally add a photo to the LINE account.
5. Register an email address as an alternative login / identifier. This is useful if using multiple devices and to cover yourself in the event that your phone number changes.
6. Find and add a person you wish to contact. Click and select to contact them via text, voice call or video call.

Making the LINE experience easier for a senior using a tablet

• Remove all other icons from the screen and simply place the LINE icon by itself
• Turn off automatic updates to prevent pop-up reminders or unfamiliar notifications
• Leave their device permanently attached to a charger via a long cable
• Purchase a protective case to prevent the screen from breaking when the device is dropped
• Ensure that the Wi-Fi signal is strong in every part of the home where they might take the device
• Set the volume to a level comfortable for talking and listening, but loud enough for them to hear the device ringing.

Alternatives to LINE

LINE accounts can only be used on one mobile phone (running the app) and one personal computer. Other mobile devices can install the app but require different mobile numbers or e-mail addresses for the LINE account. This may make it difficult to help manage your parent’s LINE account remotely.

There is a LINE Lite app that was originally developed for countries with slow or expensive Internet access and where lower-specification devices are used commonly. LINE Lite is unavailable in Japan and several other countries in Asia. If LINE Lite for Android is installed and activated, the user is told that they will be “logged out of the normal LINE”. This message does not make clear that it might be more difficult to log back in to the normal LINE. If you are planning to give your parent an older device, please be aware of this limitation.

For comparison, Skype also has a Skype Lite app that was developed for the same reasons. It does not have the limitation of the LINE Lite app.

LINE has an OpenChat feature that lets you find and talk to people with similar interests. For older adults, those with a cognitive impairment and others who are vulnerable, OpenChat might pose a safety risk.

Notwithstanding the above issues and other common problems with LINE, the LINE user interface is quite tricky for a very old adult. If your parent finds new devices and apps to be difficult to use, they may struggle using LINE.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to LINE that are easier to navigate, and easier to manage remotely by a son or a daughter. Alternative apps include Skype, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger and Viber, all of which include video calling.

Konnekt has reviewed, evaluated and analysed over 20 video-calling platforms. The best alternative to LINE, from our experience, is Skype.

Skype calling for seniors

Skype is a video chat and messaging app which allows people to connect with each other from anywhere, using only an Internet connection. Unlike LINE, you may not need to verify your account using a unique mobile phone number, and therefore you do not need to first install Skype on a mobile phone with an active service.

Skype provides:

• Calls to regular phones including landline phones, using “Skype Out”, and calls from any telephone using “Skype In”
• Options to create group calls that include some members on Skype and some members using their regular landline phone number
• Great reliability, worldwide support and continued refinement, thanks to the investment of its current owner.

The Skype user interface is reasonably easy to use for most adults and is very reliable. However, the Skype app (like most video-calling apps) has many features that older adults don’t need and may confuse them. Thankfully, there is a better way.

Konnekt Videophone – World’s Easiest Video Calling for Seniors