How to Download Apps Safely on Your Phone

Downloading apps is one of the most useful things you can do with your smartphone. Apps let you video call your grandchildren, read the news, check the weather, get directions, and much more. But if you have never downloaded one before, the process can feel a little daunting.

This guide will walk you through everything step by step — how to find apps, how to install them safely, and how to avoid the ones that could cause problems. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, we have you covered.

What Is an App?

An app (short for "application") is a program that runs on your phone. Think of it like a tool designed to do one specific job. For example, there is an app for checking the weather, an app for reading the news, and an app for making video calls.

Your phone already came with some apps pre-installed, such as the camera, phone dialer, and web browser. But you can add many more by downloading them from your phone's official app store.

How to Download Apps on iPhone

Every iPhone has a built-in shop called the App Store. This is the only place you should download apps on an iPhone.

1. Find the App Store on your home screen — it is a blue icon with a white letter "A"
2. Tap the Search tab at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap the search bar at the top and type the name of the app you want (for example, "WhatsApp")
4. Look through the results and find the app you want. Check that the developer name looks correct
5. Tap the Get button next to the app. If it shows a price instead of "Get," that means the app costs money
6. You may be asked to confirm with your Apple ID password, Face ID, or fingerprint
7. Wait for the app to download — a small loading circle will appear. Once it is finished, the app icon will show up on your home screen
8. Tap the new icon to open the app and follow any setup instructions on screen

Tip: If you see a cloud icon with an arrow instead of "Get," that means you have downloaded this app before. Tap it to reinstall it for free.

How to Download Apps on Android

Android phones use a shop called the Google Play Store. This is the safest place to download apps on an Android phone.

1. Find the Google Play Store on your home screen or in your app drawer — it is a colourful triangle icon
2. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen
3. Type the name of the app you want and tap the search icon on your keyboard
4. Find the correct app in the results. Look at the developer name and the number of downloads to make sure it is the real one
5. Tap the Install button
6. Wait for the app to download and install — you will see a progress bar. Once complete, the button will change to Open
7. Tap Open to launch the app, or find it on your home screen

Tip: If the Install button says "Update" instead, that means you already have the app but there is a newer version available.

How to Spot Fake or Unsafe Apps

Unfortunately, not every app is trustworthy. Here are five warning signs to watch out for before you download anything:

1. The Developer Name Looks Wrong

Legitimate apps come from well-known companies. For example, WhatsApp is made by "WhatsApp LLC" and Google Maps is made by "Google LLC." If the developer name is something you do not recognise or looks like a random string of letters, be cautious.

2. Very Few Downloads or Reviews

Popular apps have millions of downloads. If an app claims to be from a well-known brand but only has a few hundred downloads, it is likely a fake copycat.

3. Poor Spelling and Grammar in the Description

Real companies proofread their app descriptions carefully. If the description is full of spelling mistakes, odd phrasing, or broken English, that is a red flag.

4. The App Asks for Too Many Permissions

When you install an app, it may ask for permission to access things like your camera, contacts, or location. A simple torch app should not need access to your contacts or messages. If the permissions do not make sense for what the app does, do not install it.

5. It Is Not from the Official App Store

Never download apps from websites, links in text messages, or email attachments. Always use the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). These official stores check apps for safety before making them available.

How to Delete an App

If you no longer need an app, or you downloaded one by mistake, removing it is simple.

On iPhone

1. Find the app on your home screen
2. Press and hold the app icon until a small menu appears
3. Tap Remove App
4. Tap Delete App to confirm

On Android

1. Find the app on your home screen or in your app drawer
2. Press and hold the app icon
3. Drag it to the Uninstall option at the top of the screen, or tap Uninstall from the menu that appears
4. Tap OK to confirm

Deleting an app removes it from your phone. You can always download it again later from the app store if you change your mind.

How to Update Your Apps

App updates fix bugs, add new features, and — most importantly — patch security problems. Keeping your apps up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay safe.

On iPhone

1. Open the App Store
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner
3. Scroll down to see a list of available updates
4. Tap Update All to update everything at once, or tap Update next to individual apps

On Android

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner
3. Tap Manage apps and device
4. Tap Updates available to see which apps need updating
5. Tap Update all or update apps individually

Tip: You can turn on automatic updates so your phone takes care of this for you. On iPhone, go to Settings, then App Store, and turn on App Updates. On Android, open the Play Store, tap your profile, then Settings, then Network preferences, and choose Auto-update apps.

5 Recommended Safe Apps for Seniors

If you are just getting started, here are five trustworthy apps that many people over 60 find useful:

1. WhatsApp — Free messaging and video calls with family and friends. It works on WiFi or mobile data and is used by billions of people worldwide. If you are new to it, see our beginner's guide to WhatsApp

1. Zoom — The go-to app for video meetings, whether it is a family catch-up, a book club, or a doctor's appointment. Free for calls up to 40 minutes

1. Google Maps — Helps you find directions to anywhere, whether you are walking, driving, or taking public transport. It also shows you nearby shops, restaurants, and pharmacies

1. BBC News or CNN — Stay up to date with the latest news. BBC News is excellent for readers in the United Kingdom, while CNN works well for those in the United States. Both are free and easy to use

1. Weather app — Most phones come with a weather app pre-installed, but if you want a simple one, try "Weather by The Weather Channel." It shows daily and hourly forecasts in a clear, readable layout

All of these apps are free to download and use. They are available on both iPhone and Android.

Choosing the Right Phone

If you are thinking about getting a new phone that is easy to use, have a look at our guide to the best smartphones for seniors in 2026. We cover phones with large screens, simple interfaces, and good value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to download free apps?

Yes, most free apps on the App Store and Google Play Store are perfectly safe. These stores review apps before listing them. Just stick to apps with high ratings, many downloads, and well-known developer names. Avoid downloading anything from outside the official store.

Do apps use up my phone's storage?

Yes, every app takes up some space on your phone. Most common apps use between 50 and 200 megabytes, which is a small amount. If your phone is running low on storage, you can delete apps you no longer use to free up space.

Can I download the same app on my tablet?

In most cases, yes. If you have an iPad, you can download apps from the same App Store using your Apple ID. If you have an Android tablet, you can use the Google Play Store with your Google account. Some apps may look slightly different on a larger screen.

What should I do if I accidentally download a suspicious app?

Delete it straight away using the steps above. If the app asked for personal information (such as your bank details or passwords) before you removed it, change those passwords immediately and let your bank know. You can also report the app in the App Store or Google Play Store to help protect others.